Central Queensland Monthly Market Review February 2025

As Central Queensland navigates the start of 2025, several key developments are shaping the region’s economic and employment landscape. This month’s review covers the latest monetary policy decision, small business regulatory changes, job market trends and industry insights from key networking events.

RBA Monetary Policy Decision: Impact on Central Queensland Businesses

On February 18, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced a cut to the cash rate target, reducing it to 4.10% - the first rate cut in over four years. This move reflects a gradual easing of inflationary pressures and aims to stimulate economic growth. For Central Queensland businesses, lower interest rates mean reduced borrowing costs, encouraging investment in employment, expansions and infrastructure. With sectors like construction, mining and manufacturing playing a significant role in the region, the potential for increased capital expenditure could support job creation and economic diversification.

Cutting Red Tape for Small Businesses

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) is prioritising the reduction of regulatory barriers that hinder small and family businesses. Recent advocacy efforts focus on streamlining processes related to licensing, planning approvals and compliance obligations. Businesses in Central Queensland stand to benefit from these reforms, potentially seeing fewer delays and lower costs when starting or expanding operations. This initiative is expected to provide a more agile and competitive environment for local enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and job growth.

Rockhampton Businesses Target Defence Manufacturing Opportunities

Rockhampton businesses are positioning themselves to capitalise on emerging defence manufacturing opportunities. The Rockhampton Region Council is actively working with local firms to strengthen their capabilities and meet industry requirements. With the Australian Defence Force and private contractors seeking regional partnerships, businesses involved in engineering, fabrication and advanced manufacturing are exploring new supply chain opportunities. If successful, these efforts could translate into significant job creation and economic development for the region.

Insights from Industry Events

Industry events in February

provided valuable updates on major projects and workforce opportunities in key sectors. At the Connecting Industry Luncheon in Gladstone, Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company (SAMCo) shared insights into upcoming maintenance projects and procurement opportunities in the energy sector, which could drive demand for skilled tradespeople and contractors across Central Queensland. Meanwhile, at the Bowen Basin Mining Club Lunch in Mackay, Stanmore Resources outlined its 2025 production targets, project pipeline and expansion plans, reinforcing the continued strength of the mining sector and its role in supporting employment in mining operations and associated industries.

Job Market Trends in Central Queensland

February saw a significant increase in traffic and job applications to the Jobs in Central Queensland platform compared to the same period last year, highlighting strong engagement in employment opportunities across the region. The most popular keyword searches for jobs in February were Carpenter, Truck Driver, Plumber, Administration and Environment, reflecting demand across blue-collar and administrative roles. The sustained activity in construction, infrastructure projects and resource industries align with these trends, emphasising the need for skilled trades and operational support roles.

Summary

Central Queensland’s economy remains dynamic, with positive indicators in business investment, employment demand and industry growth. The RBA’s rate cut offers a potential boost to employment through business expansion, while initiatives to reduce red tape could further streamline operations for small businesses. Ongoing developments in defence manufacturing, energy and mining suggest a promising outlook for employers and job seekers alike.

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.