Western Downs continues to deliver strong economic certainty

26 November, 2020

The Western Downs is proving its place as a regional economic powerhouse in Queensland, with the latest unemployment rates pointing to continuous certainty in the local job market.

The region recorded a consistently low unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is well under half the Queensland rate of 7.7%.

Mayor Paul McVeigh said the latest figures showed confidence in the local economy and demonstrated the region’s ability to attract new investment opportunities.

“Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and its impact on jobs, the Western Downs economy remains strong, which is fantastic news for the future of our region,” Cr McVeigh said.

“We’re seeing major industries such as renewable energy, intensive agriculture and manufacturing all playing a huge role in creating jobs in the region, which ultimately leads to improved liveability for our community.

“Council is also playing its part by delivering the massive COVID-19 recovery package, which is estimated to secure and create up to 1,000 jobs locally.

“Clearly this investment is having a positive impact, and it’s great to see initiatives like waived infrastructure, building, planning and plumbing charges already delivering real results.

“We’re also fast-tracking several major projects right across the region to boost our lifestyle options, and I can’t wait to see these tremendous projects progress into 2021.

“We have so much to offer here in the Western Downs and the latest unemployment figures show we’re headed in the right direction and continuing to provide new opportunities for people from all walks of life.”

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Chief Executive Officer Ali Davenport said it was pleasing to see the Western Downs continuing to enjoy low unemployment figures, despite the challenges of COVID-19.

“This is a region that is incredibly vibrant with many projects keeping the economy and jobs in a state of growth,” Ms Davenport said.

“There’s renewables, gas, agriculture and manufacturing all creating expansion in the economy as well as the Western Downs Regional Council’s $50 million stimulus which is making a big difference to local businesses.”

To find out more about the diverse investment opportunities in the Western Downs, visit https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/doing-business/economic-development/

To find out more about Council’s COVID-19 Recovery Package, visit https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/recovery/

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Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office 07 4679 4265

Emily Kendall | Communications and Marketing Manager 0438 064 975