Queensland

Queensland, Australia – the best place to work, live and play

Imagine waking up in the morning to blue skies, golden sandy beaches, lush rainforests or spectacular coral reefs. Long heralded as a place of great natural beauty, Queensland has also established itself as the place for business growth and investment. That’s why Queenslanders share a quality of life that rates among the best in the world.

With its unique landscapes, progressive career and business opportunities and fantastic outdoor lifestyle – it is really no wonder more Australians are moving to Queensland than any other Australian state. You will also find that a large number of Queenslanders were born overseas, creating a diverse multicultural community.

Regional appeal

Queensland has several distinct regions – each with its own character – offering diverse lifestyle opportunities. Many regions have large regional centres as well as smaller communities. You can live in a vibrant city or in a relaxed town where you are an important member of the community.

More than half of the State’s population live outside the capital city, Brisbane. As Australia’s most decentralised state, you’ll find excellent infrastructure, health care and education facilities available across Queensland. Wherever you choose to live, you will also enjoy a safe environment.

Diverse and innovative industry base

Queensland has a strong economy supported by competitive advantages from high-quality natural resources – which the mining, agriculture and tourism industries all capitalise on.

Queensland’s industry base continues to diversify. Key industries include mining, manufacturing, construction, transport, storage and warehousing, financial and insurance services and retail trade.

The State’s growth industries include professional, scientific and technical services; information, media and telecommunications; transport, storage and warehousing and arts and recreation services.

Queensland leads the nation in business innovation – especially in the areas of goods and services, operational and managerial processes and marketing.

As one of the most sought-after locations to conduct business in the Asia-Pacific region, Queensland has experienced a large population increase. This population surge and the growing demand for Queensland’s resources is further encouraging investment in the State’s economy.

To provide the necessary infrastructure to support its growing population, the State Government is investing in the largest capital works program in the country with great emphasis on providing and maintaining efficient transport, telecommunications and export infrastructure. In addition, Queensland has the largest rail network in Australia, three international airports and more deep water ports than any other state.

Business opportunities

On the doorstep of the Asia Pacific region, Queensland is the ideal place for business and investment. Opportunities exist in industries such as information and communication technology and biotechnology, fibre composites, higher-value light metals, food, wine, marine and aerospace.

Opportunities are also readily available in Queensland’s traditional mining and minerals processing industries, and in the State’s increasingly diversified agribusiness and manufacturing sectors. A strong education and research base provides a highly-educated workforce for Queensland businesses.

The State Government offers a variety of programs and services designed to support businesses to establish and operate in Queensland.

Employment opportunities

Queensland’s diverse economy offers opportunities for people with in-demand skills. This environment, coupled with excellent working conditions, makes Queensland a great place to work. There are employment opportunities for skilled people in areas of demand – particularly in health, information and communication technology and engineering.

Educated choice

Queensland has a world-class education system. Government-funded public and private schools challenge students to think creatively in positive learning environments while providing access to all the latest tools and technologies.

Queensland’s tertiary institutions are renowned for leading research and high-quality graduates. The State is home to 13 Technical and Further Education institutes (TAFE), as well as nine major universities which offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a range of disciplines.

Migration to Queensland

The Queensland Government can provide state sponsorship under certain visa classes for eligible migrants:

• business migrants who are experienced business owners and investors
•  skilled migrants who have work experience and an in-demand skill
•  retiree migrants who are financially self-sufficient, have significant assets and are willing to invest.

Visit www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au for information to migrants about living and working in Queensland, as well as the Queensland Government sponsorship requirements and visa options.

The Queensland Government provides the following services to migrants:

• pre-application assistance
• assessment of sponsorship applications
• aftercare services.