CQ Monthly Market Review June 2026

June highlighted the continued evolution of Central Queensland’s economy, with major investment across energy, infrastructure, resources, and regional development creating future opportunities while businesses continue to navigate cost pressures and workforce challenges. Employment remained relatively stable, with emerging industries and government investment supporting demand for skilled workers across the region.

Labour Market Snapshot

The Central Queensland labour market remained steady in May 2026, with 129,800 employed persons recorded across the region. This represents an increase of 1,000 employed persons, or 0.8%, over the year. The unemployment rate was 4.6%, above the Queensland average of 4.1%, making it the eighth-highest unemployment rate across Queensland’s 19 regions of the same size. The participation rate sat at 69.5%, decreasing slightly by 0.2% over the year. While employment levels remain resilient, workforce attraction and retention continue to be key priorities as industries prepare for future growth.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force, Australia, released 25 June 2026, 11:30 am (AEST)

Critical Minerals Investment to Support Future Jobs

Queensland’s 2026-27 Budget is supporting the growth of the critical minerals sector through investment in new projects and workforce development. An additional $100 million investment into the Queensland Critical Minerals Fund will help unlock opportunities across extraction, processing and export industries.  For Central Queensland, this growth has the potential to create future jobs in mining, manufacturing and engineering, supported by investment in skills training through new TAFE Centres of Excellence, including in Rockhampton.

Queensland Infrastructure Pipeline Creates Workforce Opportunities

Queensland’s 2026-27 State Budget includes a record $119.2 billion capital program over four years, supporting investment across transport, health, housing, energy, and major infrastructure projects. This significant pipeline is expected to create ongoing opportunities for construction, engineering, trades, and supporting industries across the state. For Central Queensland, continued investment in infrastructure and development projects highlights the importance of maintaining a skilled workforce, with industries such as cement, concrete, and aggregates playing a critical role in delivering the materials needed for future growth.

Gladstone Hydrogen Project Positions Region for Clean Energy Growth

The Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project has been shortlisted under the Federal Government’s Hydrogen Headstart Program, marking a significant step forward for the region’s clean energy future. Developed through a partnership between Sumitomo Corporation and Rio Tinto, the project highlights Gladstone’s growing role in renewable hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation, and emerging technologies. If progressed, the project has the potential to support future investment, strengthen the regional economy, and create opportunities across engineering, construction, manufacturing, and skilled industries.

Energy Investment Supports Regional Workforce Demand

The $60 million overhaul of Unit C4 at Callide Power Station highlights the continued importance of energy investment in supporting Central Queensland jobs and industry. The major maintenance project has created significant local economic benefits, contributing more than $13 million to the region through local suppliers and supporting a peak workforce of 470 people. With more than 160,000 hours of work involved, the overhaul demonstrates the ongoing demand for skilled trades, contractors, and service providers while strengthening the reliability of Queensland’s energy network.

Budget Investment Supports Regional Growth

The Queensland Government’s $4.5 million investment in Beef2027 will support Rockhampton’s role as the nation’s beef capital while showcasing Central Queensland’s agriculture sector to national and international markets. The funding will help deliver the major industry event in 2027, creating opportunities for local businesses, tourism, producers, and regional suppliers.

Gladstone Corporate Plan Sets Direction for Growth

Gladstone Regional Council’s new five-year Corporate Plan outlines a strategic vision for the region through to 2031, with a focus on responsible growth, community outcomes, environmental stewardship, and building confidence in the future. The plan recognises the region’s changing economic landscape and highlights the importance of supporting local business, industry development, and coordinated infrastructure investment.

Business Confidence and Wage Pressures Impact Employers

Business confidence across Queensland has declined as rising fuel costs, inflation, supply chain pressures and increasing operating expenses continue to impact employers. These challenges are influencing business decisions around hiring, investment, and growth, with regional employers needing to balance cost pressures with the ongoing demand for skilled workers.

Annual Wage Review Impacts Employer Workforce Planning

The 2026 Annual Wage Review will see the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages increase from 1 July 2026, with minimum award wages rising by 4.75%. The changes will impact employer payroll costs and workforce planning, particularly for businesses already managing increased operating expenses. For Central Queensland employers, balancing competitive wages with sustainable business operations will remain an important focus as they continue to attract and retain skilled workers.

Conclusion

As Central Queensland moves through 2026, the region is entering a period of significant opportunity, with investment across energy, infrastructure, resources and regional development shaping future growth. While employers continue to navigate cost pressures and changing economic conditions, the focus on workforce development, industry collaboration and strategic investment will be critical in ensuring the region is prepared to meet future demand and support sustainable employment opportunities.

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