CQ Monthly Market Review July 2026

July brought a mix of steady employment, major infrastructure investment and emerging development opportunities across Central Queensland. The region continues to attract investment across resources, construction, housing and renewable energy, supporting activity for local businesses and workers. Meanwhile, preparations for Brisbane 2032 and ongoing development proposals are keeping regional growth and long-term planning firmly in focus.

Labour Market Snapshot

The Central Queensland labour market remained relatively stable in June 2026, with 129,800 employed persons recorded across the region. This represents an increase of 900 employed persons, or 0.7%, over the year. The unemployment rate was 4.6%, above the Queensland average of 4.2%, making it the eighth-highest across Queensland’s 19 regions of this size. The participation rate was 69.4%, down 0.3% over the year. Nationally, job advertisements also continued to rise, indicating ongoing demand for workers despite changing economic conditions.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force, Australia, released 23 July 2026, 11:30 am (AEST)

Mount Chalmers Mine Revival to Create Hundreds of Jobs

The historic Mount Chalmers mine near Rockhampton is set to be revived after more than four decades, creating hundreds of jobs and supporting renewed activity in Central Queensland’s resources sector. The project is expected to contribute to the region’s critical minerals industry, with copper, gold, and other resources to be extracted from the site. The restart represents an opportunity for local workers, contractors, and suppliers while demonstrating the continued role of resources in the region’s economy.

Rockhampton Regional Council Delivers Infrastructure-Focused Budget

Rockhampton Regional Council’s 2026-27 Budget continues investment in local infrastructure, services and community projects, supporting the region’s ongoing growth. The program includes funding for roads, drainage, parks, facilities and asset renewal, creating opportunities for local contractors and suppliers. Continued investment in essential infrastructure will also help support population growth and maintain the liveability of the region.

Capricorn Battery Project Highlights Challenges of Renewable Energy Growth

The proposed $450 million Capricorn Battery Energy Storage Project has highlighted some of the challenges associated with delivering major renewable energy infrastructure in regional communities. Rockhampton Regional Council has raised concerns about aspects of the project’s social impact assessment, including potential impacts on neighbouring communities. As Central Queensland continues to attract investment in renewable energy, effective planning and community engagement will be important in ensuring projects deliver long-term regional benefits.

Fitzroy River Remains in Focus for Brisbane 2032

The Fitzroy River remains under consideration as a potential venue for rowing events associated with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. While planning and suitability questions remain, the potential involvement of Rockhampton presents opportunities for tourism, infrastructure investment, and increased national attention for Central Queensland. Hosting an Olympic event could also provide flow-on benefits for local accommodation, hospitality, retail, and tourism businesses.

Social Housing Investment Supports Construction and Regional Communities

The Queensland Government has announced further investment in social housing as part of its broader housing program, supporting the delivery of new and improved homes across the state. Housing investment has benefits beyond providing accommodation, creating activity for construction businesses, trades, and suppliers while helping address housing availability. For regional communities such as those across Central Queensland, increasing housing supply can also support workforce attraction and retention.

National Job Advertisements Continue to Rise

Job advertisements across Australia increased in June, signalling continued demand for workers despite broader economic uncertainty. The sustained demand provides a positive backdrop for Central Queensland employers, particularly in industries experiencing ongoing skills shortages. For jobseekers, continued recruitment activity highlights opportunities across a range of industries, while employers may need to remain competitive in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Conclusion

As Central Queensland enters the second half of 2026, continued investment across resources, infrastructure, housing and emerging industries is creating new opportunities for the region. The challenge for employers and industry will be ensuring the local workforce has the skills and capacity to meet this demand, while thoughtful planning and community engagement remain important as major projects reshape the region.

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.