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 are born overseas, bringing diversity to the State’s multicultural community.

Regional appeal

The state’s spectacular coastline stretches for nearly 7,000 square kilometres with a mainland area of 1.728 million square kilometres. The area of Queensland equals nearly five times the area of Japan or Great Britain.

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.

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 available across Queensland. Wherever you choose to live you will also enjoy a high degree of personal safety.

Relaxed lifestyle

In Queensland you and your family can have an improved quality of life. People are friendly and the weather is ideal to stay healthy and active. 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.

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.

Diverse industry base

The Queensland Government promotes growth in knowledge intensive and traditional sectors throughout the whole of Queensland. The many regions across the state are increasingly becoming important centres of growth for biotechnology, aviation and airspace, information and communication technology, as well as in tourism, food and wine, agriculture and minerals processing industries.

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

diverse 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 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.

Business opportunities

On the door step to the Asia Pacific region, Queensland is the ideal place for business and investment. 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 diverse economy has created opportunities for people with skills in demand. 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. The Government funded public and private schools challenge students to think creatively in positive learning environments – they also provide 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 15 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:

n            Business migrants who are experienced business owners and investors

n          Skilled migrants who have work experience and a skill in demand

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 Government sponsorship requirements and visa options.

The following services are available to migrants through the Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland unit in the Queensland Government: pre-application assistance, assessment of sponsorship applications and aftercare services.

Information Supplied by:

Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland

Queensland Government

Telephone: +61 7 3405 6512

Fax: +61 7 3404 3692

Email: workliveplay@qld.gov.au

Website: www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au