March brought several key announcements and statistics that help paint a clearer picture of Central Queensland’s evolving economic and employment landscape. From road infrastructure funding and new federal budget measures to updated labour force data, here are the highlights.
Regional Labour Market Update
Labour force data from February 2025 presents a mixed but generally positive outlook for Central Queensland. The number of employed persons in Central Queensland in February 2025 was 131,400, reflecting an annual increase of 8,400 people or 6.8%. The participation rate increased by 3.7 percentage points to 71.9%, highlighting a growing workforce engagement across the region. The unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.3%, up 0.3 percentage points from February 2024, positioning the region with the fourth-highest unemployment rate of all 17 statistical areas in Queensland. The slight rise in unemployment, despite more people being employed, may point to a growing labour force outpacing job growth or more people re-entering the job market.
Federal Budget 2025 - 2026: What It Means for CQ
The 2025 - 2026 Federal Budget introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses and boosting workforce participation:
- $150 Energy Rebate: Small businesses will benefit from a $150 energy rebate to help ease cost-of-living pressures.
- Incentives for Apprentices and Employers: Expanded incentives aim to attract more apprentices into priority trades, with financial support for both trainees and businesses.
- Ban on Non-Compete Clauses: The government has committed to banning non-compete clauses for workers earning under $170,000, a move that could increase labour mobility and open new job opportunities across sectors.
- Unfair Trading Practice Protections: The government is extending Unfair Trading Practice protections to small businesses to address the power imbalance when they engage with large businesses.
These measures could have a significant impact in Central Queensland, where small businesses and trade-based employment play a pivotal role in the regional economy.
Infrastructure Investment: Roads and Connectivity
Two major infrastructure developments were highlighted in March that will directly benefit Central Queensland:
- CQ Beef Roads Project: The Federal Government confirmed $38 million in funding for early works on the Central Queensland Beef Roads project. This upgrade will improve freight access and safety for transport operators, supporting key agricultural and logistics sectors in the region.
- Fixing the Bruce: Construction has now begun on safety upgrades to the Bruce Highway as part of the $9 billion national package. Projects in Central Queensland include pavement upgrades and planning for works between Gladstone and Rockhampton, aiming to improve safety, flood resilience and freight efficiency.
Global Trade Tensions: Potential Local Impacts
The United States (US) president, Donald Trump, has imposed a 10% tariff on all imports into the US, including from Australia, despite the existing free trade agreement. This could impact Central Queensland exporters - particularly the beef industry, which is one of Central Queensland’s key export commodities. While no ban on Australian beef has been announced, rising trade tensions create uncertainty. The Australian Government has ruled out reciprocal tariffs and reaffirmed its biosecurity stance. Local businesses should monitor developments closely and consider diversifying export markets where possible.
Conclusion
March’s updates suggest cautious optimism for Central Queensland’s economy. With stable labour market conditions, fresh infrastructure funding and supportive measures for small businesses and apprentices, the region appears well-positioned for continued growth. However, global economic shifts - such as the U.S. tariffs - underscore the need for ongoing resilience and adaptability among local industries.
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