Make the move to Queensland

Imagine waking up in the morning to blue skies, golden sandy beaches, lush rainforests, spectacular coral reefs or mountain ranges.

Long heralded as a place of great natural beauty, Queensland has now established itself as the economic powerhouse of Australia. That’s why Queenslanders share a quality of life that rates among the best in the world.

Regional appeal

The State’s spectacular coastline stretches for nearly 7,000 kilometres with a mainland area of 1.728 million square kilometres.

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 and remote outback settlements. You can live in a cosmopolitan city or in a relaxed town, where you are an important member of a vibrant community.

More than half of the State’s population live outside of the capital city, Brisbane. As Australia’s most decentralised state, there are excellent infrastructure, health care and education facilities readily available across Queensland.

Relaxed lifestyle and cultural diversity

In Queensland you and your family can have an improved quality of life. People are friendly and the weather is ideal for exploring the great outdoors. The sub-tropical and tropical climates across the State ensure Queenslanders enjoy warm summer months and more winter sunshine than most other Australian states.

There is plenty of incentive to stay healthy and active in Queensland with Australia’s second largest coastline and hundreds of outdoor activities. You can explore the world renowned Great Barrier Reef or heritage listed rainforests, visit the world’s largest sand island or go camping in the outback.

Sport is an integral part of the Australian culture and Queensland recreational facilities are first class. Spend your free time participating in sport or join the many other Queenslanders supporting local teams. Some of the world’s top sporting teams and international champions are based in Queensland.

A large number of Queenslanders are born overseas bringing diversity to the State’s multicultural community. Queensland has a rich cultural and arts sector, regularly hosting world-class performances and exhibitions. Queensland’s Arts Council is the largest regional arts network in Australia, promoting a rich tapestry of arts in regional communities across the State. The new Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane has recently hosted the internationally acclaimed Andy Warhol exhibition and Picasso and his private collection.

Economic powerhouse

Queensland is a place of rapid scientific and technological development. The mining, agriculture and tourism industries are leading a strong economy, while the new sciences, creative industries and information and communication technologies sectors are propelling the State forward.

Internationally renowned as the Smart State, Queensland has been leading the way among other Australian states and territories for over a decade. Queensland’s economic growth rate in 2006-07 was 5.6 per cent, more than twice the national average of 2.6 per cent.

As one of the most sought after locations to conduct business in the Asia Pacific region, Queensland’s population increased by 2.3 per cent compared with the Australian population growth rate of 1.6 per cent in 2007. This surge in Queensland’s population and the huge demand for its resources is generating high business confidence and further encouraging investment in the State’s dynamic economy.

To provide the necessary infrastructure to support Queensland’s growing population, the State Government is investing in the largest capital works program per capita in the country.

The Government places great emphasis on providing and maintaining efficient transport, telecommunications and export infrastructure. The State’s road systems are extensive, modern and well maintained. The South East region has an integrated public transport system. In addition, Queensland has the largest rail network in Australia, three international airports and more deep water ports than any other State.

Through all of this activity, the State continues to maintain its tax competitiveness. Queenslanders pay less tax per capita than residents of other Australian states and territories on average. With a stronger than ever jobs and investment outlook, Queenslanders have a bright future.

Business opportunities

Business opportunities exist in Queensland’s industries such as information and communication technology and biotechnology, as well as the fibre composites, higher value light metals, food, wine, marine and aerospace industries.

Opportunities are also readily available in Queensland’s traditional mining and minerals processing industries, and in the State’s increasingly diversified agribusiness and manufacturing industries. 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 the establishment and operation of businesses in Queensland.

Employment opportunities

Queensland’s record economic growth and low unemployment rate has created a significant demand for people with skills. This environment, coupled with excellent working conditions, makes Queensland a great place to work.

There are numerous trade and professional employment opportunities for skilled people across a range of industries from health, tourism and hospitality to construction and mining.

   

Educated choice

Queensland has a world-class education system. The Government funded public and private schools (primary and secondary) challenge students to think creatively in positive learning environments – they also provide access to all the latest tools and technologies.

On top of this, the State also boasts three Queensland Academies. These specialist schools, for students in years 10 to 12, are dedicated to advancing those high achieving students interested in pursuing innovative careers in health and sciences, maths and technologies, and the creative industries.

Queensland’s tertiary institutions are renowned for leading research and high quality graduates. The State is home to 15 technical and further education institutes (TAFE), as well as nine major universities which offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a range of disciplines.

Every year over 35,000 international students from more than 70 different countries come to Queensland to study.

Queensland welcomes migrants

The Queensland Government provides State sponsorship under certain visa classes for eligible migrants:

n          Skilled migrants who have work experience, a skill in demand, and are willing to live and work in regional Queensland

n            Business migrants who are experienced business owners and investors

n          Retiree migrants who are financially self-sufficient, have significant assets, and are willing to invest.

The Government website www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au provides information to migrants on living and working in Queensland, as well as the Queensland State Government sponsorship requirements and visa options.

The following services are available to migrants through the Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland unit in the Queensland State Government:

n            Information on establishing a business in Queensland

n          Pre-application assistance

n            Assessment of sponsorship applications

n            Aftercare services.

If you are interested in migrating to Queensland, contact:

Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland Queensland Government

Tel :+61 7 3405 6512

Fax: +61 7 3404 3692

Email: workliveplay@qld.gov.au