CQ Monthly Market Review November 2025

Central Queensland’s labour market remained tight through November, with continued demand across resources, construction, transport and health. While large projects are still driving strong hiring activity, several industry headwinds, particularly in mining and processing, are starting to create pockets of localised softening. Businesses continue to report challenges in sourcing skilled workers, especially for technical and trade roles.

Rio Tinto Yarwun Job Cuts

Rio Tinto has announced a 40% reduction in alumina production at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery in Gladstone to extend the life of its tailings facility by an estimated four years. The cut in output will result in around 180 job losses across the site. This development represents another major shift in Gladstone’s industrial landscape and may create flow-on impacts for local suppliers and service providers.

QCoal Closure of Cook Colliery

QCoal’s Cook Colliery has now ceased operations of their second production unit, following the closure of its first production unit in September, which resulted in 80 job losses. The shutdown of the final production unit has triggered a further 70 redundancies, with the underground mine moving into care and maintenance. Ongoing challenges, including high production costs and shifting market conditions, contributed to the decision. The closure adds to growing uncertainty for small-to-mid-tier coal operations across the Bowen Basin.

Major Investment Deal Secures Coal Jobs in the Bowen Basin

A landmark investment deal has been finalised by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli to support and extend the life of several coal operations in Central Queensland. The agreement safeguards more than a thousand jobs and reinforces CQ’s position as a critical contributor to Queensland’s export economy. This announcement provides welcome stability after several months of job-loss headlines across the sector.

Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline Completion

The $983 million Fitzroy-to-Gladstone Pipeline has officially reached construction completion and is expected to become operational by mid-2026. The project provides long-term water security for Gladstone’s industry and community, helping underpin future investment attraction and job creation across the region.

$500 Million Beef Roads Program Begins

The federal government has launched the $500 million “Beef Roads” program, targeting upgrades across critical cattle supply routes in Queensland. Improvements will focus on safety, flood resilience and freight efficiency, benefiting farmers, transport operators and regional supply chains across CQ.

Rockhampton Regional Council Community Event Funding

Rockhampton Regional Council has committed $140,000 over two years to support new and existing community events. The funding aims to boost local tourism, community engagement and economic activity, creating opportunities for event organisers, vendors and hospitality businesses.

Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program

Applications are open for Queensland’s Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program, offering financial incentives for small businesses that take on new apprentices or trainees. The initiative aims to boost workforce development, address skills shortages and support small employers to grow their teams sustainably.

Queensland Procurement Policy 2026

The Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 has been released, outlining updated rules for government purchasing. The new policy places stronger emphasis on regional spending, supplier fairness, transparency and value-for-money outcomes. Local businesses in CQ will benefit from clearer pathways to government procurement and greater opportunities to compete for state-funded work.

Potential Payroll Tax Reform

Queensland’s new government continues to signal payroll tax reform, with a review underway to reduce complexity and ease cost pressures for businesses. Although no final model has been released, the prospect of changes has generated significant discussion among employers about potential savings and future workforce planning implications.

Secure Communities Partnership Program

The Queensland Government has rolled out funding under the Secure Communities Partnership Program, aimed at supporting regional safety upgrades. Eligible organisations can now apply for grants to implement infrastructure that deters crime, including lighting, CCTV and security enhancements. This initiative may create small-scale procurement opportunities for local contractors and security providers.

Conclusion

Overall, November has been a month of mixed conditions across Central Queensland, with major infrastructure progress and long-term investment balancing out ongoing challenges in the resources sector. Workforce demand remains steady, but recent job cuts and mine closures highlight the need for continued economic diversification and support for affected workers. At the same time, new government programs, procurement reforms and regional funding initiatives are creating opportunities for local businesses to adapt, grow and position themselves for 2026. As the year draws to a close, CQ’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic, anchored by sustained project activity and strong community resilience.

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