CQ Monthly Market Review August 2025

August brought a mix of investment announcements, labour market stability, and workforce development initiatives for Central Queensland. Key sectors such as resources, agriculture, education and skills training were in focus, shaping the region's economic outlook for the months ahead.

Labour Market Snapshot

Central Queensland’s labour market held steady in July 2025, showing some positive movement across key indicators. The region recorded 129,500 people in employment, which is 2,800 more than this time last year, representing 2.2% growth. The unemployment rate sat at 4.5%, slightly higher than the Queensland average of 4% and ranking seventh highest out of the state’s 19 Statistical Area Level 4 regions. Meanwhile, workforce participation lifted to 70%, up 0.5% compared with July 2024.

Source: ABS, Labour force, Australia, detailed, released 21 August 2025, 11:30 am (AEST)

Bravus $50 Million Investment in Resources Sector

Central Queensland’s resources industry is set for a significant lift, with Bravus securing a $50 million investment for its Carmichael mining project. The funding will not only strengthen the project’s operations but also contribute to new local job opportunities, particularly in mining support services and supply chains. The investment underscores the ongoing importance of resources to the region’s economy, providing long-term benefits in terms of business growth, community development and regional stability.

Teacher Strike Impacts 1,266 State Schools

Education came to a standstill in early August when Queensland experienced a 24-hour teacher strike that impacted 1,266 state schools, including several across Central Queensland. The strike, organised by the Queensland Teachers’ Union, highlighted ongoing concerns around pay, heavy workloads, and teacher shortages. With schools in CQ already facing recruitment challenges, the strike sparked community discussions on the importance of investing in education to ensure quality learning outcomes and sustainable staffing levels in regional areas.

Strengthened Biosecurity Workforce

Queensland’s agricultural sector is being bolstered with the announcement of 100 new biosecurity officer positions, 13 of which will be based in Central Queensland, including Rockhampton and Biloela. These new roles will provide greater on-the-ground capacity to respond to pest and disease threats, which is vital for the protection of livestock, crops, and regional trade. For CQ’s farming and grazing industries, the increased workforce means improved resilience against potential outbreaks and stronger safeguards for export markets that rely heavily on high biosecurity standards.

Gladstone Regional Council Adopts Strategic Advocacy Priorities

Gladstone Regional Council has formalised its advocacy agenda for the year ahead, adopting the 2025/26 Strategic Advocacy publication. The plan highlights key areas such as major infrastructure investment, housing and liveability, energy transition, and economic diversification. For local businesses and residents, the document provides a roadmap of the opportunities and challenges that will influence growth and liveability in the region.

GCCI Best in Business Awards: Top 25 Announced

The Gladstone Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed the Top 25 finalists for the 2025 Best in Business Awards, with Jobs in Central Queensland’s Director, Tim O’Brien, highlighted under the Business Leaders category. The awards recognise outstanding achievements across sectors including retail, hospitality, professional services, and industry. The finalists represent excellence and innovation across multiple sectors, showcasing the strength of the local business community. Winners will be revealed later this year at the Best in Business Awards night on the 1 November.

National Skills Week: 25 – 31 August 2025

National Skills Week was celebrated across the region from 25 - 31 August, highlighting vocational training pathways and careers in high-demand industries. The initiative encourages both young people and those looking to reskill to explore training opportunities that align with the region’s workforce needs. For employers, it was a chance to highlight career pathways, strengthen industry connections, and promote the role of skills training in building a sustainable regional workforce.

Conclusion

August highlighted the resilience and growth potential of Central Queensland, with strong investment in resources, a focus on biosecurity and skills development, and recognition of outstanding local businesses. As the region continues to navigate workforce challenges and embrace new opportunities, these developments set the tone for a positive finish to 2025.

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