April saw Central Queensland continue to navigate a mixed economic environment, with steady employment outcomes balanced against ongoing cost pressures, softer business confidence, and rising operating expenses across key industries. Despite these challenges, investment activity, regional collaboration, and workforce demand continued to support economic resilience across the region.
Labour Market Snapshot
The number of employed persons in Central Queensland reached 130,000 in March 2026, increasing by 1,400 persons, or 1.1%, over the year. The unemployment rate sat at 4.6%, above the Queensland average of 4.1%, while the participation rate remained relatively stable at 69.6%. Although labour market conditions remain positive overall, employers continue to face workforce shortages and cautious economic conditions as rising costs impact business operations.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, released 23 April 2026, 11:30 am (AEST)
Business Confidence Falls Again as Cost Pressures Persist
Business confidence declined again throughout April as inflation, fuel prices, and broader operating costs continued placing pressure on organisations nationally. Many businesses are becoming increasingly cautious around recruitment and expansion activity, particularly across industries managing tight margins, supply chain challenges, and higher borrowing costs. For regional employers, these conditions continue to influence workforce planning and operational decision-making.
ATO Fuel Support Measures Provide Relief Amid Rising Costs
With fuel prices continuing to impact businesses and households, the ATO announced additional support measures aimed at assisting those experiencing financial pressure due to rising fuel-related expenses. The support is expected to provide some short-term relief for businesses managing increased transport and operating costs, particularly across regional industries reliant on freight, logistics, and travel.
Rising Fuel and Fertiliser Costs Continue to Pressure Queensland Agriculture
Queensland’s agricultural sector continues to experience pressure from rising fuel and fertiliser costs, with industry groups warning that sustained increases are impacting farm productivity and profitability. These ongoing cost challenges are affecting producers across regional Queensland and contributing to broader concerns around supply chain costs, operational sustainability, and future workforce demand within the agriculture sector.
$30 Million Innovation Fund to Support Regional Agriculture
The Queensland Government announced a new $30 million farming innovation fund aimed at improving agricultural productivity and supporting regional growth. The initiative is expected to assist producers in adopting new technologies, improving efficiency, and strengthening long-term sustainability outcomes across the sector, while also creating opportunities for regional jobs and industry development.
Connecting Industry Luncheon Brings Local Leaders Together
Industry leaders, employers, and regional stakeholders came together in April for the Connecting Industry Luncheon in Gladstone, providing an opportunity to discuss workforce challenges, project delivery, and industry collaboration across Central Queensland. Events like these continue to play an important role in strengthening local networks, supporting partnerships, and encouraging conversations around the future workforce needs of the region.
QMAG Announces Organisational Restructure
QMAG announced an organisational restructure following an operational review, citing rising cost pressures and changing market conditions as key factors behind the decision. The restructure reflects the broader challenges currently being experienced across resource and industrial sectors, with businesses continuing to assess operational efficiency and long-term sustainability in a more complex economic environment.
Conclusion
As Central Queensland moves further into 2026, the region continues to demonstrate resilience despite ongoing economic pressures. While rising costs and softer business confidence remain challenges for employers and industry, continued investment, collaboration, and workforce activity highlight the strength and adaptability of the regional economy.
Jobs in Central Queensland 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, visit JobsinCentralQueensland.au.