CQ Monthly Market Review January 2026

Central Queensland enters 2026 with steady labour market conditions and renewed momentum across key industries. Employment growth has continued through the end of 2025, while major public and private investments are supporting confidence in construction, energy, advanced manufacturing, and skills development. As businesses return from the holiday period and recruitment activity lifts, workforce productivity and training pathways remain central to sustaining economic growth across the region.

Labour Market Snapshot

Employment in Central Queensland remained steady, with the number of employed persons reaching 130,200, an increase of 1,800 people (1.4%) over the year. The unemployment rate sat at 4.4%, slightly above the Queensland average of 4.1%, and ranked as the eighth highest among Queensland’s 19 regions of similar size. The participation rate held firm at 69.9%, unchanged over the year. Overall, the figures point to stable labour market conditions, with ongoing demand for workers despite continued pressure from skills shortages in key industries.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour force, Australia

National Reconstruction Fund Invests $75 Million in Alpha HPA

The National Reconstruction Fund has committed $75 million to Alpha HPA’s high-purity alumina processing facility in Gladstone, reinforcing Central Queensland’s role in Australia’s advanced manufacturing and critical minerals supply chain. The investment supports the production of materials used in semiconductors, batteries, and clean energy technologies, and is expected to generate new skilled jobs while strengthening long-term industrial capability in the region.

Construction Sector Productivity Reforms

The Queensland Government has released its response to a major construction productivity review, outlining reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing delays, and lifting workforce participation across the sector. For Central Queensland, where construction underpins major infrastructure, housing, and industrial projects, these reforms are expected to improve project delivery timelines and create more stable employment opportunities across trades, engineering, and project management roles.

New Gas Exploration Permits Granted

New gas exploration permits granted by the Queensland Government are set to support future energy supply and investment confidence across regional Queensland. For Central Queensland, the decision has potential flow-on benefits for employment in exploration, environmental services, transport, and engineering, while supporting energy security for industrial users across the region.

$6 Million Queensland Government Boost for Council Jobs

A $6 million Queensland Government funding boost will create more than 300 new local government jobs across the state and help retain 100 apprentices, providing employment opportunities in infrastructure maintenance, community services, and environmental management. Regional councils, including those servicing Central Queensland communities, are expected to benefit from the program, supporting local job creation and workforce participation during 2026.

Changes to Apprenticeship Incentives from 1 January 2026

From 1 January 2026, changes to the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System came into effect, reshaping how financial support is delivered to employers and apprentices. The updated incentives place greater emphasis on priority occupations and completion outcomes, which is particularly relevant for Central Queensland industries experiencing persistent skills shortages, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, and automotive trades.

Gladstone Regional Council Welcomes 15 Apprentices and Trainees

Gladstone Regional Council has welcomed 15 new apprentices and trainees as part of its 2026 intake, providing pathways into skilled employment across local government services. The program supports workforce renewal while offering young people and career changers practical experience and long-term employment prospects within the region.

TAFE Careers Expo Drives Skills Engagement in CQ

The CQU TAFE Careers Expo held in Central Queensland brought together students, jobseekers, training providers, and employers to explore education and career pathways. Events like this play a key role in addressing skills shortages by connecting local talent with training and employment opportunities, particularly as post-holiday recruitment activity increases across the region.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, Central Queensland’s labour market is positioned for continued stability, underpinned by government investment, major industrial projects, and a strong focus on skills and workforce development. While unemployment remains slightly above the state average, ongoing initiatives in apprenticeships, local government employment, and industry-led training are helping to strengthen workforce participation. For employers, the months ahead will require proactive workforce planning to respond to skills shortages, policy changes, and growing competition for talent as regional economic activity accelerates in 2026.

Job Skills Network are your regional recruitment partners. We help you build the right team in regional locations through a personalised Recruitment Partnership with our experienced specialists, or an advertising campaign on our online job board.

For more information about local job opportunities and recruitment support in Central Queensland, visit our regional job board, JobsinCentralQueensland.au.