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Economic profile Central Highlands | June 2019 Abbreviations

Throughout this profile a series of abbreviations has been utilised. These are summarised below:

ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics

CH Central Highlands

CHDC Central Highlands Development Corporation

CHRC Central Highlands Regional Council

Central SA4 Statistical Area Level 4

GRP Gross Regional Product

LGA Local Government Area

M2 Square metres

QGSO Statistician’s Office

QLD Queensland

RTA Residential Tenancies Authority

SA4 Statistical Area Level 4

TRA Tourism Research Contents

Overview Housing

Our in numbers 2 Building approvals 30

Regional snapshot 4 Residential lot approvals 31

Lot registrations 32 Demographics New lot sales and median price 33 Population 5 Dwelling sales and median price 34 Population projections 6 Median weekly rent 35 Non-resident population 7

Age 8 Tourism

Origin 9 Output 36

Wellbeing 11 Employment 37

Education 13 Distribution of tourist dollar and visitor profile 38

Income and families 14 Emerald Airport 39

Dwelling tenure and structure 15 Trends

Employment Business activity 40

Industry 16 Business registrations 42

Occupation 18 Employment 43

Age and qualifications 19 Appendix: Agribusiness Regional Stocktake Method of travel to work 20 Baseline Data to Drive Growth 44

Industry Bibliography 49

Output 21 Central Highlands Development Corporation 50 Value-added 22

Local expenditure and regional exports 23

Regional imports and key industry drivers 24

Key industry drivers 25

Summary indicators and gap analysis 27

Gap analysis 28

Major projects 29

Central Highlands Development Corporation 1 Our region in numbers Central Highlands

Region overview Resources

22.2% $8.419bn 34.5% 58.0% Output generated

$2,190.264 m $3.777bn 63.6% Total value-added The Mining sector Contribution of the Mining is the largest employer comprises 6,079 jobs Mining sector to the of both the resident (22.2%) out of the 17,019 jobs in total value-added for the and non-resident (63.6%) $5.706bn the region Central Highlands workforce Total regional export $813.163m $2.033bn $1.436bn Mining is the highest contributor in Domestic imports to the region terms of local expenditure Total local expenditure Upper $3.929bn GRP for the Oaky Creek Capella

55 Gregory Crinum 2,899 Kestrel Yarrabee Businesses registered and operating Jellinbah East in the Central Highlands Rubyvale Ensham Curragh Sapphire A4 Emerald Blackwater A4 Bluff Galilee Bluff Comet A4 Basin Blackwater

Cook 55 Willow 7 ↑41.2% Gemfields Minerva Increase in number of Woorabinda businesses with turnover of $10 million or more from 2017 to 2018

Rolleston Meteor Downs South Rolleston

60 Bauhinia

7

55

Legend Major Sealed Minor Sealed Source: Economic Profile Central Highlands Arcadia (June 2019) chdc.com.au Part Sealed Valley

2 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Surat Basin Agribusiness

$839m ↑90% 15% 90% Economic value (2017) Value increase in wheat compared to $780m (2016) ($10m to $19m) 1,445 ↓50% Agricultural businesses Value decrease in sorghum of national of Queensland’s ($40m to $20m) mungbean crop mandarin exports 1.301m megalitres ↑8.62% 10%+ Value increase in cotton 1.37m , second largest ($58m to $63m) Head of cattle storage in Queensland ↑112% $106m Value increase in pulses of national table grape crop Value of chickpea production ($50m to $106m)

Tourism Community profile Upper Bowen Basin

Median weekly $1,823 $235.556m 4.4% income Tourism total output Unemployment rate in the Central Tieri $1,402 Oaky Creek Highlands (6.2% in QLD) Capella

55 Gregory Crinum Kestrel Yarrabee 4 nights $843 Average length of stay domestic 28,645 Jellinbah East $660 Rubyvale Ensham overnight visitors Population Curragh Sapphire A4 Emerald Blackwater A4 Bluff Bogantungan Tourism is the 3rd highest Galilee Comet Bluff A4 CH QLD CH QLD Basin Blackwater Duaringa employment sector in the 33 y.o. 3 Central Highlands Cook 55 Median age vs QLD average of 37 Personal Household Willow 7 Gemfields Minerva

Springsure Woorabinda 204,073 67.3% 16,190 Annual passengers through Labour force Emerald airport 2018–19 FY

Rolleston Meteor Downs South Rolleston Bauhinia 4,045 60 Largest gemfields in Non-residential workforce 7 of the population live 55 the Southern and work in the region Hemisphere Legend Capricorn Way Key drivers in terms of regional exports, employment, Great Inland Way Top value-added and local expenditure on goods and services are: Major Sealed Mining, livestock, grains & other agriculture, accommodation & Minor Sealed Arcadia food services, retail trade, education & training Part Sealed $56.685m five Valley In wages

Central Highlands Development Corporation 3 Surat Basin Overview

Regional snapshot

The Central Highlands is a robust region that sits at the heart of Queensland’s resources and agricultural sectors.

Spanning almost 60,000km2, the region includes a significant portion of Australia’s largest coal reserve, the Bowen Basin, and is strategically located to service Australia’s newest mining province, the .

Sustained by irrigation sourced from water storage on the Nogoa and Comet Rivers, the Central Highlands is also characterised by thriving farming industries, including beef, cotton, grapes and citrus.

Major freight routes intersect the region, with the linking the coast to the and the connecting northern Queensland and New South Wales.

Pristine natural attractions, such as and the Sapphire Gemfields, are driving an emerging tourism market.

A population of more than 28,000 with a median age of 33 helps to underpin the Central Highlands’ economic strength of a skilled, locally-based workforce.

Indicator Central Queensland Period Source (year) Highlands

Demographics

Estimated resident population 28,645 5,011,216 2018 ABS (2019a)

Projected population 30,133 7,161,661 2041 QGSO (2018b) (Medium series)

Resident population growth 0.2% 1.6% 2016–2041 QGSO (2018b) (Medium series) (annual average)

Resident and non-resident -0.1% – 2016–2021 QGSO (2018a) (Medium series), QGSO (2018c) & population growth QGSO (2018d) (Series A)

Median age 33 37 2016 ABS (2017)

Median personal income (weekly) $843 $660 2016 ABS (2017)

Median household income (weekly) $1,823 $1,402 2016 ABS (2017)

Employment

Unemployment rate 4.4% 6.2% 2018 Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019)

Labour force 16,190 2,648,089 2018 Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019)

Non-residential workforce 4,045 – 2018 QGSO (2018c)

Industry

Gross regional product $3.93bn $348.97bn 2018 REMPLAN (2019)

Passengers Emerald Airport 206,748 – 2017–18 CHRC (2019)

4 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Demographics

Population

The Central Highlands +0.2% +0.2% 30,133 population is predicted Population growth Forecast population Population to remain steady in per year from growth per year from by 2041 contrast to the state 2008 to 2018 2016 to 2041 average

Population

The estimated resident population in the Central Highlands as at 30 June 2018 is 28,645 people. Between 2008 and 2018 the Central Highlands (estimated resident) population increased by 555 people (2.0%), with an average annual compound population growth of 0.2% between 2008 and 2018. The Central Highlands population peaked at 29,782 in 2013 and began to experience a decline thereafter.

35,000

30,000 29,082 29,541 29,741 29,782 29,598 29,143 28,090 28,714 28,690 28,604 28,645

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0 Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: ABS (2019a)

Population projections

Queensland Government population projections, 2018 edition (medium series) were released in November 2018.

Between 2016 and 2041, the population of the Central Highlands is projected to increase by 1,350 people. This is equivalent to an annual average increase of 0.2% between 2016 and 2041.

Population projections by age cohort – Central Highlands

Year 0–14 15–29 30–49 50–64 65–79 80+ Total

2016 7,227 5,743 8,848 4,878 1,775 312 28,783

2021 6,984 5,544 8,395 4,945 2,320 470 28,658

2026 6,616 5,657 8,239 4,808 2,842 682 28,845

2031 6,503 5,743 8,315 4,618 3,181 959 29,319

2036 6,513 5,714 8,309 4,666 3,317 1,236 29,755

2041 6,542 5,603 8,402 4,756 3,315 1,514 30,133

2016–2041 -685 -140 -446 -122 1,540 1,202 1,350

Source: QGSO (2018b)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 5 Demographics

Population projections

The majority of the 65–79 years Central Highlands Age group projected to experience population sits within the largest increase in population the workforce working from 2016 to 2041 (1,540 people) age demographic of 15–65

Population projections by age cohort – Central Highlands

2016 2026 2036 2041

10,000

8,000 8,848 8,402 8,309 8,239

6,000 7,227 6,616 6,513 6,542 5,743 5,714 5,657 4,000 5,603 4,878 4,756 4,808 4,666 3,317 2,000 3,315 1,514 2,842 1,236 682 1,775 312 0 Age 0–14 15–29 30–49 50–64 65–79 80+

Source: QGSO (2018b)

Population growth comparison

Central Highlands Central Queensland SA4 Queensland

2.00

1.75 1.7% 1.5% 1.6% 1.50 1.5% 1.4% 1.25 1.1% 1.00 1.0% 0.9% 0.9% 0.75

0.50 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.25 0.1% 0 Year 2016–2021 2021–2026 2026–2031 2031–2036 2036–2041 -0.25 -0.1%

Source: QGSO (2018a)

For each five year period from 2016 to 2041, the annual average population growth in the Central Highlands is projected to gradually increase then remain steady. The annual average population growth in Central Queensland SA4 (comprising the Banana, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Livingstone, and Woorabinda LGAs) and Queensland are projected to gradually decline.

Average annual population growth in the Central Highlands is estimated to be lower than the surrounding Central Queensland SA4 and broader Queensland projections.

6 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Demographics

Non-resident population

3.6% vs 0.2% 4,045 Average annual growth of the non-resident The non-resident population population of 3.6% has outpaced resident currently sits at 4,045. population growth of 0.2% from 2008 to 2018

Non-resident population

The estimated non-resident population in the Central Highlands as at 30 June 2018 is 4,045 people. The average annual non-resident population growth between 2008 and 2018 of 3.6% is significantly higher than the resident population growth over the same period at 0.2%.

Estimated resident population Non-resident workers on shift

40,000 2,840 5,585 35,000 4,835 4,740 3,955 3,225 3,380 4,045 2,680 3,150 3,360 30,000 2,840

29,541 29,741 29,782 29,598 28,714 29,082 29,143 28,690 28,604 28,645 25,000 28,090

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0 Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: ABS (2019a) and QGSO (2018c)

Non-resident population projections

Between 2016 and 2021, the non-resident population of the Central Highlands is projected to decrease by 100 people. When combined with the forecasted resident population growth, total full-time equivalent population growth in the Central Highlands between 2016 and 2021 is projected to decrease by 132 people (average annual growth of -0.1%).

4,000

3,500 3,360 3,230 3,150 3,110 3,110 3,000 3,050 3,000 3,000 3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0 Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Source: QGSO (2018d)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 7 Demographics

Age

The proportion of retirees in the 60–69 years old 33 Central Highlands Age group has experienced the Average age compared (7.6%) is lower than most growth from 2011 to 2016 to the national Queensland (15.3%) average of 37

The following demographic section is based on Place of Usual Residence data obtained from the 2016 ABS Census, the latest data available. The 2016 ABS Census was held on 9 August 2016 and data from the 2016 Census was released from mid-2017.

Age distribution Change in age distribution, 2011 to 2016

Analysis of the age structure of the Central Highlands Between 2011 and 2016, the Central Highlands’ population residents in 2016 compared to Queensland shows there is a decreased by 713 people. The largest changes in age structure larger proportion of residents aged less than 15 years (24.7%, in this area between 2011 and 2016 were in the age groups: compared to 19.4% in Queensland). The Central Highlands • 35 to 49 (-473 persons) also comprises a higher proportion of 25 to 54 year olds than Queensland (45.5%, compared to 40.5%). Conversely, the • 15 to 19 (-330 persons), and proportion of retirees (those aged 65 years and over) in the • 60 to 69 (+264 persons). Central Highlands (7.6%) is lower than Queensland (15.3%).

Central Highlands Queensland

9.0% 0–4 0–4 -192 6.3%

8.9% 5–9 5–9 173 6.7%

6.9% 10–14 10–14 -115 6.4%

5.6% 15–19 15–19 -330 6.3%

6.1% 20–24 20–24 -227 6.7%

16.5% 25–34 25–34 -182 13.8%

21.9% 35–49 35–49 -473 20.2%

13.0% 50–59 50–59 146 12.8%

7.5% 60–69 60–69 264 10.7%

4.1% 70–84 70–84 206 8.3%

0.5% 85+ 85+ 17 1.8% % of population Persons

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -600 -400 -200 0 200 400

Source: ABS (2017) Source: ABS (2017)

8 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Demographics

Origin

There is a higher proportion of Aboriginal people in the Central Highlands (4.0%) compared to Queensland (3.2%)

Indigenous status Country of birth

Analysis of the Indigenous status of Central Analysis of the country of birth of Central Highlands’ residents shows a Highlands’ residents in 2016 compared to higher proportion of residents born in Australia (76.0%, compared to 71.1% in Queensland shows that there is a higher Queensland). The top 10 countries of birth for Central Highlands’ residents proportion of Aboriginals in the Central include Australia, New Zealand, England, Philippines, South , India, Highlands (4.0%, compared to 3.2% in Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, United States of America, and Germany. Queensland). Overall, the local Indigenous population accounts for 4.3% of the total Central Highlands’ population, which is slightly higher than Queensland (4.0%).

% of population Central Highlands % of population Central Highlands 90 Queensland 90 Queensland 89.5% 80 80 83.4% 76.0% 70 70 71.1%

60 60

50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20 12.3% 10 10 6.5% 4.3% 4.0% 3.8% 3.7% 3.2% 1.3% 1.1% 1.0% 0.9% 0.8% 0.8% 0.5% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.2% 0.2% 0.3% 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0 0 0.2% Non- India Papua Papua England Islander Australia Germany Aboriginal Zimbabwe Not stated and Torres and Torres of America Indigenous Philippines New Guines Torres Strait Strait Torres South Africa New Zealand United States States United Strait Islander Strait Both Aboriginal Both Aboriginal Source: ABS (2017) Source: ABS (2017)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 9 Demographics

Origin

Population growth in the Central Highlands is being 8,635 driven by arrivals from People migrated to the Central Highlands from overseas, as well as other outside of Queensland. The second highest group of intrastate locations migrants to the Central Highlands was from overseas

Migration

Of the population living in the Central Highlands, 15,749 (56.2%) also lived in the Central Highlands five years ago. The largest migration of residents to the Central Highlands over the five year period from 2011 to 2016 from outside of the LGA was from residents who had previously lived overseas (725 people, or 2.6% of total Central Highlands’ residents), followed by residents from Rockhampton (452 people, or 1.6% of total Central Highlands’ residents). The largest migration of residents to the Central Highlands from outside of Queensland was from Tweed in New South Wales (31 people, or 0.1% of total Central Highlands residents).

Central 15,749 Highlands (R)

Overseas 725

Rockhampton (R) 452

Isaac (R) 419

Brisbane (C) 376

Mackay (R) 349

Livingstone (S) 246

Sunshine Coast 217 (R)

State undefined 184 (QLD)

Moreton Bay (R) 174

Gold Coast (C) 163

Townsville (C) 158

Bundaberg (R) 155

Other 8,635 Persons 0 2,500 5,000 7,500 10,000 12,500 15,000 17,500 Source: ABS (2017)

10 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Demographics

Wellbeing

Top 28% The SEIFA Index of Disadvantage for the Central Highlands is 1,006 and is in the top 28% of least disadvantaged LGAs in Australia

Need for assistance

Of the population living in the Central Highlands, 717 people (2.6%) have a need for assistance due to a profound disability, long term health condition or age. This is half the proportion of the population in Queensland with a need for assistance, reflective of a younger population profile in the Central Highlands.

Central Highlands Queensland

Has need for 2.6% assistance with core activities 5.2%

Does not have 84.3% need for assistance with core activities 87.3%

13.1% Not stated 7.6% % of population

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Source: ABS (2017)

SEIFA (Disadvantage) SEIFA score

Socio Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is 500 1,200 a suite of indexes that has been created by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) from social and economic Census information. Each index ranks geographic areas across Australia in terms of their relative socio- economic advantage and disadvantage. This report presents information from the Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD), a general socio-economic index that summarises a range of information about the economic and social conditions of people and households within an area. This index includes measures of relative disadvantage only and is not evidence of relative advantage.

The SEIFA index of disadvantage for the Central Highlands (R) is 1,006. The local government area index of the Central Highlands (R):

• Ranks 393 out of 544 local government areas with SEIFA scores in Australia

• There are 151 local government areas which are less disadvantaged, and

• There are 392 local government areas that are more disadvantaged.

Central Highlands Development Corporation 11 Demographics

Wellbeing

Tieri The least disadvantaged The most disadvantaged localities are locality in the Central The Gemfields (788) and Willows (828) Highlands (1,092)

Of 60 suburbs and localities located within the Central Highlands with a resident population, the least disadvantaged suburb is Tieri (1,092) and the most disadvantaged suburb is The Gemfields (788) followed by Willows (828).

SEIFA Disadvantage

2016 Localities Score National rank 2016 Localities Score National rank The Gemfields SSC 32819 788 296 / 13,691 Minerva SSC 31869 1,041 9,643 / 13,691 Willows SSC 33110 828 441 / 13,691 Comet SSC 30661 1,052 10,514 / 13,691 Duaringa SSC 30889 931 2,090 / 13,691 Albinia SSC 30023 1,064 11,437 / 13,691 Bingegang SSC 30257 961 3,415 / 13,691 Arcturus SSC 30081 1,064 11,438 / 13,691 Dingo SSC 30852 961 3,417 / 13,691 Cairdbeign SSC 30480 1,064 11,439 / 13,691 Bluff SSC 30296 971 4,005 / 13,691 Orion SSC 32252 1,064 11,443 / 13,691 Balcomba SSC 30122 975 4,262 / 13,691 Carbine Creek SSC 30538 1,072 11,971 / 13,691 Barnard SSC 30168 975 4,263 / 13,691 Chirnside SSC 30608 1,072 11,972 / 13,691 SSC 30321 975 4,264 / 13,691 Hibernia SSC 31338 1,072 11,977 / 13,691 Coomoo SSC 30697 975 4,269 / 13,691 Theresa Creek (Qld) SSC 32836 1,072 11,979 / 13,691 Gainsford SSC 31104 975 4,272 / 13,691 Buckland (Qld) SSC 30408 1,075 12,126 / 13,691 Goowarra SSC 31219 975 4,273 / 13,691 Cona Creek SSC 30665 1,075 12,127 / 13,691 Mackenzie SSC 31742 975 4,278 / 13,691 Mantuan Downs SSC 31769 1,075 12,130 / 13,691 Capella SSC 30534 983 4,813 / 13,691 Nandowrie SSC 32120 1,075 12,131 / 13,691 Blackwater SSC 30283 987 5,085 / 13,691 Wealwandangie SSC 33047 1,075 12,133 / 13,691 Springsure SSC 32658 997 5,911 / 13,691 Belcong SSC 30210 1,077 12,243 / 13,691 Central Highlands (R) 1,006 393 / 544 Bundoora (Qld) SSC 30431 1,077 12,244 / 13,691 Arcadia Valley SSC 30078 1,023 8,071 / 13,691 Crinum SSC 30757 1,077 12,245 / 13,691 Consuelo SSC 30672 1,023 8,075 / 13,691 Khosh Bulduk SSC 31535 1,077 12,248 / 13,691 Humboldt SSC 31385 1,023 8,079 / 13,691 Lilyvale SSC 31673 1,077 12,249 / 13,691 Jellinbah SSC 31451 1,023 8,080 / 13,691 Lowestoff SSC 31713 1,077 12,250 / 13,691 Lowesby SSC 31712 1,023 8,081 / 13,691 Mount Macarthur SSC 32006 1,077 12,252 / 13,691 Rewan SSC 32445 1,023 8,082 / 13,691 Retro SSC 32444 1,077 12,254 / 13,691 Stewarton (Qld) SSC 32686 1,023 8,083 / 13,691 Wyuna (Qld) SSC 33220 1,077 12,256 / 13,691 Togara SSC 32867 1,023 8,084 / 13,691 Tieri SSC 32853 1,092 12,929 / 13,691 Argyll SSC 30083 1,025 8,250 / 13,691 Alsace SSC 30046 No score Lochington SSC 31687 1,025 8,256 / 13,691 Blackdown SSC 30277 No score Emerald (Qld) SSC 30982 1,026 8,336 / 13,691 Carnarvon Park SSC 30547 No score Rolleston SSC 32485 1,031 8,775 / 13,691 Cheeseborough SSC 30591 No score Bauhinia SSC 30185 1,040 9,551 / 13,691 Coorumbene SSC 30714 No score Goomally SSC 31203 1,040 9,558 / 13,691 Cotherstone SSC 30735 No score Mimosa (Qld) SSC 31865 1,040 9,560 / 13,691 Dromedary (Qld) SSC 30887 No score Mungabunda SSC 32087 1,040 9,562 / 13,691 Fork Lagoons SSC 31080 No score Oombabeer SSC 32244 1,040 9,563 / 13,691 Gordonstone SSC 31223 No score Rhydding SSC 32446 1,040 9,564 / 13,691 Wallaroo (Qld) SSC 32996 No score SSC 31137 1,041 9,641 / 13,691 Wooroona SSC 33189 No score

12 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Demographics

Education

Central Highlands’ The largest increase in residents qualifications from 2011 31.0% predominantly to 2016 was for residents of the population hold hold Certificate with Graduate Diplomas educational qualifications qualifications and Graduate Certificates

Qualifications

Analysis of the qualifications of the population in the Central Highlands compared to Queensland shows 7.8% of Central Highlands’ residents with a Bachelor Degree or higher, compared to 14.7% in Queensland. A higher proportion of Central Highlands’ residents hold a Certificate qualification (18.8%) compared to Queensland (17.2%).

Overall, 31.0% of the population hold educational qualifications, and 57.0% hold no qualifications, compared with 38.9% and 52.4%, respectively for Queensland.

Central Highlands Queensland

Postgraduate 0.8% Degree 2.9%

Graduate Diploma 0.8% and Graduate Certificate 1.4%

Bachelor 6.2% Degree 10.5%

Advanced 4.5% Diploma and Diploma 7.0%

18.8% Certificate 17.2%

Inadequately 12.1% described/ not stated 8.7%

57.0% No qualifications 52.4% % of population 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Source: ABS (2017)

Change in Qualifications, 2011 to 2016

The largest changes in the qualifications of the population of the Central Highlands between 2011 and 2016 are in those with: • No Qualifications (-1,363 persons) • Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates (+53 persons), and • Postgraduate Degrees (+38 persons).

Postgraduate 38 Degree Graduate Diploma 53 and Graduate Bachelor 29 Degree Advanced Diploma 18 and Diploma

Certificate 20

No qualifications -1,363 Persons

-1,400 -1,200 -1,000 -800 -600 -400 -200 0 200 Source: ABS (2017)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 13 Demographics

Income and families

The Central Highlands 23.0% comprises a higher of Central Highlands’ proportion of couple residents earn families with children than $1,500 per week or more the Queensland average

Weekly Individual Income

Analysis of individual income levels in the Central Highlands in 2016 compared to Queensland shows that the median weekly income is higher for local residents when compared to the broader State; $843 vs $660.

Overall, 23.1% of persons earn a low income (less than $400 per week) and 23.0% earn a high income ($1,500 or more per week), compared to 28.4% and 15.1%, respectively in Queensland.

Central Highlands Queensland

% of population 20 16.4%

15 15.4% 13.7% 11.5%

10 9.4% 9.4% 8.7% 8.5% 8.5% 8.0% 8.0% 8.0% 7.9% 7.7% 7.1% 7.1% 6.8% 6.3% 6.2% 5.7% 5.6%

5 5.1% 4.1% 3.9% 0.7% 0 0.5% Negative Nil $1 to $149 $150 to $300 to $400 to $650 to $800 to $1,000 to $1,249 to $1,500 to $2,000 or Not income $299 $399 $649 $799 $999 $1,249 $1,499 $1,999 more stated Source: ABS (2017)

Family Composition

Central Highlands comprises a higher proportion of couple families with children (51.1%) when compared with Queensland (42.5%), and a lower proportion of couple families with no children (36.6%) compared with Queensland (39.4%).

Overall, 11.1% of families are one parent families, and 1.2% are other families, compared with 16.5% and 1.6%, respectively for Queensland.

Central Highlands Queensland

Couple family 36.6% with no children 39.4%

Couple family 51.1% with children 42.5%

One parent 11.1% family 16.5%

1.2% Other family 1.6% % of families 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Source: ABS (2017)

14 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Demographics

Dwelling tenure and structure

Rented dwellings represent the highest 45.6% proportion of dwelling of dwellings are tenure in the Central owned outright or with Highlands a mortgage

Dwelling Tenure Dwelling Structure

Analysis of the housing tenure of dwellings in the Central As at 2016, there are 10,713 separate houses in the Central Highlands in 2016 compared to dwellings in Queensland Highlands; 1,657 medium density dwellings, 6 high density shows there is a larger proportion of rented dwellings or dwellings, 938 caravans, cabins or houseboats; and 38 other dwellings under other tenure types. This is reflective of the dwellings. large non-resident workforce in the region, who are renting or There is a significantly higher proportion of ‘Caravan, cabin, living in various short term accommodation arrangements. houseboat’ dwellings in the Central Highlands (6.8%) compared Overall, 45.6% of dwellings are owned outright or with a to Queensland (2.1%). This can be attributed to the large mortgage, 34.6% are being rented and 6.3% are other tenure number of non-residents staying in employer-provided types, compared to 58.6%, 31.3% and 2.0%, respectively in accommodation while working in the region. Queensland.

Central Highlands Queensland Central Highlands Queensland

Owned outright Separate house

22.0% 77.4%

27.4% 73.7%

Owned with a mortgage Medium density

23.5% 12.0%

31.3% 15.7%

Rented High density

34.6% 0.0%

31.3% 7.8%

Other tenure type Caravan, cabin, houseboat

6.3% 6.8%

2.0% 2.1%

Not stated Other

13.6% 0.3%

8.2% 0.2% % of dwellings 0 10 20 30 40 Not stated Source: ABS (2017) 3.6%

0.6% % of dwellings 0 20 40 60 80 100

Source: ABS (2017)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 15 Employment

Industry

Mining The Agriculture, Within the Central Highlands forestry & fishing sector workforce, the Mining sector experienced the largest comprises the largest increase in jobs from number of employees 2011 to 2016

The following graphs illustrate the profile of employed people whose place of work is located within the Central Highlands. This includes residents and non-residents.

Employment by industry Change in jobs by industry sector, 2011 to 2016 The total employment estimate for the Central Highlands as at the 2016 Census is 17,019 jobs. The ‘Mining’ sector comprises Between the 2011 and 2016 Census periods, there was a net 6,079 jobs, followed by the ‘Agriculture, forestry & fishing’ decrease of 2,239 jobs in the Central Highlands. sector (1,791 jobs) and the ‘Retail trade’ sector (1,184 jobs).

Mining 6,079 Mining -564

Agriculture, Agriculture, 1,791 180 forestry & fishing forestry & fishing

Retail trade 1,184 Retail trade -54

Education & Education & 1,132 140 training training

Accommodation & Accommodation & food services 1,010 food services -125

Construction 971 Construction -1,112

Health care & Health care & 768 18 social assistance social assistance

Other services 660 Other services -120

Transport, postal & Transport, postal & -130 warehousing 627 warehousing

Public administration Public administration 602 & safety & safety -5

Administrative & Administrative & support services 469 support services 16

Professional, scientific Professional, scientific -118 & technical services 374 & technical services

Wholesale trade 342 Wholesale trade -97

Manufacturing 325 Manufacturing -258

Rental, hiring & Rental, hiring & real estate services 268 real estate services -20

Electricity, gas, water Electricity, gas, water & waste services 144 & waste services 31

Financial & insurance Financial & insurance -32 services 126 services

Arts & recreation Arts & recreation services 84 services 10

Information media & Information media & 63 1 telecommunication Jobs telecommunication Jobs

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 -1,200 -1,000 -800 -600 -400 -200 0 200

Source: ABS (2017) Source: ABS (2017)

16 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Employment

Industry

17,019 Mining The Central Highlands has a is the largest employer of both total workforce of 17,019, with the resident (22.2%) and 67.3% of workers residing locally non-resident (63.6%) workforce

Industry Sector Total jobs Resident workforce Non-resident workforce

% Change % Change % Change No. from 2011 No. from 2011 No. from 2011

Agriculture, forestry & fishing 1,791 11.2% 1,530 7.4% 261 40.0%

Mining 6,079 -8.5% 2,545 -24.3% 3,534 7.7%

Manufacturing 325 -44.3% 204 -49.4% 121 -32.8%

Electricity, gas, water & waste services 144 27.4% 121 32.7% 23 5.6%

Construction 971 -53.4% 613 -37.3% 358 -67.6%

Wholesale trade 342 -22.1% 266 -20.7% 76 -26.5%

Retail trade 1,184 -4.4% 1,073 2.0% 111 -40.4%

Accommodation & food services 1,010 -11.0% 831 -7.3% 179 -25.0%

Transport, postal & warehousing 627 -17.2% 500 -11.6% 127 -33.7%

Information media & telecommunications 63 1.6% 39 -28.1% 24 221.6%

Financial & insurance services 126 -20.3% 104 -27.1% 22 40.7%

Rental, hiring & real estate services 268 -6.9% 203 -18.2% 65 62.6%

Professional, scientific & technical services 374 -24.0% 299 -24.5% 75 -22.0%

Administrative & support services 469 3.5% 320 4.2% 149 2.1%

Public administration & safety 602 -0.8% 522 -0.8% 80 -0.7%

Education & training 1,132 14.1% 1,023 11.6% 109 44.9%

Health care & social assistance 768 2.4% 667 3.0% 101 -1.6%

Arts & recreation services 84 13.5% 66 7.6% 18 43.2%

Other services 660 -15.4% 535 -7.8% 125 -37.3%

Total 17,019 -11.6% 11,461 -11.8% 5,558 -11.4%

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 17 Employment

Occupation

The Central Highlands 4.4% workforce is dominated by The unemployment rate has Machinery Operators and increased from 2.4% in 2009 Drivers and Technicians and to 4.4% in 2018 Trades Workers

Unemployment rate

The unemployment rate in the Central Highlands in 2018 was 4.4%. From 2009 to 2018, the unemployment rate in the Central Highlands has ranged from a low of 2.4% in 2009 to a peak of 5.0% in 2015.

Central Highlands Central Queensland SA4 Queensland

8.0%

7.0%

6.0%

5.0%

4.0%

3.0%

2.0%

1.0%

0 Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019); ABS (2019b)

Occupation

Compared to the Central Queensland SA4 and State averages, the Central Highlands has a higher proportion of ‘Technicians and Trades Workers’ and ‘Machinery Operators and Drivers’.

Work in the Central Highlands Work in Central Queensland SA4 Work in Queensland

% of workers 30

25 24.5% 21.0%

20 20.3% 18.3%

15 14.6% 14.2% 13.7% 12.5% 12.2% 12.1% 12.1% 11.7% 12.0% 11.3% 10.5% 10.2% 10.1% 10.1% 10 9.9% 9.0% 8.7% 6.8% 6.4% 5.9% 5 0.8% 0.8% 0 0.6% Managers Professionals Technicians & Community & Clerical & Sales workers Machinery Labourers Not stated/ trade workers personal administrative operators & inadequately service workers drivers described

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

18 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Employment

Age and qualifications

25–44 yrs Workers in the Central Highlands are predominantly in the 25 to 44 year age group

Age Qualifications

The workforce age profile for the Central Highlands Workers in the Central Highlands have a lower representation shows a higher proportion of workers in the 25 to 44 of graduate qualifications (Bachelor Degree and higher) year age group compared to the Central Queensland SA4 when compared to the Central Queensland SA4 and State and State benchmarks. averages. A higher proportion of workers have Certificate or No Qualifications in comparison to these benchmark areas. Work in the Central Highlands Work in the Central Highlands Work in Central Queensland SA4 Work in Central Queensland SA4 Work in Queensland Work in Queensland

4.7% 1.2% Postgraduate 15–19 6.4% 2.2% Degree 5.9% 5.0%

8.4% Graduate 0.9% Diploma and 20–24 9.1% 1.8% Graduate 9.7% Certificate 2.5%

24.1% 10.2% Bachelor 25–34 21.4% 12.4% Degree 21.8% 18.1%

25.0% 6.6% Advanced 35–44 21.8% Diploma and 8.3% Diploma 22.0% 11.0%

22.1% 36.7% 45–54 22.7% Certificate 32.5% 21.9% 26.4%

13.1% 42.6% No 55–64 15.4% 40.5% qualifications 14.9% 34.6% % of workers 0 10 20 30 40 50 2.3% 65–74 2.9% Source: REMPLAN (2019) 3.5%

0.2 Over 0.4% 0.4% % of workers 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 19 Employment

Method of travel to work

67.3% 65.9% of the population of workers travel by car live and work to work in the region

Breakdown of the Central Highlands’ workforce

Of the 17,019 jobs in the Central Highlands, 11,461 workers (67.3%) also live in the region. Approximately 32.7% of workers (5,558 workers) in the Central Highlands live outside of the region. This is significantly higher than Central Queensland SA4 (12.8%) and is indicative of the large proportion of non-resident workers in the region.

Central Highlands Central Queensland SA4

Work and 67.3% live in region 87.2%

Work in region, 32.7% live elsewhere 12.8% % of workers

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Method of travel to work

Over 98.7% of the Central Highlands’ workforce use the following methods to travel to work. Approximately 65.9% of workers travel by car (either as driver or passenger), 6.2% work from home and 5.6% of workers use the bus.

(One method) 10,185 Car, as driver

Did not 2,321 go to work

Worked at home 1,047

(One method) 1,023 Car, as passenger

(One method) 954 Bus

(One method) 781 Walked only

(One method) 171 Other

(One method) 113 Truck

(Two methods) Bus and car 107 as driver

(Two methods) 96 Car and other Jobs 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

20 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Industry

Output

$8.419 bn 59.9% Output generated Mining contributes 59.9% of total output in the Central Highlands

Output

Output data represents the gross revenue generated by Mining $5,046.981 businesses/organisations in each of the industry sectors in Agriculture, $520.966* a defined region. forestry & fishing

The output generated by the Central Highlands’ regional Construction $490.302 economy is estimated at $8.419 billion. Rental, hiring & $474.416 The 2016–17 Agribusiness Snapshot identifies that the Central real estate services Highlands conservatively delivered approximately $839 million Manufacturing $300.006 in agricultural value (ACIL Allen based on ABS, 2016–17). Due Transport, postal & $207.189 to the problematic nature of data collected for agriculture warehousing in the region, CHDC commissions an annual comprehensive Accommodation & $173.494 Agribusiness Regional Stocktake which provides accurate food services

information on production and business data trends across Education & $152.760 key agricultural commodities for the Central Highlands, and is training

available from the CHDC website. Retail trade $138.990

Administrative & $133.459 support services

Wholesale trade $132.216

Public administration $116.290 & safety

Electricity, gas, water $101.647 & waste services

Health care & $99.031 social assistance

Other services $98.907

Professional, scientific $98.560 & technical services

Financial & insurance $89.871 services

Information media & $31.188 telecommunication

Arts & recreation $12.777 services Output ($m)

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

*See appendix (p. 45)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 21 Industry

Value-added

$3.777 bn 58.0% Total value-added Mining sector contributes 58.0% of total value-added for the Central Highlands

Value-added

Value-added data represents the marginal economic value Mining $2,190.264 that is added by each industry sector in a defined region. Rental, hiring & $298.567 Value-added can be calculated by subtracting local real estate services

expenditure and expenditure on regional imports from the Agriculture, $202.060 output generated by an industry sector, or alternatively, by forestry & fishing adding the Wages & Salaries paid to local employees, the Construction $163.440 gross operating surplus and taxes on products and production. Education & Value-added by industry sector is the major element in the $111.658 training calculation of Gross Regional Product. Transport, postal & $91.284 The total value-added by the Central Highlands’ regional warehousing

economy is estimated at $3.777 billion. Retail trade $84.371

Administrative & $77.528 support services

Public administration $74.930 & safety

Accommodation & $69.224 food services

Financial & insurance $67.842 services

Health care & $67.831 social assistance

Wholesale trade $66.709

Manufacturing $53.911

Electricity, gas, water $49.066 & waste services

Professional, scientific $46.856 & technical services

Other services $43.851

Information media & $12.795 telecommunication

Arts & recreation $4.886 services Value-added ($m)

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

22 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Industry

Local expenditure and regional exports

$1.436 bn $5.706 bn Total local expenditure Total regional export

Local expenditure Regional exports

Local Expenditure data represents the value of intermediate Regional Exports data represents the value of goods and goods and services purchased by local industry sectors within services exported outside of the region that have been the region. A high level of local expenditure on intermediate generated by industry sectors within the region. The following goods and services proportionate to total output is indicative graph depicts the contribution to total regional exports of well-developed local supply chains and also that any generated by each of the industry sectors ranked from highest expansion in this sector would typically deliver broad based to lowest. benefits for the region’s economy. The total regional export estimate for the Central Highlands is The total local expenditure estimate for the Central Highlands $5.706 billion. is $1.436 billion.

Mining $818.427 Mining $4,763.820

Agriculture, Agriculture, $144.289 $415.231 forestry & fishing forestry & fishing

Construction $132.075 Manufacturing $120.794

Rental, hiring & Manufacturing $61.631 $79.963 real estate services

Rental, hiring & $57.351 Construction $73.137 real estate services

Transport, postal & Accommodation & $33.848 $68.311 warehousing food services

Accommodation & Transport, postal & $21.570 $62.919 food services warehousing

Education & Wholesale trade $20.933 $39.237 training

Administrative & Administrative & $20.361 $20.243 support services support services

Electricity, gas, water Electricity, gas, water $18.511 $18.629 & waste services & waste services

Retail trade $17.940 Wholesale trade $17.232

Other services $16.934 Other services $10.292

Professional, scientific $16.484 Retail trade $5.706 & technical services

Public administration Professional, scientific $14.142 $3.830 & safety & technical services

Education & Financial & insurance $14.090 $2.135 training services

Health care & Information media & $11.899 $1.890 social assistance telecommunication

Financial & insurance Health care & $6.125 $1.229 services social assistance

Information media & Public administration $5.953 $1.043 telecommunication & safety

Arts & recreation Arts & recreation $2.951 $0.475 services Local expenditure ($m) services Regional exports ($m)

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000

Source: REMPLAN (2019) Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 23 Industry

Regional imports and key industry drivers

$3.206 bn Top 5 Total regional imports Key drivers in terms of regional exports, employment, value-added and local expenditure on goods and services are: Mining, livestock, grains & other agriculture, accommodation & food services, retail trade, education & training

Regional imports Key industry drivers

Regional Imports data represents the value of goods and Taking into consideration potential import replacement services imported into the Central Highlands by businesses/ opportunities as well as current contributions to the regional organisations in each of the industry sectors. Another way of economy in terms of employment, value-added and local defining imports is as an outflow of money from the Central expenditure on goods and services (backward linkages), key Highlands. The following graph depicts the contribution to total industry sectors have been identified. In order to understand regional imports generated by each of the industry sectors the contributions of industry sectors in more detail, the general ranked from highest to lowest. 19 industry sector classification has been broken down to the 45 industry sub-sector level. The following key industry The total regional imports estimate for the Central Highlands is sub-sectors have been identified as the key drivers of the $3.206 billion. Central Highlands region’s economy:

Mining $2,038.290 • Mining

Construction $194.787 • Livestock, Grains & Other Agriculture • Accommodation & Food Services Manufacturing $184.463 • Retail Trade Agriculture, $174.617 forestry & fishing • Education & Training Rental, hiring & $118.498 real estate services

Accommodation & $82.699 food services

Transport, postal & $82.056 warehousing

Wholesale trade $44.574

Other services $38.122

Retail trade $36.679

Administrative & $35.570 support services

Professional, scientific $35.220 & technical services

Electricity, gas, water $34.069 & waste services

Public administration $27.218 & safety

Education & $27.012 training

Health care & $19.301 social assistance

Financial & insurance $15.904 services

Information media & $12.440 telecommunication

Arts & recreation $4.940 services Regional imports ($m)

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

24 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Industry

Key industry drivers

17,019 Total jobs estimate for the Central Highlands

Employment data refers to employed people whose place of work is located within the Central Highlands, which includes residents and non-residents. It is based on the ABS 2016 Census Place of Work data.

Employment

Employment is a key social outcome of economic development; employment data represents the number of people employed by businesses/ organisations in each of the industry sectors in the Central Highlands. The total employment estimate for the Central Highlands is 17,019 jobs. The key industries contribute 10,859 jobs or 63.8% of total jobs in the Central Highlands.

9.8% Livestock, grains & other agriculture (1,662)

Mining (5,871)

Retail trade (1,184) 36.2% Accommodation & Food Services (1,010)

Education & training (1,132) 34.5% Other (6,160)

Source: REMPLAN (2019) 5.9%

6.7% Regional Exports 7.0% Regional Exports represents the value of goods and services exported outside of the Central Highlands region that have been generated by local businesses/organisations. Another way of defining exports is as an inflow of money into the region.

The total regional export estimate for the region is $5.706 billion. The selected sectors contribute $5.265 billion (92.3%) of total regional exports. 0.7% 1.2% 7.0% 0.1% Livestock, grains & other agriculture ($398.52 million)

Mining ($4,753.62 million) 7.7% Retail trade ($5.71 million)

Accommodation & Food Services ($68.31 million)

Education & training ($39.24 million)

Other ($440.72 million)

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

83.3%

Central Highlands Development Corporation 25 Industry

Key industry drivers

$111.66 m $813.163 m Education & training Mining is the highest contributor contribution of total in terms of local expenditure value-added (45 industry sector level)

Value-added

The total value-added estimate for the Central Highlands is $3.777 billion. The selected sectors contribute $2.614 billion (69.2%) of total value-added.

4.8% Livestock, grains & other agriculture ($181.21 million)

Mining ($2,168.02 million) 30.8% Retail trade ($84.37 million)

Accommodation & Food Services ($69.22 million)

Education & training ($111.66 million)

Other ($1,162.59 million) 1.8% Source: REMPLAN (2019) 3.0% 57.4%

2.2% Local expenditure

The following graph shows the value of intermediate goods and services purchased by industry sectors within the Central Highlands. The total local expenditure estimate for the Central Highlands is $1.436 billion. The selected sectors contribute $994.424 million (69.3%) of total local expenditure.

8.9% Livestock, grains & other agriculture ($127.66 million)

Mining ($813.16 million) 30.7% Retail trade ($17.94 million)

Accommodation & Food Services ($21.57 million)

Education & training ($14.09 million)

Other ($441.09 million)

Source: REMPLAN (2019) 1.0%

1.5% 56.7%

The industry sectors may not necessarily make the largest contributions to 1.3% the region’s economy at present, however due to well-developed local supply chains these sectors have a significant capacity to deliver broad based economic benefits for the region.

26 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Industry

Summary indicators and gap analysis

21.5% $3.929 bn $2.944 bn The Central Highlands GRP for the Total imports by industry accounts for 21.5% of the Central Highlands region sectors Central Queensland SA4 GRP

Indicator GRP Output Value-added Regional exports Regional imports ($m) ($m) ($m) ($m) ($m)

Central Highlands $3,929.301 $8,419.049 $3,777.075 $5,706.115 $3,206.459

Central Queensland SA4 $18,234.285 $41,109.946 $17,175.415 $17,662.483 $12,175.192

Queensland $348,969.000 $705,670.707 $325,534.292 $109,808.957 $104,900.706

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

The Central Highlands accounts for: Domestic imports – demand (from rest of Australia) ($m)

• 21.5% of Central Queensland SA4 and 1.1% of Queensland’s Mining $2,033.183 GRP

• 20.5% of Central Queensland SA4 and 1.2% of Queensland’s Construction $178.303

output Agriculture, $170.652 forestry & fishing • 22.0% of Central Queensland SA4 and 1.2% of Queensland’s Rental, hiring & $101.187 value-added real estate services

Transport, postal & $71.130 • 32.3% of Central Queensland SA4 and 5.2% of Queensland’s warehousing regional exports Manufacturing $59.823 • 26.3% of Central Queensland SA4 and 3.1% of Queensland’s regional imports. Wholesale trade $44.143

Accommodation & $43.479 Import Replacement Opportunities food services Other services $37.613 Imports reflect demand in the area’s economy for goods and

services not supplied locally and therefore represent ‘Gaps’ Retail trade $36.679 in local supply chains. Imports from the rest of Australia may Electricity, gas, water $34.007 indicate opportunities for import replacement, increased & waste services value-adding and supply chain development. Supply of these Administrative & $31.588 goods and services is currently feasible in the Australian support services

context and may provide a guide to realistic, high value Professional, scientific $30.434 strategic opportunities to further develop the local economy. & technical services The total replacement of imports with local production is Public administration $27.213 improbable however it may be possible to capture a proportion & safety Education & of this escape expenditure. $26.848 training

Total imports by industry sectors in the Central Highlands from Health care & $18.652 the rest of Australia are estimated at $2.944 billion. social assistance Financial & insurance $14.550 services

Information media & $9.666 telecommunication

Arts & recreation $4.406 services Value of domestic imports ($m)

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 27 Industry

Gap analysis

$473.615m $285.454m Exploration & Mining Support Professional, Scientific & Services have the largest imports Technical Services in imports from the ‘rest of Australia’ from the ‘rest of Australia’

External Industry What are the selected local demand sector(s) importing from rest of Australia? ($m)

Sectors Supplying Exploration & mining support services $473.615

to the Region Professional, scientific & technical services $285.454 In order to identify potential Financial & insurance services $268.102 gaps within the region, Technical equipment & appliance manufacturing $176.353 REMPLAN data has been Petroleum & coal product manufacturing $166.629 applied at the 45 industry Transport support services & storage $145.701 sector level. The local Metal & metal product manufacturing $140.751 industry sectors import a Wholesale trade $130.653 total of $2.944 billion of Transport $130.596 goods and services from the Construction services $110.722 rest of Australia, conversely Construction $104.034 industry sectors in the rest Property services $79.971 of Australia supply $2.944 Accommodation & food services $79.810 billion of goods and services Mining $71.816 to the local industries as part Electricity $68.887 of the process of production. Repair, maintenance & other services $63.419 Public admin., regulatory services, order & safety $55.932

Information media & telecommunication $48.957 Basic chemical, cleaning & polymer manufacturing $42.300

Transport equipment & parts manufacturing $38.636

Retail trade $38.290

Food product manufacturing $37.368

Livestock, grains & other agriculture $28.625

Administrative & support services $21.612

Apparel manufacturing $21.104

Non-metallic mineral product manufacturing $21.101

Saw mill, wood & paper product manufacturing $15.494

Pharmaceutical product manufacturing $15.274

Gas, water & waste services $10.200

Sports, recreation & gambling $9.285

Printing (incl. the reproduction of recorded media) $8.727

Education & training $8.558

Postal & courier pick-up & delivery service $8.172

Beverage product manufacturing $5.241

Agriculture, forestry & fishing support services $3.295

Forestry, fishing & hunting $2.680

Furniture manufacturing $1.919

Other manufactured products $1.578

Heritage, creative & performing arts $0.938

Aquaculture $0.765

Personal services $0.733

Defence $0.131

Residential care & social assistance services $0.128

Rental & hiring services (except real estate) $0.000 Health care services $0.000 ($m)

0 100 200 300 400 500 Source: REMPLAN (2019)

28 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Industry

Major projects

The 2018 Development $5.9 bn $50.5 bn Register profiles $7.1bn Mining investment projects account Current total project investment, of projects in progress for $5.9 billion of total investment including projects of significance in the region projects in the Central Highlands outside of the Central Highlands region

Category Not started ($m) In progress ($m) Completed ($m) Total ($m)

Community Infrastructure $5.18 $6.87 $19.88 $31.93

Retail Construction — — — —

Industrial Construction $18.50 $15.20 — $33.70

Residential Construction — $37.95 — $37.95

Workforce Accommodation Construction — — — —

Road — $55.10 $27.60 $82.70

Flood Restoration and Mitigation $5.00 — $3.60 $8.60

Tourism — — $0.59 $0.59

Mining $5,824.00 — $46.00 $5,870.00

Energy $500.00 $415.00 — $915.00

Water and Sewerage $3.00 $117.00 $6.79 $126.79

CH Subtotal $6,355.68 $647.12 $104.46 $7,107.27

Rail (outside the Central Highlands) — $2,200.00 — $2,200.00

Mining (outside the Central Highlands) $38,349.00 $1,900.00 — $40,249.00

Energy (outside the Central Highlands) $900.00 — — $900.00

Outside CH Subtotal $39,249.00 $4,100.00 — $43,349.00

Grand total $45,604.68 $4,747.12 $104.46 $50,456.27

Source: CHDC (2018)

Based on available information, there is currently $7.1 billion in known major project investment currently underway or planned for short term development in the Central Highlands.

Moreover, known projects of significance that are located outside of the Central Highlands region that will still have substantial economic benefits to the region approximate $43.3 billion.

Central Highlands Development Corporation 29 Housing

Building approvals

70.8% 47% Separate house approvals have accounted The value of non-residential approvals has for approximately 70.8% of total dwelling generally accounted for approximately approvals from 2007–08 to 2017–18 47% of the total value of building approvals

Number of dwelling approvals

There were 22 new dwelling approvals in 2017–18, an increase of 5 dwellings over the previous 12 months, comprising 22 houses and no “other” (unit) dwellings. Dwelling approvals peaked in 2012–13 at 422 approvals. Since then the volume of approvals have experienced a significant decrease caused by trends in global mineral prices that affected the economy of the Central Highlands. Over the 10 year period from 2007–08 to 2017–18, separate house approvals have accounted for approximately 70.8% of total dwelling approvals. The highest levels of unit approvals occurred in 2011–12 (46% of total approvals).

Houses Other

500

171 400 75 158 300 65 285

200 251 50 47 34 198 186 155 100 146 149

2 11 17 22 0 37 Year 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18

Source: ABS (2019c)

Value of building approvals

The total value of building approvals during 2017–18 is $18.4 million. The value of residential building approvals peaked in 2012–13 at $235.9 million. The value of ‘non-residential’ approvals has generally accounted for approximately 47% of the value of total building approvals.

Residential Non-residential

$250m 119.3

$200m 92.7 98.7 $150m

32.9 $100m 116.7 38.2 19.8 14.9 88.9 84.6 38.5 $50m 65.7 5.8 51.6 50.0 55.5 14.9 8.6 3.7 9.8 6.4 0 17.7 Year 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18

Source: ABS (2019c)

30 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Housing

Residential lot approvals

50+ lots 580 Before 2015, larger projects of more Lots were approved between than 50 lots have generally accounted 2011 and 2013 for the majority of approvals

Between 2008 and 2018 the highest number of annual approvals occurred in 2008 at 879, with 80% of the lot approvals being in larger projects of more than 50 lots. Due to the fall in global mineral prices, the housing market has slowed in the Central Highlands leading to no new lot approvals from 2016.

Lot approvals

Year ending June <10 11–20 21–50 >50 Total

2008 50 41 81 707 879

2009 26 0 27 80 133

2010 10 20 22 0 52

2011 9 36 24 69 138

2012 44 0 0 182 226

2013 25 0 29 162 216

2014 24 16 0 94 134

2015 1 0 0 0 1

2016 0 0 0 0 0

2017 0 0 0 0 0

2018 0 0 0 0 0

Source: QGSO (2019)

Lot approvals by project size

<10 11–20 21–50 >50

1,000

900

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0 Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: QGSO (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 31 Housing

Lot registrations

443 4 Number of lot registrations 2018 saw the lowest number of peaked in 2012 with 443 lot registrations, with only 4 total registrations lot registrations recorded

Lot registrations is the final stage of development of new lots. There is generally a time lag between lots being approved and lots being registered. The total number of lot registrations in the Central Highlands has decreased between 2017 and 2018. Since 2014, the volume of registrations has significantly declined.

Lot approvals

Standard residential lot registrations

Year ending Urbana Urbana Total standard Unit & Total lot September (60m2 to <2,500m2) (2,500m2 to 5 ha) lots townhouse lotsb registrations

2008 261 19 280 25 305

2009 135 11 146 52 198

2010 99 21 120 59 179

2011 155 6 161 62 223

2012 294 45 339 104 443

2013 285 14 299 124 423

2014 183 24 207 86 293

2015 5 6 11 0 11

2016 1 7 8 0 8

2017 13 25 38 2 40

2018 2 2 4 0 4

a Lots on a standard format plan intended for detached dwellings, including lots intended for detached dwellings in a community title scheme. b Lots on a building format plan or standard format plan that represent attached dwellings within a community title scheme.

Source: QGSO (2019)

Urban lots (60m2 to <2,500m2) have consistently accounted for the majority of standard residential lot registrations from 2008 to 2018. Unit & Townhouse lot registrations have on average represented 24.2% of residential lot registrations.

32 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Housing

New lot sales and median price

85 $70,000 Total number of lot sales Median price for vacant land peaked in 2014 with was $70,000 in 2018 85 sales

New lot sales 100

There were a total of 38 new lot sales in the 80 year to September 2018 within the Central 20 Highlands, of which 71% were vacant land

sales. Vacant land sales have traditionally 60 accounted for the majority of new lot 65 sales within the region, with house and 40 land package lots generally accounting for 19 approximately 31.5% of sales. 11 20 5 Vacant land House & land package 27 22 14 7 0 7 Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: QGSO (2019)

$400,000 Median price $350,000 The median sales price of vacant land has $300,000 been decreasing since 2014. The median value of packaged house and land sales has also $250,000 decreased since 2014. $200,000 Vacant land House & land package $150,000

$100,000

$50,000

$0 Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: QGSO (2019)

New lot sales (140m2 to 2,500m2) Median sales price Median $/m2 Year ending September Vacant landa House & land packageb Total sales Vacant landa House & land packageb Vacant landa

2014 65 20 85 $157,500 $380,000 $187

2015 14 5 19 $120,000 N/A $166

2016 7 7 14 N/A N/A N/A

2017 22 19 41 $66,500 $148,000 $95

2018 27 11 38 $70,000 $140,000 $96

a May include resales of vacant land. Excludes intermediate vacant land transactions relating to developer house and land package sales. b Includes lots as a component of a developer house and land package in addition to subdivided lots containing an existing dwelling.

Source: QGSO (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 33 Housing

Dwelling sales and median price

$185,000 382 Median sales price for the year ending Dwelling sales peaked in the September 2018 for detached houses was year ending September 2018, $185,000 and $170,000 for units and townhouses with a total of 382 sales

Dwelling sales 400 35 43 There were a total of 382 new and established detached and attached dwelling sales in the 347 300 year to September 2018 within the Central 325 Highlands, of which 91% were detached house sales. Detached housing sales have 28 19 200 42 accounted for the majority of dwelling sales 205 activity within the region, accounting for 191 approximately 88% of all dwelling sales over 155 100 the last five years.

Detached houses 0 Year Units and townhouses 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: QGSO (2019)

$400,000 Median price $350,000 Both the detached and attached dwelling $300,000 markets experienced a peak in median sales price in 2014, at $350,000 and $320,000, $250,000 respectively. While the median sales price $200,000 for both detached and attached dwelling markets have been in a state of decline, the $150,000 year to September 2018 saw prices increase $100,000 to 2016 levels. $50,000 Detached houses $0 Year Units and townhouses 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: QGSO (2019)

Number of dwelling sales Median sales price Year ending September Detached houses Units and townhouses Total sales Detached houses Units and townhouses

2014 191 28 219 $350,000 $320,000

2015 205 19 224 $215,000 $200,000

2016 155 42 197 $180,000 $175,000

2017 325 43 368 $165,000 $130,000

2018 347 35 382 $185,000 $170,000

Source: QGSO (2019)

34 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Housing

Median weekly rent

↑25.5% Three bedroom townhouses experienced the largest increase in median weekly rent of 25.5% from December 2017 to December 2018

Regional data has been sourced from the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority for median rental data from the June Quarter 2014 to December Quarter 2018 for:

• Units/Flats – two and three bedroom

• Houses – three and four bedroom, and

• Townhouses – three bedroom.

After a period of decline from June 2014 to June 2017, median rents in the Central Highlands started to steadily increase from December 2017.

Two bed units/flats Three bed units/flats Three bed houses Four bed houses Three bed townhouses

$400

$350

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0 Year Jun ’14 Dec ’14 Jun ’15 Dec ’15 Jun ’16 Dec ’16 Jun ’17 Dec ’17 Jun ’18 Dec ’18

Jun ’14 Dec ’14 Jun ’15 Dec ’15 Jun ’16 Dec ’16 Jun ’17 Dec ’17 Jun ’18 Dec ’18 Two bed Central Highlands $220 $190 $190 $175 $180 $165 $165 $185 $180 $200 units/flats Rockhampton $240 $230 $230 $220 $200 $200 $195 $200 $210 $210 Gladstone $280 $250 $240 $200 $160 $130 $130 $140 $150 $170

Three bed Central Highlands $275 $240 $220 $220 $220 $200 $250 $250 $250 $260 units/flats Rockhampton $295 $290 $285 $265 $275 $260 $260 $270 $262.50 $270 Gladstone $350 $320 $300 $275 $230 $180 $190 $190 $210 $220

Three bed Central Highlands $270 $250 $220 $200 $200 $200 $210 $220 — $250 houses Rockhampton $300 $295 $290 $290 $280 $278 $270 $270 — $280 Gladstone $330 $300 $300 $260 $220 $180 $190 $190 — $220

Four bed Central Highlands $350 $325 $300 $300 $300 $300 $300 $300 $350 $350 houses Rockhampton $380 $370 $380 $380 $360 $350 $350 $340 $370 $380 Gladstone $400 $390 $380 $320 $260 $235 $240 $240 $260 $270

Three bed Central Highlands $320 $270 $270 $250 $250 $250 — $235 — $295 townhouses Rockhampton N/A $345 $120 $300 $340 $280 $290 $300 $330 $330 Gladstone $360 $360 $325 $280 $215 $180 $200 $190 $210 $215

Source: RTA (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 35 Tourism

Output

$235.556m 69.3% Tourism total output Accommodation & food services sector contributes 69.3% of total tourism related output

Tourism is not identified as a separate industry sector in the National Accounts data, instead tourism is an amalgam of activities across various industry sectors such as retail, accommodation, cafés & restaurants, and cultural & recreational services. The Tourism Module in REMPLAN estimates the total value of tourism for the local economy.

Tourism output Output attributable to tourism

The estimated output generated by tourism for each industry Tourism output has been estimated to be $235.556 million. sector has been deducted and consolidated into a separate The following graph shows the gross revenue generated by tourism sector. The Central Highlands’ total output estimate is businesses and organisations in the Central Highlands to $8.419 billion, with Tourism contributing $235.556 million. service demand generated by tourists to the area.

Output (with separate Tourism sector)

Accommodation & Mining $5,046.981 $163.275 food services

Agriculture, Transport, postal & $520.081 $20.036 forestry & fishing warehousing

Ownership of Construction $490.302 $19.012 dwellings

Manufacturing $296.194 Retail trade $13.832

Ownership of $288.245 Manufacturing $3.812 dwellings

Tourism $235.556 Wholesale trade $3.221

Transport, postal & Education & $187.153 $3.042 warehousing training

Rental, hiring & Arts & recreation $164.994 $2.602 real estate services services

Education & Rental, hiring & $149.718 $2.165 training real estate services

Administrative & Administrative & $131.979 $1.662 support services support services

Wholesale trade $128.995 Other services $1.006

Agriculture, Retail trade $125.158 $0.885 forestry & fishing

Public administration Information media & $116.290 $0.519 & safety telecommunication

Electricity, gas, water Health care & $101.647 $0.487 & waste services social assistance $m Professional, scientific $98.560 0 50 100 150 200 & technical services Source: REMPLAN (2019) Health care & social assistance $98.544

Other services $97.901

Financial & insurance services $89.871

Information media & telecommunication $30.669

Accommodation & food services $10.219

Arts & recreation $10.175 services $m

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 Source: REMPLAN (2019)

36 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Tourism

Employment

7.1% 78.8% Tourism sector contributes Accommodation & food services 7.1% to total Central sector contributes 78.8% to total Highlands’ employment tourism related employment

Tourism employment Employment attributable to tourism

The employment generated to service demand from visitors The total tourism related employment estimate for the Central for each industry sector has been estimated through applying Highlands is 1,207 jobs. The following graph shows the number industry profiles from the Australian Bureau of Statistics of jobs in each industry sector in the region which service Tourism Satellite Account and consolidated into a separate demand generated by tourists to the area. tourism sector. Tourism is estimated to account for 1,207 jobs (7.1%) of the total 17,019 jobs in the Central Highlands.

Employment (with separate Tourism sector)

Accommodation & Mining 6,079 951 food services

Agriculture, 1,788 Retail trade 118 forestry & fishing

Transport, postal & Tourism 1,207 61 warehousing

Education & Education & 1,109 23 training training

Arts & recreation Retail trade 1,066 17 services

Construction 971 Wholesale trade 8

Health care & 764 Other services 7 social assistance

Administrative & Other services 653 6 support services

Public administration 602 Manufacturing 4 & safety

Transport, postal & Health care & 566 4 warehousing social assistance

Administrative & Agriculture, 463 3 support services forestry & fishing

Professional, scientific Rental, hiring & 374 3 & technical services real estate services

Information media & Wholesale trade 334 1 telecommunication

Ownership of Manufacturing 321 1 dwellings Jobs Rental, hiring & 256 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 real estate services Source: REMPLAN (2019) Electricity, gas, water 144 & waste services

Financial & insurance services 126

Arts & recreation services 67

Information media & telecommunication 62

Accommodation & food services 59

Ownership of 8 dwellings Jobs

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 37 Tourism

Distribution of tourist dollar and visitor profile

The average length of Average spend per trip $0.69/$1 stay of domestic overnight for domestic overnight For each dollar spent by a tourist in the Central visitors is 4 nights while visitors is $449 while Highlands, it is estimated that typically $0.69 is international visitors is international visitors spent on accommodation & food services 23 nights is $682

Distribution of tourist dollar

For each dollar spent by a tourist in the Central Highlands, it is estimated that typically $0.69 is spent on ‘Accommodation & Food Services’, $0.09 is spent on ‘Transport, Postal & Warehousing’, and $0.06 is spent on ‘Retail Trade’.

Accommodation & $0.69 food services Transport, postal & $0.09 warehousing Ownership of $0.08 dwellings

Retail trade $0.06

Manufacturing $0.02

Wholesale trade $0.01

Education & training $0.01

Arts & recreation $0.01 services Rental, hiring & $0.01 real estate services Administrative & $0.01 support services

0 $0.20 $0.40 $0.60 $0.80

Source: REMPLAN (2019)

Visitor profile Average length of stay

The visitor profile provides data for the Central The following data has been sourced from Tourism Research Australia, Local Highlands for a four year average to 2017. Government Area Profile, 2017 for the Central Highlands. Within the Central Highlands, the average length of stay for international visitors is 23 nights, Visitors Nights while the average length of stay of domestic overnight visitors is 4 nights. Domestic day (‘000) 365 — Domestic overnight visitors spend an average of $449 per trip and $115 per night, compared to $682 and $30, respectively for international visitors. Domestic overnight (‘000) 315 1,232 Domestic International (‘000) 8 194 Domestic day overnight International Source: TRA (2018) Average stay (nights) — 4 23

Average spend per trip $174 $449 $682

Average spend per night — $115 $30

Source: TRA (2018)

38 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Tourism

Emerald Airport

Passengers through 204,073 Emerald Airport have Passengers through the typically peaked in the airport for the 2018–19 FY June/July period

Passengers

In 2018–19 there were a total of 204,073 passengers recorded through Emerald Airport. The number of passengers through Emerald Airport peaked in 2012–13 with a total of 310,640 passengers. While the number of passengers through the airport has been decreasing since 2012–13, this decrease has lessened, from -15% from 2012–13 to 2013–14 to -1% from 2017–18 to 2018–19.

2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000 Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Source: CHRC (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 39 Trends

Business activity

2,899 35% Businesses registered and of registered businesses are operating in the Central in the Agriculture, Forestry Highlands and Fishing sector

Business activity Change in businesses, 2016 to 2018

As at June 2018, there are 2,899 businesses operating in the Between 2016 and 2018, the number of registered businesses Central Highlands. The largest number of registered businesses in the Central Highlands has decreased by 41 businesses. are in the ‘Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing’ sector (1,011), The ‘Construction’ sector experienced the largest decline in followed by ‘Construction’ (385). business numbers (-20), followed by the ‘Manufacturing’ sector (-13). The ‘Financial and Insurance Services’ sector experienced the largest increase in business numbers from 2016 to 2018 (19).

Agriculture, Financial & insurance 1,011 19 forestry & fishing services

Administrative & Construction 385 13 support services

Rental, hiring & Agriculture, 286 6 real estate services forestry & fishing

Other services 197 Mining 6

Professional, scientific Health care & 137 5 & technical services social assistance

Financial & insurance Electricity, gas, water 129 2 services & waste services

Transport, postal & Arts & recreation 123 1 warehousing services

Information media & Retail trade 119 0 telecommunication

Administrative & 90 Not classified 0 support services

Accommodation & Rental, hiring & 84 -1 food services real estate services

Transport, postal & Manufacturing 73 -2 warehousing

Public administration Mining 65 -2 & safety

Health care & 63 Wholesale trade -3 social assistance

Wholesale trade 56 Other services -5

Education & Professional, scientific 27 -7 training & technical services

Accommodation & Not classified 20 -7 food services

Arts & recreation 15 Retail trade -11 services

Public administration Education & 9 -12 & safety training

Electricity, gas, water 7 Manufacturing -13 & waste services

Information media & 3 Construction -30 telecommunication Businesses Businesses

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20

Source: ABS (2019d) Source: ABS (2019d)

40 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Trends

Business activity

Owner/operator businesses account for $200,000 – $2m the highest proportion Businesses with a turnover of $200,000 to less of registered than $2 million account for the highest proportion businesses in the of Central Highlands’ registered businesses Central Highlands

Workforce size

Between 2016 and 2018, the largest change occurred for businesses that employ 200 or more staff, decreasing 100% from 3 in 2016 to no businesses in 2018. Businesses which do not employ any staff (i.e. owner/operator) account for the highest proportion (61.9%) of Central Highlands’ registered businesses.

2018 2017 2016

2,000

1,795 1,829 1,818

1,500

1,064 1,054 1,072 1,000

500

0 40 38 47 0 3 3 Owner/operator 1–19 staff 20–199 staff 200+ staff

Source: ABS (2019d)

Turnover

From 2016 to 2018, the largest change in businesses by turnover was for businesses turning over between $200,000 and $2 million, increasing from 1,161 in 2016 to 1,207 in 2018, an increase of 4.0%. The largest proportion of businesses by turnover is businesses turning over $200,000 to less than $2 million, accounting for 41.6% of Central Highlands’ businesses in 2018. The $50,000 to less than $200,000 range accounts for the second highest proportion of businesses (29.7%).

2018 2017 2016

1,500

1,200 1,207 1,168 1,161

900 921 860 877

663 647 600 634

300

129 162 142 45 37 46 0 24 17 23 $0 to less than $50k $50k to less than $200k $200k to less than $2m $2m to less than $5m $5m to less than $10m $10m or more

Source: ABS (2019c)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 41 Trends

Business registrations

41.2% 1.4% Registered businesses ↑ ↓ with turnover Number of businesses with turnover Total number of registered $200,000 to less than of $10 million or more increased by businesses in the Central Highlands $2m has grown 41.2% between 2017 and 2018 decreased by 1.4% from 2016 to 2018

Business registrations by industry

2016 2017 2018 No. % No. % No. % Agriculture 1,005 34.2% 1,029 35.2% 1,011 34.9% Mining 59 2.0% 59 2.0% 65 2.2% Manufacturing 86 2.9% 73 2.5% 73 2.5% Electricity, gas, water and waste services 5 0.2% 7 0.2% 7 0.2% Construction 415 14.1% 392 13.4% 385 13.3% Wholesale trade 59 2.0% 61 2.1% 56 1.9% Retail trade 130 4.4% 121 4.1% 119 4.1% Accommodation and food services 91 3.1% 84 2.9% 84 2.9% Transport, postal and warehousing 125 4.3% 132 4.5% 123 4.2% Information media and telecommunications 3 0.1% 3 0.1% 3 0.1% Financial and insurance services 110 3.7% 120 4.1% 129 4.4% Rental, hiring and real estate services 287 9.8% 290 9.9% 286 9.9% Professional, scientific and technical services 144 4.9% 137 4.7% 137 4.7% Administrative and support services 77 2.6% 78 2.7% 90 3.1% Public administration and safety 11 0.4% 8 0.3% 9 0.3% Education and training 39 1.3% 30 1.0% 27 0.9% Health care and social assistance 58 2.0% 60 2.1% 63 2.2% Arts and recreation services 14 0.5% 13 0.4% 15 0.5% Other services 202 6.9% 208 7.1% 197 6.8% Not classified 20 0.7% 19 0.6% 20 0.7% Total 2,940 100% 2,924 100% 2,899 100%

Source: ABS (2019d)

Business registrations by workforce size and turnover

2016 2017 2018 Change Workforce size No. % No. % No. % 2017–2018 Non-employing 1,818 61.8% 1,829 62.6% 1,795 61.9% -1.9% 1–19 staff 1,072 36.5% 1,054 36.0% 1,064 36.7% 0.9% 20–199 staff 47 1.6% 38 1.3% 40 1.4% 5.3% 200+ staff 3 0.1% 3 0.1% 0 0.0% -100.0% Total 2,940 100% 2,924 100% 2,899 100% -0.9% Turnover ranges Zero to less than $50k 647 22.0% 663 22.7% 634 21.9% -4.4% $50k to less than $200k 921 31.3% 877 30.0% 860 29.7% -1.9% $200k to less than $2m 1,161 39.5% 1,168 39.9% 1,207 41.6% 3.3% $2m to less than $5m 142 4.8% 162 5.5% 129 4.4% -20.4% $5m to less than $10m 46 1.6% 37 1.3% 45 1.6% 21.6% $10m or more 23 0.8% 17 0.6% 24 0.8% 41.2% Total 2,940 100% 2,924 100% 2,899 100% -0.9%

Source: ABS (2019d)

42 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Trends

Employment

4.4% Unemployment rate in the Central Highlands has remained steady from 2016 with 718 unemployed people

Labour force

The estimated number of people employed in the Central Highlands in 2018 is 15,472 people. Since 2009, the labour force has decreased by 2,056 people; the number of employed people has decreased by 2,337 people and the number of unemployed people has increased by 282 people.

Employed Unemployed Annual change

20,000

437 -615 -374 +57 -565 501 664 603 -523 +533 718 -190 799 860 -662 772 0 16,000 724 718

28,090

12,000

8,000

4,000

0 17,809 17,195 16,821 16,878 16,355 16,888 16,323 16,134 15,472 15,472 Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019)

Annual Employment Change

The annual change in the number of people employed within the Central Highlands peaked between 2013 and 2014 with a growth of 533 people employed. Between 2017 and 2018 the number of people employed in the Central Highlands has remained at 15,472 people.

Employed Unemployed Labour force Unemployment rate Job growth rate 2009 17,809 437 18,246 2.4% – 2010 17,195 501 17,695 2.8% -615 2011 16,821 664 17,485 3.8% -374 2012 16,878 603 17,480 3.4% 57 2013 16,355 799 17,154 4.7% -523 2014 16,888 718 17,606 4.1% 533 2015 16,323 860 17,183 5.0% -565 2016 16,134 772 16,906 4.6% -190 2017 15,472 724 16,196 4.5% -662 2018 15,472 718 16,190 4.4% 0

Source: Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019)

Central Highlands Development Corporation 43 Appendix

Agribusiness Regional Stocktake Baseline Data To Drive Growth

November 2018 – update

This report presents a snapshot of the Central Production Excellence Highlands’ agribusiness sector, showcases The Central Highlands outperforms its peers in terms of the opportunities in the Central Highlands agricultural area and agricultural GVP per capita. On the and can inform future analysis and policy contrary, the region shows less strength in the measures development. of agribusiness per capita and diversification performance. Recently, the region has also outperformed its peers in terms The Central Highlands delivers approximately $839 million in of growth. According to ABS data cumulative annual growth rate agricultural value (ACIL Allen based on ABS, 2016–17). Cattle on value per hectare of agricultural land has increased at a grazing is the largest agricultural activity generating $530 higher rate in the Central Highlands than in other comparable million. Cotton is another key driver of value. According to (refer Figure 1). official data, the value of production of wheat and sorghum is $39 million while pulses (chickpeas) have an economic value The Central Highlands is not the primary grain growing of $106 million. The region also boasts a thriving table grape region for Queensland, however, the natural soil fertility and sector ($17 million). Changes over the last two financial years ideal climate for growing a variety of summer and winter are summarised in Table 1 on page 47. The region continues crops provides producers with opportunities to diversify to perform strongly in agricultural production regardless of a their enterprise mix in order to spread the risk of a highly dryer than usual climate in recent times. variable climate. Producers utilise modern farming practices to maximise the return on investment of assets managed. The The Central Highlands Accelerate Agribusiness Strategic comparably lower land prices to the present a Advisory Group (CHAA) identified five key pillars that underpin good value proposition for long term investors in the region. their agribusiness development strategy:

• Production Excellence

• Connected, Competitive Supply Chains

• Revered Regional Brands

• Ready for Business, and

• Fearless Invention

The stocktake is constructed to explore the evidence base that underpins each of the five key pillars.

Figure 1 Value generated from a hectare of agricultural land – selected locations – growth per annum

Australia Central Highlands Darling Downs New England & NW

50%

40%

30%

20%

10% 11% 8% 5% 5% 0%

-10% Cumulative annual -20% 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 growth rate

Note: Increased value is driven by a combination of higher market prices and improved yields. From 2016–17, ABS data only includes data from businesses with an estimated value of agriculture operations of $40,000 and above. Prior years included all above $5,000. Non-ABS data on the value of citrus in the Central Highlands has been included in the calculations for 2015–16 and 2016–17 only. The value of citrus was derived as a proportion of total Queensland exports (90%). Source: Acil Allen based on Australian Bureau of Statistics

44 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Appendix

Connected Competitive Supply Chains The Emerald saleyards are important to the Australian cattle markets. Besides serving the State and national markets, Over 40 per cent of the inputs purchased by Central Highlands’ the region is an important primary exporter. ACIL Allen has agribusinesses are sourced from inside the region in 2017 estimated that the value of exports from the Central Highlands (REMPLAN). The remainder is mostly sourced from other would have amounted to approximately $800 million in regions and a small percentage comes from overseas. Most of 2016–17. Cattle exports (mainly beef) explains 46 per cent of these imports were of manufactured goods and professional this figure. India, Japan and China were the three top export and technical services, industries in which the Central markets for regional produce and explained almost half of the Highlands is seeking to grow and improve capability. total sales (Figure 2). Agricultural freight is predominantly moved by road as rail haulage is mostly composed of mining products and Revered Regional Brands agriculture is a secondary priority. The Federal Government A survey of members of the local community was conducted in confirmed an investment of $2.9 million in the Yamala mid-2018 (Central Highlands Development Corporation, 2018).2 intermodal rail freight hub which will connect the rail and the The aim of this research was to assist in building the regional Capricorn Highway and “provide better logistical options for brand by developing and refining communication strategies, 1 the farmers of this district”. The intermodal hub will be built materials, activities so as to create a ‘revered regional brand’ in conjunction with GrainCorp, the Central Highlands Regional (Central Highlands Development Corporation, 2018). Council and the Federal Government. The intermodal hub is designed to improve supply chain efficiency and incentivise a A total of 344 surveys were completed (143 online and 201 greater utilisation of rail. via telephone). The respondents were broadly categorised as ‘dedicated’ and ‘interested’ buyers. The respondents in the Despite the region being a strong performer in several ‘dedicated’ group (n=108) were those most likely to already be primary industries, a considerable amount of the processing buying local fresh food, whilst the ‘interested’ group (n=211) of the output of these industries is done outside the region. were willing to purchase local fresh food but currently do so to Indeed, the Central Highlands’ processing of primary products a lesser degree than the ‘dedicated’ group (Central Highlands include cotton gins, packing facilities and grain storage and Development Corporation, 2018). handling facilities where some initial processing of the grain is undertaken.

Figure 2 Central Highlands (R) – Exports in 2016–17 (E) by commodity (left) and by market (right) – in $ million

$400 $250 $374 $350

$200 $204 $300

$250 $238 $150

$200 $120

$100 $150 $87 $77 $100 $102 $61 $50 $38 $50 $55 $32 $16 $17 $18 $18 $0 $1 $1 $0 $0 $1 cut India Table crops crops China Japan Other Korea Cattle South States Cereal Cereal Cotton United United grapes Taiwan Melons Pasture Vietnam Pakistan Indonesia Mandarins Non-cereal Bangladesh

Source: Acil Allen based on Queensland Government Statician’s Office

1 The Hon Michael McCormack MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Leader of The Nationals Federal Member for Riverina – Press conference with Ken O’Dowd MP, Member for Flynn, Emerald, 18 November 2018.

2 Report is available at: https://chdc.com.au/media/2018/10/Community-attitudes-and-purchasing-behaviours-Oct18.pdf

Central Highlands Development Corporation 45 Appendix

Overall, only 24 per cent of the Central Highlands fresh food Under the Nogoa-Mackenzie Water Supply Scheme the region buyers were aware of branding that told them that they were has 232 GL of allocated water and is supported by the Fairbairn buying food grown in the Central Highlands – this increased Dam which is the second largest water storage in Queensland. to 36 per cent for those consumers segmented as ‘dedicated’ The scheme is competitively priced in comparison to other (Central Highlands Development Corporation, 2018). This is not regional schemes such as Burdekin, , Mareeba dissimilar to the results from the workshop in 2017 where few Dimbulah and St. George. The region has approximately two brands (6) were mentioned three or more times and only two million hectares of strategic cropping land (i.e. land with high actually were mentioned more than three times. agriculture potential). The region boasts one of the lowest average farm land rental prices in the country. The availability Further work needs to be done to improve awareness of local of irrigation, large endowment of strategic cropping land and produce, awareness of local brands and where the community low land prices has drawn the attention of several intensive can purchase them through the development of a regional horticulture businesses. communication and marketing strategy aimed at creating an enduring revered brand. The Federal Government has announced $3 million in funding towards the modernisation of Fairbairn Dam.3 The project will Ready for Business add a 6500 megalitre storage capacity. This will provide distinct Agribusinesses are a key value and employment driver in opportunity for irrigated agriculture in the region. It’s expected the region. Over 40 per cent of registered firms in the region that the dam modernisation will include an additional 50 jobs 4 are agribusinesses. Seventy per cent of these businesses and 115 additional indirect jobs. employ less than five employees and 40 per cent of them The Central Highlands compares well to other similar regions are owner-operator businesses. (ABS, 2016). These firms are in terms of the efficiency of the labour market, having a benefitting from the region’s abundance of cropping land, relatively young population and the endowment of natural robust water availability and high reliability, and low land resources (refer Figure 3). However, it lags in terms of economic prices. diversification and business sophistication.5

Figure 3 Central Highlands (R) – Comparative ranking on the [in]Sight Index

Central Highlands Moree Plains Western Downs

Institutional Foundations

Infrastructure & Demography Rank: 1 Essential Services

100

200 Natural Economic Resources Fundamentals 300

400

Business Human Dynamo Capital

Research & Labour Market Development – Science Efficiency

Business Technological Sophistication Readiness

Source: Regional Australia Institute, 2018

3 The Hon Michael McCormack MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Leader of The Nationals Federal Member for Riverina – Press conference with Ken O’Dowd MP, Member for Flynn, Emerald, 18 November 2018. 4 Ibid. 5 This analysis is based on the Regional Australia Institute [in]Sight indicator. For details please refer to the full Stocktake document.

46 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Appendix

Fearless Invention According to the ABS the region does not have any registered research service providers. However, data provided by CHDC The Central Highlands shows a mixed picture in terms of shows that the region has two of such facilities (CQ University invention/ innovation indicators. While the number of and Emerald Grain Research and Development Corporation). employees in knowledge intensive firms and the creation of Also, according to official data, the proportion of professional businesses remains adequate, the region is trailing in terms of service firms with a turnover in excess of $2 million is just 2 trademark applications and R&D activity. per cent. This small share indicates that the region is trailing in terms of value generation in the sector, and presumably explains why professional services is one of the key imports from outside the region.

Table 1 Update from the previous version of this report

Data November 2017 November 2018 Change ABS Standard (2015–16) (2016–17) Error

Agricultural value ($) 780 million 839 million Increase –

Number of agricultural businesses 1,336 1,445 Increase 25% – 50%

Number of industries producing per cent of 5 industries; 2 industries; Consolidation – economic value 99 per cent 70 per cent

Beef

Beef grazing value ($) 540 million 530 million Decrease –

Cattle head (number) 1,373,281 No new data – – available

Cotton

Value ($) 58 million 63 million Increase –

Production (tonnes) 23,000 29,000 Increase 10% – 25%

Area (ha) 16,000 19,000 Increase 10% – 25%

Table grapes

Value ($) 20 million 17 million Decrease –

Production (tonnes) 6,000 4,000 Decrease 10% – 25%

Area (ha) 980 880 Decrease 10% – 25%

Sorghum

Value ($) 40 million 20 million Decrease –

Production (tonnes) 145,000 84,000 Decrease 10% – 25%

Area (ha) 62,000 35,000 Decrease 10% – 25%

Wheat

Value ($) 10 million 19 million Increase –

Production (tonnes) 38,000 80,000 Increase 10% – 25%

Area (ha) 23,000 40,000 Increase 10% – 25%

Pulses*

Value ($) 50 million 106 million Increase –

Production (tonnes) 54,000 120,000 Increase 10% – 50%

Area (ha) 52,000 68,000 Increase 10% – 50%

Central Highlands Development Corporation 47 Appendix

Data November 2017 November 2018 Change ABS Standard (2015–16) (2016–17) Error

Mandarins

Value ($)** 40 million 55 million Increase –

Production (tonnes) 644,612 396,308 Decrease –

Area (ha) 76,500 35,656 Decrease –

Melons

Value ($) 3 million 3 million No change –

Production (tonnes) 3,000 3,000 No change –

Area (ha) 50 70 Increase –

Pasture cut hay

Value ($) 1 million 1 million No change –

Production (tonnes) 5,000 7,000 Increase 10% – 50%

Area (ha) 800 900 Increase 10% – 50%

* There may be double counting between cereals and pulses due to changes in ABS data categories between 2015–16 and 2016–17. ** Assuming 90% of Queensland exports of Mandarins are attributable to production in Central Highlands. Note: All data is rounded. Source: ACIL Allen based on Australian Bureau of Statistics

For more information

Liz Alexander Agribusiness Development Coordinator

Central Highlands Development Corporation Postal Address: PO Box 1425, Emerald Qld 4720 Office Address: 31 Ruby Street, Emerald Qld 4720

T 07 4982 4386 F 07 4982 4068 M 0429 471 511 E [email protected]

W www.chdc.com.au | www.centralhighlands.com.au

48 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Bibliography

ACIL Allen (2018) “Central Highlands Accelerating Agribusiness Stocktake – November 2018 Update” Central Highlands Development Corporation, Emerald

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2017) “Australian Census of Population and Housing 2016” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2019a) “Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2017–18” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2019b) “Labour Force, Australia, Detailed – Electronic Delivery, Cat. No. 6291.0.55.001, Feb 2019” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2019c) “Building Approvals, Australia, February 2019, Cat. No. 8731.0” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2019d) “Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, June 2014 to Jun 2018” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

Central Highlands Development Corporation (2018) “Development Register Central Highlands region, August 2018” Central Highlands Development Corporation, Emerald

Central Highlands Regional Council (2019) “Emerald Airport Traffic Data July 2010 to March 2019”Central Highlands Regional Council, Emerald

Department of Jobs and Small Business (2019) “Small Area Labour Markets publication – December Quarter 2018” Australian Government, Canberra

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2018a) “Projected Population (Medium Series), by Local Government Area, Queensland, 2016 to 2041” Queensland Government,

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2018b) “Projected Population (Medium Series), by Five-Year Age Group, Persons, by Local Government Area, Queensland, 2016 to 2041” Queensland Government, Brisbane

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2018c) “Bowen Basin: Non-Resident Workers On-Shift, by Local Government Area (LGA), 2006 to 2018” Queensland Government, Brisbane

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2018d) “Bowen Basin: Non-resident Population Projections, by Local Government Area (LGA) (Series A), 2018 to 2024” Queensland Government, Brisbane

Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2019) “Residential Land Development Activity Profile, Central Highlands (R) Local Government Area (LGA)” (accessed 19 March 2019), Queensland Government, Brisbane

REMPLAN (2019) “REMPLAN Modelling and Analysis System” REMPLAN, Bendigo – REMPLAN utilises the following sources: —— ABS 2016 Census Place of Work Employment (Scaled) —— ABS 2015 / 2016 National Input Output Tables, and —— ABS June 2018 Gross State Product.

Residential Tenancies Authority (2019) “Median Rents Quarterly Data” Queensland Government, Brisbane

Tourism Research Australia (2018) “Local Government Area Profiles, 2017 – Central Highlands (R) (QLD), Queensland” Australian Government, Canberra

Central Highlands Development Corporation 49 Central Highlands Development Corporation

The Central Highlands Development Corporation is the lead economic and tourism development agency in the Central Highlands.

CHDC is a not-for-profit organisation and the lead regional development agency for the Central Highlands region of Queensland, Australia. Underpinned by robust and innovative industries including resources, mining, agriculture, tourism, small business and start-ups, we advocate for sustainable regional and economic growth by enhancing our workforces, promoting our region and supporting our businesses.

Work, Play, Discover the Central Highlands https://youtu.be/PA9-BfAFiAQ

Central Highlands Agriculture – more than you expect! https://youtu.be/jKM9PA811lc

Our primary role is to facilitate, coordinate and promote regional development initiatives and opportunities in the Central Highlands region.

This role is further reflected in the CHDC’s core business goals:

1 Advocate for sustainable regional and economic growth

2 Proactively market and promote the Central Highlands as a “region of choice”

3 Enhance workforce development

4 Support business development, innovation and capacity

5 Support community organisations to develop skills and knowledge

6 Sustain, refresh and grow our organisation

Business and community partnerships are critical to the delivery of these goals. If you have any queries about the economic profile, the Central Highlands region, or any issues related to regional economic growth, do not hesitate to contact the CHDC via the details below.

Central Highlands Development Corporation PO Box 1425, Emerald QLD 4720 T (07) 4982 4386 F (07) 4982 4068 E [email protected] W www.chdc.com.au | www.centralhighlands.com.au

This economic profile has been prepared by REMPLAN in partnership with the CHDC. All figures and data presented in this document are based on data sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and other government agencies. Using ABS datasets, the regional economic modelling software ‘REMPLAN Economy’, has been applied to generate industrial economic data estimates. This document is provided in good faith with every effort made to provide accurate data and apply comprehensive knowledge. However, REMPLAN does not guarantee the accuracy of the data nor the conclusions drawn from this information.

REMPLAN T (07) 5689 1499 / (03) 5444 4788 W www.remplan.com.au

50 Central Highlands QLD 2019 Economic Profile Notes Notes

Central Highlands Development Corporation

31 Ruby Street T 07 4982 4386 Emerald QLD 4720 F 07 4982 4068 E [email protected] chdc.com.au