Economic Profile Central Highlands, Queensland
June 2021
Abbreviations Throughout this profile a series of abbreviations has been utilised. These are summarised below: ABS
Australian Bureau of Statistics
QGSO
Queensland Government Statistician’s Office
CH
Central Highlands
QLD
Queensland
CHDC
Central Highlands Development Corporation
RTA
Residential Tenancies Authority
CHRC
Central Highlands Regional Council
SA4
Statistical Area Level 4
GRP
Gross Regional Product
TRA
Tourism Research Australia
LGA
Local Government Area
Acknowledgement of Country We respectfully acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands across the Central Highlands and respect the Elders – past, present and emerging – for they hold the stories about the rivers and mountains, the traditions, the cultures and hopes of Australia’s First Nation Peoples.
Contents Overview
2
Housing 34
Our region in numbers
2
Building approvals
35
Regional snapshot
4
Residential lot approvals
36
Report highlights
5
Lot registrations
37
COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Highlands
6
New lot sales and median price
38
Dwelling sales and median price
39
Median weekly rent
40
Demographics 8 Population 9 Population projections
10
Business 41
Non-resident population
11
Business activity
Age 12 Origin 13 Wellbeing 15 Education 17 Income and families
18
Dwelling tenure and structure
19
Employment 20 Workforce 21 Labour force
23
Occupation 24 Age and qualifications
25
Method of travel to work
26
42
Visitor economy
45
Output 46 Employment 47 Distribution of tourist dollar and visitor profile
48
Emerald Airport
49
Agribusiness 50 Output 51 Bibliography 53 Central Highlands Development Corporation
54
Industry 27 Output 28 Value-added 29 Local expenditure and regional exports
30
Regional imports and key industries
31
Summary indicators and gap analysis
32
Gap analysis
33
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile
1
Central Highlands Our region in numbers Region overview
Resources 6,079
$10.78bn
21.2% 68.9%
Output generated
35.7%
$7.43bn
$6.29bn
79.5%
Total value-added
Mining output (as a proportion of Central Highlands)
$8.05bn
Mining sector employment (as a proportion of Central Highlands)
Mining resident (21.2%) and non-resident (79.5%) workforce (as a proportion of Central Highlands)
Total regional export
$7.12bn
$1.42bn
$792.21m
Mining regional export
Mining local expenditure
Total local expenditure
$6.45bn Gross regional product
Tieri Capella
Business
55
3,292
Businesses registered
Rubyvale Sapphire Bogantungan
98%
Willows Gemfields
Emerald
A4
A4
Anakie
Blackwater Bluff Dingo
Comet 55
A4
Duaringa 7
Small businesses (<19 staff)
40%
Woorabinda
Springsure
Turnover of $200k to $2m
Rolleston 60
Bauhinia 7
55
Arcadia Valley 2
Central Highlands Development Corporation
1,325,982 ha
Agribusiness
$891m Agribusiness output
1,470
Agricultural businesses
1.301m megalitres
Fairbairn Dam, second largest storage in Queensland
$571m Value of beef production
$37m
13.3%
Value of cotton production
61%
$24m Value of sorghum production
$25m Value of wheat production
Strategic cropping land (SCL) (as a proportion of Queensland SCL)
Japan 1.37m China S.Korea Head of cattle
$50m Value of pulse production
Key export markets
Visitor Economy
Community profile
$207.91m
4.2%
Visitor economy output
5 nights Average length of stay Domestic overnight visitors
708,000 Average visitors
156,707 Emerald airport passengers
Largest gemfields in the Southern Hemisphere
of Queensland's table grape production
Gross median weekly income
$1,823
Unemployment rate
$1,402
28,727
$843 $660
Population
33 y.o. Median age
75.1%
CH
QLD
Personal
CH
QLD
Household
17,019 Workforce
4,232
Non-resident workforce of the population live and work in the region
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile
3
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 Galilee Basin. 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 Capricorn Highway linking the coast to the outback and the Gregory Highway connecting northern Queensland and New South Wales. Pristine natural attractions, such as Carnarvon Gorge 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 Highlands
Queensland
Period
Source (year)
Estimated Resident Population
28,727
5,176,186
2020
ABS (2021a)
Projected Population
30,133
7,161,661
2041
QGSO (2019b) (Medium Series)
Resident Population Growth (Annual Average)
0.2%
1.6%
2016–2041
QGSO (2019b) (Medium Series)
Resident and Non-Resident Population Growth
0.6%
–
2016–2021
QGSO (2019a) (Medium Series), QGSO (2021a) & QGSO (2021b) (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)
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
7.2%
2020
DESE (2021) & ABS (2021b)
Labour Force
17,092
2,699,000
2020
DESE (2021) & ABS (2021b)
Non-Residential Workforce
3,890
–
2020
QGSO (2021a)
Gross Regional Product
$6.446bn
$360.971bn
2020
REMPLAN (2021)
Passengers Emerald Airport
156,707
–
2020–21
Central Highlands Regional Council (2021)
Demographics
Employment
Industry
4
Central Highlands Development Corporation
Overview
Report highlights
COVID-19 impact modeling shows employment loss peaked in May 2020 (↓474 jobs). However, by March 2021 job numbers exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels.
Page 6
While the resident population remained stable, the non-resident population decreased 11.1%.
Page 9
The unemployment rate is 4.2%, well below Central Queensland (6.2%) and Queensland (7.2%).
Page 24
Goods and services exported outside of the region increased 4% to $8.05bn.
Page 30
Gross regional product (GRP) increased 2.2% to $6.45bn, accounting for 1.8% of Queensland’s GRP.
Page 32
Median land price increased 27.0% to $82,500 and median house price increased 9.9% to $280,000.
Page 38
The number of businesses with a turnover of $10 million or more increased 44.0%.
Page 44
The average number of visitors to the region increased 4.4% to 708,000.*
Page 48
Passengers through the Emerald Airport decreased 9.6% to 156,707, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impact on air travel.
Page 49
Agricultural output increased 6.0% to $891m.
Page 51
Figures compare 2020 to 2019 unless otherwise stated. *four-year average to 2019 2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile
5
Overview
COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Highlands The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a wide range of impacts on all facets of Australian life and the economic environment. Businesses have experienced unprecedented changes to trading conditions. REMPLAN COVID-19 Impact modelling for the Central Highlands has been undertaken out to March 2021. Modelling has focussed on the role of each industry in the local economy, as well as the overall implications of the social distancing, population movement and lockdown policies. Baseline (pre-COVID-19) employment in the Central Highlands is estimated to be 17,019. Over the March 2020 to March 2021 modelling period, employment loss peaked in May 2020, with an estimated contraction of 474 local jobs (or -2.8%). By the end of the period (March 2021), job numbers exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels reaching 17,150, a 0.8% increase on baseline employment. Although challenges associated with COVID-19 were felt in all sectors, local industries estimated to have undergone the highest percentage fall in employment (in May 2020) were Accommodation & Food Services, Arts & Recreation Services and Retail Trade. Pre-COVID, these industries employed more than one in ten workers (13.4%). During the peak of the impact (May 2020) the combined total job loss for these industries totalled 181 (-7.9%). Much of this impact was due to the disruption to visitation and social distancing measures impacting the functioning of service delivery. Baseline employment
COVID-19 impacted employment
17,400 17,200 17,000 16,800 16,600 16,400 Year
16,200 Mar ’20
6
Apr ’20
May ’20
Jun ’20
Central Highlands Development Corporation
Jul ’20
Aug ’20
Sep ’20
Oct ’20
Nov ’20
Dec ’20
Jan ’21
Feb ’21
Mar ’21
Population Businesses eligible for JobKeeper have experienced a decline in revenue of at least 30%. Higher levels of JobKeeper applications are a likely indicator of greater negative economic impacts from COVID-19. At the height of COVID-19 (ie May 2020), it is estimated that 19.2% of Central Highlands businesses applied for JobKeeper support – one in five businesses. Compared to other LGAs, the Central Highlands ranked 477 out of 506 LGAs in Australia in May 2020 (i.e., 476 LGAs had more JobKeeper applications). By March 2021, the number of businesses in the Central Highlands utilising JobKeeper had fallen to 5.5%. Other
Central Highlands (R) (Qld)
Number of LGAs 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 % of businesses that have applied for Jobkeeper
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile
7
Demographics
Demographics
Population
28,727
0.2%
Population 2020
30,133
Forecast annual population growth 2016–2041
Forecast population 2041
Population The estimated resident population in the Central Highlands as at 30 June 2020 is 28,727 people. Between 2010 and 2020, the Central Highlands (estimated resident) population decreased by 355 people, with an average annual compound population change of -1.2%. The region population peaked at 29,782 in 2013 and began to experience a decline until 2017. However, since 2017, the population has been increasing at a rate of 0.3%. 35,000 30,000
29,082
29,541
29,741
29,782
29,598
29,143
28,690
28,604
28,636
28,701
28,727
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 Year
0
Source: ABS (2021a)
Population projections Queensland Government population projections, 2018 edition (medium series) were released in November 2018 and reviewed in March 2019. 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 (2019b)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile
9
Demographics
Population projections
65+ years
Population growth in the Central Highlands is projected to gradually increase, then remain stable
Age cohort with largest forecast increase 2016–2041
Population projections by age cohort – Central Highlands 2016
2026
2036
2041
0 0–14
15–29
30–49
50–64
65–79
1,514
1,236
682
3,315 312
1,775
2,842
2,000
3,317
4,756
4,666
4,878
4,808
8,402
8,309
5,603
5,714
5,657
4,000
5,743
6,542
6,513
6,616
7,227
6,000
8,848
8,000
8,239
10,000
Age 80+
Source: QGSO (2019b)
Population growth comparison Central Highlands
Central Queensland SA4
Queensland
2.00 1.75
1.7%
1.5%
1.50
1.6%
1.5%
1.4%
1.25 1.1%
1.00
1.0%
0.9%
0.9%
0.75 0.50
0.4%
0.3%
0.25
0.3%
0.1%
0 -0.25
0.3%
Year
-0.1% 2016–2021
2021–2026
2026–2031
2031–2036
2036–2041
Source: QGSO (2019a)
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 growths in Central Queensland SA4 (comprising the Banana, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Livingstone, Rockhampton 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. 10 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Demographics
Non-resident population
3,890
Non-resident population 2020
↓11.1%
The non-resident population is expected to fluctuate around 4,100 (2021 to 2025)
Decrease in non-resident population 2019–2020
Non-resident population The estimated non-resident population in the Central Highlands as at 30 June 2020 is 3,890 people. The average, annual non-resident population growth between 2010 and 2020 of 1.9% is significantly higher than the resident population growth over the same period (-0.1%). Estimated resident population
Non-resident workers on shift
40,000 35,000 30,000 25,000
3,225
4,835
5,585
4,740
3,380
3,955
3,150
3,360
4,045
4,375
3,890
29,082
29,541
29,741
29,782
29,598
29,143
28,690
28,604
28,636
28,701
28,727
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 Year
0
Source: ABS (2021a) and QGSO (2021a)
Non-resident population projections Between 2016 and 2021, the non-resident population of the Central Highlands is projected to increase by 950 people. When combined with the forecasted resident population growth, total full-time equivalent population growth between 2016 and 2021 is projected to increase by 1,004 people (average annual growth of 0.6%). 4,500
4,375 4,050
4,000 3,500 3,000
3,150
3,890
4,100
4,170
2021
2022
4,000
4,110
4,030
2024
2025
3,360
2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 Year
0 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2023
Source: QGSO (2021b)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 11
Demographics
Age
33
Central Highlands comprises a younger population when compared to Queensland
Median age 2016
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 Analysis of the age structure of Central Highlands residents in 2016 compared to Queensland shows there is a larger proportion of residents aged less than 15 years (24.7%, compared to 19.4% in Queensland). The Central Highlands also comprises a higher proportion of 25 to 54 year olds than Queensland (45.5%, compared to 40.5%). Conversely, the proportion of retirees (those aged 65 years and over) in the Central Highlands (7.6%) is lower than Queensland (15.3%). Central Highlands
Queensland
9.0%
0–4
6.3% 8.9%
5–9
6.7% 6.9%
10–14
6.4% 5.6%
15–19
6.3% 6.1%
20–24
6.7% 16.5%
25–34
13.8% 21.9%
35–49
20.2% 17.5%
50–64
18.3% 7.1%
65–84
13.5% 0.5%
85+
1.8% 0
% of population 5
Source: ABS (2017)
12 Central Highlands Development Corporation
10
15
20
25
30
Demographics
Origin
4.3%
Australia, NZ & England
There is a higher proportion of Aboriginal people in the Central Highlands compared to Queensland
Indigenous population 2016
Top 3 countries of birth
Indigenous status
Country of birth
Analysis of the Indigenous status of Central Highlands residents in 2016 compared to Queensland shows that there is a higher proportion of Aboriginal people in the Central Highlands (4.0%, compared to 3.2% in Queensland). Overall, the local Indigenous population (including Torres Strait Islander people) accounts for 4.3% of the total Central Highlands population, which is slightly higher than Queensland (4.0%).
Analysis of the country of birth of Central Highlands residents shows a higher proportion of residents born in Australia (76.0%, compared to 71.1% in Queensland). The top 10 countries of birth for Central Highlands residents include Australia, New Zealand, England, Philippines, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea, United States of America, and Germany.
% of population
Central Highlands
% of population
Central Highlands
Queensland
90
Queensland
89.5%
90
70
60
60
50
50
40
40
30
30
20
20 12.3%
71.1%
70
76.0%
80
83.4%
80
Source: ABS (2017)
0.4%
0.2%
Germany
0.4%
0.2%
United States of America
0.3%
0.2%
Papua New Guines
0.3%
0.2%
Zimbabwe
1.0%
0.4%
India
0.9%
0.8%
South Africa
1.1%
3.8%
1.3%
0.8%
Philippines
New Zealand
Australia
Not stated
0
England
4.3%
10 3.7%
6.5% 0.5%
0.4%
0.2%
0.2%
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Aboriginal
NonIndigenous
0
Torres Strait Islander
4.0%
3.2%
10
Source: ABS (2017)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 13
Demographics
Origin
Population growth in the Central Highlands is driven by arrivals from intrastate locations and overseas
56.2%
Lived in the Central Highlands five years ago 2011–2016
Migration Of the 28,002 people 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 region over the five year period from 2011 to 2016 was from intrastate residents (4,517 people or 16.3% of total Central Highlands residents). The largest migration of residents to the Central Highlands from outside of Queensland was from overseas (725 people or 2.6% of total Central Highlands residents).
Central Highlands (R)
15,749
Other Queensland
2,675
Rockhampton (R)
452
Isaac (R)
419
Brisbane (C)
376
Mackay (R)
349 246
Livingstone (S)
725
Overseas New South Wales
533
Western Australia
112
Victoria
111
Northern Territory
55
South Australia
49
Tasmania
49
Australian Capital Territory
9 0
Persons 2,500
Source: ABS (2017)
14 Central Highlands Development Corporation
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
15,000
17,500
Demographics
Wellbeing
2.6%
Top 28%
Need assistance 2016
Least disadvantaged LGAs in Australia 2016
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 Has need for assistance with core activities
Queensland
2.6% 5.2%
Does not have need for assistance with core activities
84.3% 87.3% 13.1%
Not stated
7.6% 0
10
% of population 20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Source: ABS (2017)
SEIFA (Disadvantage)
SEIFA score
Socio Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is 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 socioeconomic 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.
500
1,200
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.
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 15
Demographics
Wellbeing
Tieri
Least disadvantaged locality 2016
The Gemfields Most disadvantaged locality 2016
Of 60 localities in 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
The Gemfields SSC 32819
2016 Localities
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
Boolburra 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
997
5,911 / 13,691
Belcong SSC 30210
1,077
12,243 / 13,691
Bundoora (Qld) SSC 30431
1,077
12,244 / 13,691
Springsure SSC 32658
Score
National rank
Central Highlands (R)
1,006
393 / 544
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
Gindie SSC 31137
1,041
9,641 / 13,691
Wooroona SSC 33189
No score
16 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Demographics
Education
31.0%
Central Highlands residents predominantly hold Certificate qualifications
Education qualifications (population) 2016
Qualifications Analysis of the qualifications of the population in the Central Highlands compared to Queensland shows 7.8% of Central Highlands residents have 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
Postgraduate Degree
0.8%
Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate
0.8%
Queensland
2.9%
1.4% 6.2%
Bachelor Degree
10.5%
Advanced Diploma and Diploma
4.5% 7.0% 18.8%
Certificate
17.2%
Inadequately described/ not stated
12.1% 8.7% 57.0%
No qualifications
52.4% 0
10
20
30
40
50
% of population 60
70
Source: ABS (2017)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 17
Demographics
Income and families
23.0%
The Central Highlands comprises a higher proportion of couple families with children than the Queensland average
Earn $1,500 per week or more 2016
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
9.4% 7.1%
8.0%
9.4% 6.2%
5.7%
8.5%
7.7%
8.5%
6.8%
8.0%
6.3%
5.6%
5.1%
4.1%
0.5%
0.6%
0
3.9%
5
7.1%
8.0%
7.9%
10
8.7%
11.5%
13.7%
15
15.4%
16.4%
20
Negative
Nil income
$1 to $149
$150 to $299
$300 to $399
$400 to $649
$650 to $799
$800 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,249 to $1,499
$1,500 to $1,999
$2,000 or more
Not stated
Source: ABS (2017)
Family composition The 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 36.6%
Couple family with no children
39.4% 51.1%
Couple family with children
42.5% 11.1%
One parent family
16.5% 1.2%
Other family
1.6% 0
% of families 10
Source: ABS (2017)
18 Central Highlands Development Corporation
20
30
40
50
60
Demographics
Dwelling tenure and structure
The Central Highlands comprises a higher proportion of dwellings being rented compared to Queensland
Dwelling tenure
Dwelling structure
Analysis of the housing tenure of dwellings in the Central Highlands in 2016 compared to dwellings in Queensland shows there is a larger proportion of rented dwellings or dwellings under other tenure types. This is reflective of the large non-resident workforce in the region, who are renting or living in various short term accommodation arrangements.
As at 2016, there are 10,713 separate houses in the Central Highlands; 1,657 medium density dwellings, 6 high density dwellings, 938 caravans, cabins or houseboats; and 38 other dwellings.
Overall, 45.6% of dwellings are owned outright or with a mortgage, 34.6% are being rented and 6.3% are other tenure types, compared to 58.6%, 31.3% and 2.0%, respectively in Queensland. Central Highlands
There is a significantly higher proportion of ‘Caravan, cabin, houseboat’ dwellings in the Central Highlands (6.8%) compared to Queensland (2.1%). This can be attributed to the large number of non-residents staying in employer-provided accommodation while working in the region.
Queensland
Central Highlands
Owned outright
Queensland
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 Source: ABS (2017)
10
20
30
40
Not stated 3.6% 0.6% % of dwellings 0
20
40
60
80
100
Source: ABS (2017)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 19
Employment
Employment
Workforce
17,019
Mining
Total workforce 2016
Largest employer 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 The total employment estimate for the Central Highlands as at the 2016 Census is 17,019 jobs. The ‘Mining’ sector comprises 6,079 jobs, followed by the ‘Agriculture, forestry & fishing’ sector (1,791 jobs) and the ‘Retail trade’ sector (1,184 jobs).
6,079
Mining Agriculture, forestry & fishing
1,791 1,184
Retail trade Education & training
1,132
Accommodation & food services
1,010
Construction
971
Health care & social assistance
768
Other services
660
Transport, postal & warehousing
627
Public administration & safety
602
Administrative & support services
469
Professional, scientific & technical services
374
Wholesale trade
342
Manufacturing
325
Rental, hiring & real estate services
268
Electricity, gas, water & waste services
144
Financial & insurance services
126
Arts & recreation services
84
Information media & telecommunication
63 0
Jobs 1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 21
Employment
Workforce
75.1%
Resident workforce 2016
4,232
Non-resident workforce 2016
Industry Sector
Total jobs
Resident workforce
Non-resident workforce
Agriculture, forestry & fishing
1,791
1,659
132
Mining
6,079
2,714
3,365
Manufacturing
325
274
51
Electricity, gas, water & waste services
144
138
6
Construction
971
807
164
Wholesale trade
342
310
32
Retail trade
1,184
1,140
44
Accommodation & food services
1,010
900
110
Transport, postal & warehousing
627
576
51
63
63
0
Financial & insurance services
126
126
0
Rental, hiring & real estate services
268
231
37
Professional, scientific & technical services
374
364
10
Administrative & support services
469
400
69
Public administration & safety
602
567
35
1,132
1,111
21
768
727
41
84
84
0
660
596
64
17,019
12,787
4,232
Information media & telecommunications
Education & training Health care & social assistance Arts & recreation services Other services Total Note: Employment as at 2016. Source: REMPLAN (2021)
22 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Employment
Labour force
↑260 people
17,093 Labour force 2020
Increase in people employed 2019–2020
The labour force includes those who are actually engaged in economically productive activities as well as those who can be engaged. The difference between the labour force and workforce is the unemployed labour force.
Labour force The estimated number of people employed in the Central Highlands in 2020 is 16,369. Despite previous falls in the labour force, a large increase between 2018 and 2020 occurred when the number of employed increased by 931 people whilst the number of unemployed grew by only 6, growing the labour force by 937 people. Employed
Unemployed
Annual employment change
20,000 664
+57
603
-523
799
+533
718
-565
860
-190
772
16,000
-662
724
-35
718
+672
683
+260
28,090
724
12,000
8,000
4,000
0
16,821
16,878
16,355
16,888
16,323
16,134
15,472
15,438
16,109
16,369
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Year
Source: DESE (2021)
Annual Employment Change The annual change in the number of people employed within the Central Highlands increased by 260 between 2019 and 2020. Employed
Unemployed
Labour force
Unemployment rate
Job growth rate
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
15,438
718
16,156
4.4%
-35
2019
16,109
683
16,792
4.1%
672
2020
16,369
724
17,093
4.2%
260
Source: DESE (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 23
Employment
Occupation
4.2%
The Central Highlands workforce is dominated by Machinery Operators and Drivers, and Technicians and Trades Workers
Unemployment rate 2020
Unemployment rate The unemployment rate in the Central Highlands in 2020 was 4.2%. The rate of unemployment consistently remains below Central Queensland (6.2%) and the State average (7.2%) in the same period. Central Highlands
Central Queensland SA4
Queensland
8.0% 7.0% 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% Year
0 2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Source: DESE (2021); ABS (2021b)
Occupation Compared to the Central Queensland SA4 and State averages, the Central Highlands has a higher proportion of ‘Machinery Operators and Drivers’ and ‘Technicians and Trades Workers’. Work in the Central Highlands
Work in Central Queensland SA4
Work in Queensland
% of workers
24.3%
30
12.2%
10.5%
10.1%
Managers
Professionals
Trades
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
24 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Community & personal service
Clerical & administrative workers
Sales workers
Machinery operators & drivers
Labourers
0.8%
0
0.8%
9.9%
12.1% 6.8%
6.4%
0.6%
5
8.7%
13.7%
12.0% 9.4%
10.2%
14.2%
11.7%
20.8%
14.6%
5.9%
10
10.1%
12.1%
12.5%
15
11.3%
20
18.3%
20.3%
25
Not stated/ inadequately described
Employment
Age and qualifications
55.7%
Workers in the Central Highlands are predominantly in the 25 to 44 year age group
Educational qualifications (Workforce) 2016
Age
Qualifications
The workforce age profile for the Central Highlands shows a higher proportion of workers in the 25 to 44 year age group compared to the Central Queensland SA4 and State benchmarks.
Workers in the Central Highlands have a lower representation of graduate qualifications (Bachelor Degree and higher) when compared to the Central Queensland SA4 and State 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% 5.9%
2.2% 5.0%
Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate
8.3% 9.1%
20–24
1.2%
Postgraduate Degree
6.4%
15–19
9.7% 24.2% 21.8% 25.1%
2.5% 10.2% 12.4% 18.1% 6.7%
Advanced Diploma and Diploma
21.8%
35–44
1.8%
Bachelor Degree
21.4%
25–34
0.9%
22.0%
8.3% 11.0%
22.1%
36.7%
22.7%
45–54
32.5%
Certificate
21.9%
26.4%
13.1% 14.9%
40.5% 34.6% 0
2.2%
10
20
30
% of workers 40
50
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2.9%
65–74
42.7%
No qualifications
15.4%
55–64
3.5%
Over 74
0.2% 0.4% 0.4% 0
% of workers 5
10
15
20
25
30
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 25
Employment
Method of travel to work
24.9%
59.8%
Non-resident workforce 2016
Workers travel by car 2020
Breakdown of the Central Highlands workforce Of the 17,019 jobs in the Central Highlands, 12,787 workers (75.1%) also live in the region. Approximately 24.9% of workers (4,232) in the Central Highlands live outside of the region. This is significantly higher than the Central Queensland SA4 (12.8%) and is indicative of the large proportion of non-resident workers in the region. Central Highlands
Central Queensland SA4
75.1%
Work and live in region
87.2%
24.9%
Work in region, live elsewhere
12.8% 0
10
% of workers 20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
Method of travel to work Over 98.2% of the Central Highlands’ workforce use the following methods to travel to work. Approximately 59.8% of workers travel by car (either as driver or passenger), 5.6% by bus and 6.2% work from home. (One method) Car, as driver
10,180
Did not go to work
2,324
Worked at home
1,059
(One method) Car, as passenger
1,020
(One method) Bus
956
(One method) Walked only
781
(One method) Other
169
(One method) Truck
108
(Two methods) Bus and car as driver
108
314
All Other 0
Workers 2,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
26 Central Highlands Development Corporation
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
Industry
Industry
Output
$10.78 bn Output generated 2020
↑2.0% Increase in output 2019–2020
68.9%
Mining contribution to total output 2020
Output Output data represents the gross revenue generated by businesses/organisations in each of the industry sectors in a defined region. The Central Highlands regional economy generates an estimated $10.776 billion in output. *ACIL Allen estimates the Gross Value of Agricultural Production for the Central Highlands to be $891 million (2019–20). Due to the problematic nature of data collected for agriculture in the region, CHDC commissions an Agribusiness Regional Stocktake Summary which provides accurate information on production and business data trends across key agricultural commodities for the Central Highlands, see page 51.
$7,427.115
Mining Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$510.749*
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$486.962
Construction
$461.452
Manufacturing
$304.705
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$204.087
Accommodation & Food Services
$171.603
Education & Training
$151.470
Wholesale Trade
$136.437
Retail Trade
$133.106
Administrative & Support Services
$132.869
Public Administration & Safety
$117.411
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$106.509
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$101.250
Other Services
$99.604
Health Care & Social Assistance
$96.262
Financial & Insurance Services
$92.375
Information Media & Telecommunications
$29.300
Arts & Recreation Services
$12.361 0
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
28 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Output ($m) 2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
Industry
Value-added
$6.29 bn Total value-added 2020
74.7%
Mining contribution to total value-added 2020
Value-added Value-added data represents the marginal economic value that is added by each industry sector in a defined region. Value-added can be calculated by subtracting local expenditure and expenditure on regional imports from the output generated by an industry sector, or alternatively, by adding the wages and salaries paid to local employees, the gross operating surplus and taxes on products and production. Value-added by industry sector is the major element in the calculation of Gross Regional Product. The total value-added by the Central Highlands regional economy is estimated at $6.293 billion.
$4,701.932
Mining Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$300.383
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$226.259
Construction
$152.835
Education & Training
$109.885
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$87.629
Retail Trade
$80.705
Administrative & Support Services
$79.138
Public Administration & Safety
$73.013
Financial & Insurance Services
$70.255
Wholesale Trade
$69.982
Health Care & Social Assistance
$65.892
Accommodation & Food Services
$65.384
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$49.465
Manufacturing
$49.307
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$48.784
Other Services
$45.993
Information Media & Telecommunications
$11.412
Arts & Recreation Services
$4.802 0
Value-added ($m) 1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 29
Industry
Local expenditure and regional exports
$1.42 bn
↑4 .0%
$8.05 bn
Total local expenditure 2020
Total regional exports 2020
Increase in regional exports 2019–2020
Local expenditure
Regional exports
Local Expenditure data represents the value of intermediate goods and services purchased by local industry sectors within the region. A high level of local expenditure on intermediate goods and services proportionate to total output is indicative of well-developed local supply chains and also that any expansion in this sector would typically deliver broad based benefits for the region’s economy.
Regional Exports data represents the value of goods and services exported outside of the region that have been generated by industry sectors within the region. The following graph depicts the contribution to total regional exports generated by each of the industry sectors ranked from highest to lowest.
The total local expenditure estimate for the Central Highlands is $1.415 billion. $792.206
Mining
The total regional export estimate for the Central Highlands is $8.054 billion.
$7,115.917
Mining
Construction
$136.533
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$130.487
Manufacturing
$122.458
$412.874
Manufacturing
$66.321
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$90.872
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$61.882
Accommodation & Food Services
$67.792
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$33.550
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$62.366
Accommodation & Food Services
$22.494
Construction
$59.949
Wholesale Trade
$21.612
Education & Training
$35.059
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$21.434
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$20.731
Administrative & Support Services
$20.133
Administrative & Support Services
$19.256
Retail Trade
$17.274
Wholesale Trade
$18.824
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$17.185
Other Services
$10.725
Other Services
$16.867
Retail Trade
$5.402
Public Administration & Safety
$15.480
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$3.813
Education & Training
$14.822
Financial & Insurance Services
$2.287
Health Care & Social Assistance
$12.200
Information Media & Telecommunications
$1.971
Financial & Insurance Services
$6.213
Public Administration & Safety
$1.948
Information Media & Telecommunications
$5.626
Health Care & Social Assistance
$0.988
Arts & Recreation Services
$2.752
Arts & Recreation Services
$0.477
0
Local expenditure ($m) 200
400
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
30 Central Highlands Development Corporation
600
800
0 Source: REMPLAN (2021)
Regional exports ($m) 2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
Industry
Regional imports and key industries
$3.07 bn
Key industries
Total regional imports 2020
Mining, Livestock, Grains & Other Agriculture, Accommodation & Food Services, Retail Trade and Education & Training
Regional imports
Key industries
Regional Imports data represents the value of goods and services imported into the Central Highlands by businesses/ organisations in each of the industry sectors. Another way of defining imports is as an outflow of money from the Central Highlands. The following graph depicts the contribution to total regional imports generated by each of the industry sectors ranked from highest to lowest.
Taking into consideration potential import replacement opportunities, as well as current contributions to the regional economy in terms of employment, value-added and local expenditure on goods and services (backward linkages), key industry sectors have been identified. To understand the contributions of industry sectors in more detail, the general 19 industry sector classification has been broken down to the 45 industry sub-sector level. The following key industry sub-sectors have been identified as the key drivers of the Central Highlands region’s economy:
The total regional imports estimate for the Central Highlands is $3.068 billion.
• Mining
$1,932.976
Mining Manufacturing
$189.077
Construction
$172.084
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$154.003
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
• Livestock, Grains & Other Agriculture • Accommodation & Food Services • Retail Trade • Education & Training
$124.697
Accommodation & Food Services
$83.726
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$82.908
Wholesale Trade
$44.843
Other Services
$36.744
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$35.610
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$35.282
Retail Trade
$35.127
Administrative & Support Services
$33.599
Public Administration & Safety
$28.917
Education & Training
$26.764
Health Care & Social Assistance
$18.170
Financial & Insurance Services
$15.906
Information Media & Telecommunications
$12.262
Arts & Recreation Services
$4.807 0
Regional imports ($m) 500
1,000
1,500
2,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 31
Industry
Summary indicators and gap analysis
$6.45 bn Gross Regional Product (GRP) 2020
↑2.2%
Mining, Ag & Construction
Increase in GRP 2019–2020
Indicator
Top 3 import replacement opportunities
GRP ($m)
Output ($m)
Value-added ($m)
Regional exports ($m)
Regional imports ($m)
Central Highlands
$6,445.780
$10,775.625
$6,293.053
$8,053.707
$3,067.501
Central Queensland SA4
$21,969.533
$44,937.442
$20,814.036
$21,371.980
$12,239.838
$360,971.000
$719,994.144
$336,884.299
$123,653.384
$105,855.521
Queensland Source: REMPLAN (2021)
The Central Highlands accounts for:
Domestic imports – demand (from rest of Australia) ($m)
• 29.3% of Central Queensland SA4 and 1.8% of Queensland’s GRP
Mining
• 24.0% of Central Queensland SA4 and 1.5% of Queensland’s output • 30.2% of Central Queensland SA4 and 1.9% of Queensland’s value-added • 37.3% of Central Queensland SA4 and 6.5% of Queensland’s regional exports • 25.1% of Central Queensland SA4 and 2.9% of Queensland’s regional imports.
Import Replacement Opportunities Imports reflect demand in the area’s economy for goods and services not supplied locally and therefore represent gaps in local supply chains. Imports from the rest of Australia may indicate opportunities for import replacement, increased value-adding and supply chain development. Supply of these goods and services is currently feasible in the Australian context and may provide a guide to realistic, high value strategic opportunities to further develop the local economy. The total replacement of imports with local production is improbable however it may be possible to capture a proportion of this escape expenditure. Total imports by industry sectors in the Central Highlands from the rest of Australia are estimated at $2.799 billion.
$1,886.876
Construction
$167.565
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$150.178
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$106.700
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$71.576
Manufacturing
$59.616
Wholesale Trade
$44.511
Accommodation & Food Services
$42.438
Other Services
$36.228
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$35.544
Retail Trade
$35.127
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$30.879
Administrative & Support Services
$29.858
Public Administration & Safety
$28.914
Education & Training
$26.603
Health Care & Social Assistance
$17.519
Financial & Insurance Services
$14.719
Information Media & Telecommunications
$9.382
Arts & Recreation Services
$4.228 0
Source: REMPLAN (2020)
32 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Value of domestic imports ($m) 500
1,000
1,500
2,000
Industry
Gap analysis
$421.74 m
Exploration & Mining Support Services imports from the ‘rest of Australia’ 2020
$270.53 m
Professional, scientific & technical services imports from the 'rest of Australia' 2020
External Industry Sectors Supplying to the Region
What are the selected local demand sector(s) importing from rest of Australia? ($m)
In order to identify potential gaps within the region, REMPLAN data has been applied at the 45 industry sector level. The local industry sectors import a total of $2.799 billion of goods and services from the rest of Australia. Conversely, industry sectors in the rest of Australia supply $2.799 billion of goods and services to the local industries as part of the process of production.
Financial & Insurance Services
$421.739
Exploration & Mining Support Services
$270.531
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$256.277 $249.309
Petroleum & Coal Product Manufacturing
$166.006
Technical Equipment & Appliance Manufacturing
$135.882
Metal & Metal Product Manufacturing
$132.872
Transport
$125.224
Transport Support Services & Storage
$112.387
Wholesale Trade
$91.524
Construction Services
$87.486
Construction
$75.670
Property Services Accommodation & Food Services
$71.871
Mining
$71.238 $66.965
Electricity
$51.475
Repair, Maintenance & Other Services Public Admin, Regulatory Services, Order & Safety
$49.882
Information Media & Telecommunications
$49.215 $40.397
Transport Equipment & Parts Manufacturing
$33.099
Food Product Manufacturing Retail Trade
$33.001
Basic Chemical, Cleaning & Polymer Manufacturing
$32.800 $30.460
Administrative & Support Services
$25.772
Livestock, Grains & Other Agriculture
$21.933
Non-Metallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
$18.468
Apparel Manufacturing
$14.022
Saw Mill, Wood & Paper Product Manufacturing
$12.973
Pharmaceutical Product Manufacturing
$8.549
Sports, Recreation & Gambling Gas, Water & Waste Services
$8.440
Postal & Courier Pick-up & Delivery Service
$7.273
Education & Training
$6.386
Printing (incl. the reproduction of recorded media)
$6.277
Beverage Product Manufacturing
$4.562
Forestry, Fishing & Hunting
$1.969
Other Manufactured Products
$1.805
Furniture Manufacturing
$1.645
Heritage, Creative & Performing Arts
$1.038
Aquaculture
$0.863
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Support Services
$0.710
Personal Services
$0.193
Defence
$0.139
Residential Care & Social Assistance Services
$0.133
Rental & Hiring Services (except real estate)
$0.000
Health Care Services
($m)
$0.000
0
100
200
300
400
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 33
Housing
Housing
Building approvals
39
$26.7 m
New dwelling approvals 2019–20
Value of building approvals 2019–20
Number of dwelling approvals There were 39 new dwelling approvals in 2019–20, an increase of four dwellings over the previous 12 months, comprising 35 houses and four “other” (unit) dwellings. Dwelling approvals peaked in 2012–13 at 422 approvals. Since then, the volume of approvals has 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 2009–10 to 2019–20, separate house approvals have accounted for approximately 70.8% of total dwelling approvals. The highest levels of unit approvals occurred in 2011–12 and 2012–13, representing almost half of total approvals for those years. Houses
Other
500 171
400 75
158
300 285
65 251
200 198
186
34 155
100
2 37
0 2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
2014–15
11
17
22
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18
35
4 35
2018–19
Year
2019–20
Source: ABS (2021c)
Value of building approvals The total value of building approvals during 2019–20 is $26.7 million. The value of residential building approvals peaked in 2012–13 at $116.7 million. Over the past ten years, the value of ‘non-residential’ approvals has generally accounted for approximately half of the value of total building approvals. Residential
Non-residential
$250m
119.3
$200m 92.7 98.7
$150m
32.9 $100m
116.7 88.9
$50m
19.8
84.6 65.7
55.5
14.9
2013–14
2014–15
3.7 6.4
17.7
0 2009–10
2010–11
2011–12
2012–13
37.3 13.3
38.5 5.8
2015–16
2016–17
8.6 9.8
9.4 17.3
2017–18
2018–19
Year
2019–20
Source: ABS (2021c)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 35
Housing
Residential lot approvals
784
Lot approvals 2010–2020
Between 2010 and 2020, the highest number of annual approvals occurred in 2012 at 226, with 81% of the lot approvals being in larger projects of more than 50 lots. The housing market has slowed since 2015 in the Central Highlands, resulting in no new lot approvals between 2016 and 2018. One development approval single lot occurred in the year to December 2019 whilst two single lot and fourteen 11–20 development approvals occurred in the year to December 2020. Lot approvals Year ending June
<10
11–20
21–50
>50
Total
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
2019
1
0
0
0
1
2020
2
14
0
0
16
Source: QGSO (2021c)
36 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Housing
Lot registrations
1,587
Lot registrations 2010–2020
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. While the volume of lot registrations has significantly declined since 2014, the total number of registrations in the Central Highlands since 2015 has fluctuated annually around an average of 17.7. Standard residential lot registrations Year ending September
Urbana (60m to <2,500m2)
Urbana (2,500m to 5 ha)
Total standard lots
Unit & townhouse lotsb
Total lot registrations
2010
160
7
167
64
231
2011
63
12
75
75
150
2012
305
48
353
128
481
2013
432
6
438
113
551
2014
3
24
27
49
76
2015
5
5
10
0
10
2016
12
9
21
0
21
2017
0
23
23
2
25
2018
2
2
4
2
6
2019
31
3
34
2
36
2020
0
7
7
1
8
a
2
2
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 (2020)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 37
Housing
New lot sales and median price
46
↑27.0%
$82,500
New lot sales 2020
Median vacant land price 2020
Increase in median vacant land price 2019–2020
New lot sales There were a total of 46 new lot sales within the Central Highlands in the year to December 2020, 15 of which were house and land package lots. Vacant land sales totalled 31 in the year to December 2020, and traditionally accounts for the majority of new lot sales within the region. Vacant land
House & land package
50 23 15
40
30
10
31
27
20
23 4 7
10 6
8
4
0
15
2015
Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Source: QGSO (2021c)
Median price The median sales price of vacant land was $82,500 in the year ending December 2020. The price of vacant land per square metre remained at $104.
Year ending September
New lot sales (140m2 to 2,500m2)
Median sales price
Median $/m2
Vacant landa
House & land packageb
Total sales
Vacant landa
House & land packageb
Vacant landa
2015
4
6
10
$118,000
N/A
N/A
2016
8
7
15
$67,000
N/A
$166
2017
27
23
50
$66,500
$135,000
$88
2018
23
10
33
$72,500
$160,000
$100
2019
15
3
18
$65,000
N/A
$104
2020
31
15
46
$82,500
$372,000
$104
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 (2020)
38 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Housing
Dwelling sales and median price
476
↑9.9%
$280,000
Dwelling sales 2020
Median house sales price 2020
Dwelling sales
Increase in median house price 2019–2020
500
There were a total of 476 new and established detached and attached dwelling sales in the year to December 2020 within the Central Highlands, of which 90% were detached house sales. Detached housing sales have accounted for the majority of dwelling sales activity within the region, accounting for approximately 89% of all dwelling sales over the last five years.
47 44
400
429
46 362
300
34
321 28
200
205
281
31 191
100
Detached houses Year
0
Units and townhouses
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Source: QGSO (2021c)
Median price
$300,000
Both the detached and attached dwelling markets fell in 2017 to median sales prices of $160,000 and $139,900 respectively. Since 2017 both markets have undergone significant recovery.
$250,000
The median sales price for detached dwellings increased to $280,000 in 2020, the highest median price since prior to 2015.
$200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000
Detached houses Year
$0
Units and townhouses
2015 Source: QGSO (2021c)
Year ending December
Number of dwelling sales
Median sales price
Detached houses
Units and townhouses
Total sales
Detached houses
Units and townhouses
2015
205
28
233
$215,000
$200,000
2016
191
31
222
$185,000
$175,000
2017
321
46
367
$160,000
$139,900
2018
362
44
406
$190,000
$172,000
2019
287
34
321
$255,000
$146,300
2020
429
47
476
$280,000
$200,000
Source: QGSO (2021c)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 39
Housing
Median weekly rent
$240
$390
Median weekly rent two bed unit Dec 2020
Median weekly rent four bed house Dec 2020
Regional data has been sourced from the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority for median rental prices from the June Quarter 2016 to December Quarter 2020 for: • Units/Flats – two and three bedroom • Houses – three and four bedroom, and • Townhouses – three bedroom. After a period of decline, 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 Year
$0 Jun ’16
Dec ’16
Jun ’17
Dec ’17
Jun ’18
Dec ’18
Jun ’19
Dec ’19
Jun ’20
Dec ’20
Source: RTA (2021)
Two bed units/flats
Three bed units/flats
Three bed houses
Four bed houses
Three bed townhouses
Jun ’16
Dec ’16
Jun ’17
Dec ’17
Jun ’18
Dec ’18
Jun ’19
Dec ’19
Jun'20
Dec'20
Central Highlands
$180
$165
$165
$185
$180
$200
$220
$220
$245
$240
Rockhampton
$200
$200
$195
$200
$210
$210
$220
$223
$230
$250
Gladstone
$160
$130
$130
$140
$150
$170
$180
$180
$193
$220
Central Highlands
$220
$220
$200
$250
$250
$260
$290
$300
$308
$340
Rockhampton
$275
$260
$260
$270
$263
$270
$300
$300
$295
$300
Gladstone
$230
$180
$190
$190
$210
$220
$250
$235
$255
$280
Central Highlands
$200
$200
$210
$220
$210
$250
$260
$273
$270
$298
Rockhampton
$280
$278
$280
$270
$270
$280
$290
$290
$300
$330
Gladstone
$220
$180
$220
$190
$190
$220
$230
$240
$260
$285
Central Highlands
$300
$300
$300
$300
$350
$350
$360
$380
$380
$390
Rockhampton
$360
$350
$350
$340
$370
$380
$370
$380
$380
$400
Gladstone
$260
$235
$240
$240
$260
$270
$290
$300
$315
$350
Central Highlands
$250
$250
–
$235
–
$295
$310
$350
$350
$330
Rockhampton
$340
$280
$290
$300
$330
$330
–
$350
$345
$375
Gladstone
$215
$180
$200
$190
$210
$215
$230
$240
$255
$280
Source: RTA (2021)
40 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Business
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 41
Business
Business activity
3,292
Agriculture
Businesses registered 2020
Largest number of businesses 2020
73
New business registrations 2018–2020
Business activity
Change in businesses, 2018 to 2020
As at June 2020, there are 3,292 businesses operating in the Central Highlands. The largest number of registered businesses are in the ‘Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing’ sector (1,267), followed by ‘Construction’ (393).
Between 2018 and 2020, the number of registered businesses in the Central Highlands has increased by 73 businesses. ‘Other Services’ sector experienced the largest increase in business numbers from 2018 to 2020 (28). The ‘Construction’ sector experienced the largest decline in business numbers (-9), followed by the ‘Financial and Insurance Services’ sector.
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
1,267
Rental, Hiring Real Estate Services
393
Construction Rental, Hiring Real Estate Services
233
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
21
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
334
Other Services
28
Other Services
156
16
Accommodation & Food Services
11
Administrative & Support Services
11
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
130
Manufacturing
6
Financial & Insurance Services
126
Arts & Recreation Services
6
Retail Trade
117
Wholesale Trade
Administrative & Support Services
107
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
3 1
Accommodation & Food Services
94
Mining
0
Manufacturing
81
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
0
Mining
67
Information Media & Telecommunications
0
Wholesale Trade
61
Health Care & Social Assistance
-1
Health Care & Social Assistance
61
Not Classified
-1
Education & Training
25
Retail Trade
-3
Arts & Recreation Services
20
Public Administration & Safety
-3
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
8
Education & Training
-3
Public Administration & Safety
6
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
Information Media & Telecommunications
3
Financial & Insurance Services
Not Classified
3 0
Businesses 300
600
Source: ABS (2021d)
42 Central Highlands Development Corporation
900
1,200
Construction
1,500
-4 -6 -9
Businesses -10
Source: ABS (2020d)
0
10
20
30
Business
Business activity
Owner / operator
$200,000 – $2m turnover
Highest proportion of businesses 2020
Highest proportion of businesses 2020
Workforce size Between 2018 and 2020, the largest rate of change occurred for businesses that employ 20 to 199 staff, increasing 30.2% from 43 in 2018 to 56 businesses in 2020. Businesses which do not employ any staff (i.e. owner/operator) account for the highest proportion (64.2%) of Central Highlands registered businesses. 2018
2019
2020
2,500
2,000
2,021
2,078 2,103
1,500 1,155 1,157 1,112
1,000
500
43
0 Owner/operator
1–19 staff
53
56
0
20–199 staff
3
3
200+ staff
Source: ABS (2021d)
Turnover From 2018 to 2020, the largest increase in the number of businesses by turnover was for businesses with a turnover of $10 million or more, increasing from 24 in 2018 to 36 in 2020, an increase of 50.0%. The largest proportion of businesses by turnover is businesses turning over $200,000 to less than $2 million, accounting for 39.8% of Central Highlands businesses in 2020. The $50,000 to less than $200,000 range accounts for the second highest proportion of businesses (28.8%). 2018
2019
2020
1,500 1,366 1,369 1,200 950
900
600
676
668
997
1,305
943
728
300 157 0 $0 to less than $50k
$50k to less than $200k $200k to less than $2m
189 81
$2m to less than $5m
46
43
57
$5m to less than $10m
24
25
36
$10m or more
Source: ABS (2021d)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 43
Business
Business activity
↑5.7%
Increase in businesses with 20–199 staff 2019–2020
↑44.0%
Increase in businesses with turnover of $10 million or more 2019–2020
Business registrations by industry No. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
2018
%
No.
2019
%
No.
2020
%
1,271
39.5%
1,277
38.8%
1,267
38.5%
Mining
67
2.1%
67
2.0%
67
2.0%
Manufacturing
75
2.3%
78
2.4%
81
2.5%
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
8
0.2%
5
0.2%
8
0.2%
402
12.5%
398
12.1%
393
11.9%
Wholesale Trade
58
1.8%
60
1.8%
61
1.9%
Retail Trade
120
3.7%
126
3.8%
117
3.6%
Construction
Accommodation and Food Services
83
2.6%
88
2.7%
94
2.9%
Transport, Postal and Warehousing
129
4.0%
131
4.0%
130
4.0%
Information Media and Telecommunications
3
0.1%
3
0.1%
3
0.1%
Financial and Insurance Services
132
4.1%
132
4.0%
126
3.8%
Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services
313
9.7%
324
9.8%
334
10.1%
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
140
4.3%
151
4.6%
156
4.7%
Administrative and Support Services
96
3.0%
105
3.2%
107
3.3%
Public Administration and Safety
9
0.3%
5
0.2%
6
0.2%
Education and Training
28
0.9%
33
1.0%
25
0.8%
Health Care and Social Assistance
62
1.9%
67
2.0%
61
1.9%
Arts and Recreation Services
14
0.4%
12
0.4%
20
0.6%
Other Services
205
6.4%
225
6.8%
233
7.1%
Not Classified Total
4
0.1%
4
0.1%
3
0.1%
3,219
100.0%
3,291
100.0%
3,292
100.0%
Source: ABS (2021d)
Business registrations by workforce size and turnover Workforce size
No.
2018
%
No.
2019
2020
%
Change 2019–2020
Non-employing
2,021
62.8%
2,078
63.1%
2,103
64.2%
1.2%
1–19 staff
1,155
35.9%
1,157
35.2%
1,112
34.0%
-3.9%
43
1.3%
53
1.6%
56
1.7%
5.7%
20–199 staff 200+ staff
0
0.0%
3
0.1%
3
0.1%
0.0%
3,219
100.0%
3,291
100.0%
3,274
100.0%
-0.5%
Zero to less than $50k
676
21.0%
668
20.3%
728
22.2%
9.0%
$50k to less than $200k
950
29.5%
997
30.3%
943
28.8%
-5.4%
$200k to less than $2m
-4.7%
Total Turnover ranges
1,366
42.4%
1,369
41.6%
1,305
39.8%
$2m to less than $5m
157
4.9%
189
5.7%
211
6.4%
11.6%
$5m to less than $10m
46
1.4%
43
1.3%
57
1.7%
32.6%
$10m or more Total Source: ABS (2021d)
44 Central Highlands Development Corporation
24
0.7%
25
0.8%
36
1.1%
44.0%
3,219
100.0%
3,291
100.0%
3,280
100.0%
-0.3%
Visitor economy
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 45
Visitor economy
Output
$207.91m Total tourism output 2020
65.5%
Accommodation & food services contribution to tourism output 2020
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 and restaurants, and cultural and 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 sector has been deducted and consolidated into a separate tourism sector. The Central Highlands’ total output estimate is $10.776 billion, with tourism contributing $207.905 million.
The following graph shows the gross revenue generated by businesses and organisations in the Central Highlands to service demand generated by tourists to the area.
Output (with separate Tourism sector) Accommodation & Food Services
$7,427.115
Mining Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$509.885
Ownership of Dwellings
Construction
$461.452
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$136.182 $19.322 $16.700
Manufacturing
$300.984
Retail Trade
Ownership of Dwellings
$292.854
Education & Training
$4.286
Tourism
$207.905
Manufacturing
$3.721
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$187.387
Administrative & Support Services
$3.323
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$172.952
Wholesale Trade
$3.144
Education & Training
$147.184
Arts & Recreation Services
$3.062
Wholesale Trade
$133.293
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
$1.835
Administrative & Support Services
$129.547
Other Services
$1.286
Retail Trade
$119.825
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
$0.864
Public Administration & Safety
$117.411
Information Media & Telecommunications
$0.505
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
$106.509
Health Care & Social Assistance
$0.394
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
$101.250
Other Services
$98.317
Health Care & Social Assistance
$95.868
Financial & Insurance Services
$92.375
Accommodation & Food Services
$35.421
Information Media & Telecommunications
$28.795
Arts & Recreation Services
$9.299 0
$13.281
0 Source: REMPLAN (2021)
$m 2,000
4,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
46 Central Highlands Development Corporation
6,000
8,000
$m 50
100
150
Visitor economy
Employment
1,068
75.1%
Tourism related employment 2020
Accommodation & food services contribution to tourism employment 2020
Tourism employment
Employment attributable to tourism
The employment generated to service demand from visitors for each industry sector has been estimated through applying industry profiles from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Tourism Satellite Account and consolidated into a separate tourism sector. Tourism is estimated to account for 1,068 jobs (6.3%) of the total 17,019 jobs in the Central Highlands.
The total tourism related employment estimate for the Central Highlands is 1,068 jobs. The following graph shows the number of jobs in each industry sector in the region which service demand generated by tourists to the area.
Employment (with separate Tourism sector) Accommodation & Food Services
6,079
Mining Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
1,788
802 118
Retail Trade
Education & Training
1,100
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
Tourism
1,068
Education & Training
32
Retail Trade
1,066
Arts & Recreation Services
21
Administrative & Support Services
12
Other Services
9
971
Construction Health Care & Social Assistance
765
51
Other Services
651
Wholesale Trade
8
Public Administration & Safety
602
Manufacturing
4
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
576
Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
3
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
3
Administrative & Support Services
457
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
374
Health Care & Social Assistance
3
Wholesale Trade
334
Ownership of Dwellings
1
Manufacturing
321
Information Media & Telecommunications
1
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services
256
Accommodation & Food Services
208
Electricity, Gas, Water & Waste Services
144
Financial & Insurance Services
126
Arts & Recreation Services
63
Information Media & Telecommunications
62
Ownership of Dwellings
8 0
0
Jobs 200
400
600
800
1,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
Jobs 1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 47
Visitor economy
Distribution of tourist dollar and visitor profile
708,000
5 nights
Average visitors 2019
Average length of stay domestic visitors 2019
$443
Average spend per trip domestic overnight visitor 2019
Distribution of tourist dollar For each dollar spent by a tourist in the Central Highlands, it is estimated that typically $0.66 is spent on ‘Accommodation & Food Services’, $0.09 is spent on ‘Transport, Postal & Warehousing’, and $0.06 is spent on ‘Retail Trade’. Accommodation & Food Services
$0.66
Ownership of Dwellings
$0.09
Transport, Postal & Warehousing
$0.08 $0.06
Retail Trade Education & Training
$0.02
Manufacturing
$0.02
Administrative & Support Services
$0.02
Wholesale Trade
$0.02
Arts & Recreation Services
$0.01
Rental, hiring & Real Estate Services
$0.01
Other Services
$0.01 0
$0.20
$0.40
$0.60
$0.80
Source: REMPLAN (2021)
Visitor profile
Average length of stay
The visitor profile provides data for the Central Highlands for a four year average to 2019.
The following data has been sourced from Tourism Research Australia's Local Government Area Profile 2019 for the Central Highlands. Within the Central Highlands, the average length of stay for international visitors is 25 nights, while the average length of stay of domestic overnight visitors is 5 nights. Domestic overnight visitors spend an average of $443 per trip and $97 per night, compared to $1,220 and $64, respectively for international visitors.
Visitors
Nights
Domestic day (‘000)
320
–
Domestic overnight (‘000)
378
1,724
10
254
International (‘000) Source: TRA (2020)
Average stay (nights) Average spend per trip Average spend per night Source: TRA (2020)
48 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Domestic day
Domestic overnight
International
–
5
25
$196
$443
$1,220
–
$97
$64
Visitor economy
Emerald Airport
↓9.6%
156,707
Emerald airport passengers 2020–21
Passengers through Emerald Airport have typically peaked in the June/July period
Decrease in passenger numbers 2019–20 to 2020–21
Passengers Over the past ten years, passenger numbers recorded through the Emerald Airport have averaged 223,037. In 2019–20, the passengers totalled 173,302. This has fallen to 156,707 in 2020–21. This large (10%) fall in passenger numbers was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impact on air travel. Passengers 350,000 310,640
300,000
264,963
257,053
250,000
232,488
216,107
200,000
208,284
206,748
204,073 173,302
156,707
150,000
100,000
50,000
Year
0 2011–12
2012–13
2013–14
2014–15
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18
2018–19
2019–20
2020–21
Source: CHRC (2021)
Despite annual passenger numbers for 2020–21 being lower than 2019–20, the quarterly number of passengers has been increasing throughout 2020–21, from 32,147 in the September quarter 2020 to 47,563 in the June quarter 2021. Number of passengers 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 Month Jun ‘21
Mar ‘21
Dec ’20
Jun ‘20
Sep ‘20
Dec ’19
Mar ‘20
Jun ‘19
Sep ‘19
Dec ’18
Mar ‘19
Jun ‘18
Sep ‘18
Dec ’17
Mar ‘18
Jun ‘17
Sep ‘17
Mar ‘17
Dec ’16
Jun ‘16
Sep ‘16
Dec ’15
Mar ‘16
Jun ‘15
Sep ‘15
Dec ’14
Mar ‘15
Jun ‘14
Sep ‘14
Dec ’13
Mar ‘14
Jun ‘13
Sep ‘13
Dec ’12
Mar ‘13
Jun ‘12
Sep ‘12
Dec ’11
Mar ‘12
Sep ‘11
0
Source: CHRC (2021)
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 49
Agribusiness
Agribusiness
Agribusiness
$891 m
Total agricultural output 2019–2020
↑6.0%
$571 m
Increase in agricultural output 2018–19 to 2019–20
Value of beef production 2019–2020
Output The Central Highlands delivers approximately $891 million in agricultural value. Cattle grazing is the largest agricultural activity generating $571 million. Citrus is another key driver of value which has had a strong year in 2019-20 ($125 million). The value of wheat and sorghum is $49 million while pulses (chickpeas) have an economic value of $50 million.The region is also an important cotton producer ($37 million) and has a thriving grape sector ($25 million). Data
Nov 2017 (2015–16)
Nov 2018 (2016–17)
Nov 2019 (2017–18)
Nov 2020 (2018–19)
Nov 2021 (2019–20)
Change
ABS Standard Error
Agricultural value ($)
820 million
894 million
1.12 billion
841 million
891 million
Increase
–
Number of agricultural businesses
1,336
1,445
1,420
1,350
1,470
Increase
25% – 50%
4 industries;
4 industries;
4 industries;
2 industries;
2 industries;
88 per cent
90 per cent
93 per cent
89 per cent
91 per cent
Consolidation
–
Beef grazing value ($)
540 million
530 million
576 million
584 million
571 million
Decrease
–
Cattle head (number)
1,373,281
–
–
Number of industries producing; per cent of economic value Beef
No new data available
Cotton Value ($)
58 million
63 million
194 million
53 million
37 million
Decrease
–
Production (tonnes)
23,000
29,000
73,000
20,000
15,000
Decrease
10% – 25%
Area (ha)
16,000
19,000
39,000
13,000
8,000
Decrease
10% – 25%
Value ($)
20 million
17 million
17 million
18 million
25 million*
Increase
–
Production (tonnes)
6,000
4,000
3,000
4,000
6,000*
Increase
10% – 25%
Area (ha)
980
880
1,000
1,000
1,000*
Increase
10% – 25%
Value ($)
40 million
20 million
47 million
22 million
24 million
Stable
–
Production (tonnes)
145,000
84,000
150,000
64,000
61,000
Stable
10% – 25%
Area (ha)
62,000
35,000
54,000
32,000
36,000
Stable
10% – 25%
Value ($)
10 million
19 million
13 million
11 million
25 million
Increase
–
Production (tonnes)
38,000
80,000
40,000
25,000
63,000
Increase
10% – 25%
Area (ha)
23,000
40,000
33,000
23,000
36,000
Increase
10% – 25%
Table grapes
Sorghum
Wheat
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 51
Agribusiness
Data
Nov 2017 (2015–16)
Nov 2018 (2016–17)
Nov 2019 (2017–18)
Nov 2020 (2018–19)
Nov 2021 (2019–20)
Change
ABS Standard Error
Value ($)
50 million
106 million
73 million
25 million
50 million
Increase
–
Production (tonnes)
54,000
120,000
94,000
29,000
61,000
Increase
10% – 50%
Area (ha)
52,000
68,000
81,000
32,000
39,000
Increase
10% – 50%
40 million
55 million
94 million
87 million
125 million
Increase
–
Value ($)
1 million
1 million
1.4 million
–
–
Production (tonnes)
5,000
7,000
10,000
–
10% – 50%
Area (ha)
800
900
1700
–
10% – 50%
Pulses**
Mandarins Value ($)*** Pasture cut hay
No new data available
* Based on state level data for 2019–20 due to high standard errors in the ABS data at regional level that year. ** 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 (also includes products from processing stages) are attributable to production in Central Highlands. Note: All data is rounded. Source: ACIL Allen based on Australian Bureau of Statistics and Queensland Government Statistician's Office
52 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Bibliography Australian Bureau of Statistics (2017) “Australian Census of Population and Housing 2016” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021a) “Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2019–20, Cat. No. 3218.0” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021b) “Labour Force, Australia, Detailed – Electronic Delivery, Cat. No. 6291.0.55.001, Apr 2021” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021c) “Building Approvals, Australia, May 2021, Cat. No. 8731.0” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021d) “Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, June 2015 to June 2020, Cat. No. 8165.0” Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra Central Highlands Development Corporation (2019) “Development Register Central Highlands region, December 2019” Central Highlands Development Corporation, Emerald Central Highlands Regional Council (2021) “Emerald Airport Traffic Data” Central Highlands Regional Council, Emerald Department of Education, Skills and Employment (2021) “Small Area Labour Markets publication – December Quarter 2020” Australian Government, Canberra Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2019a) “Projected Population (Medium Series), by Local Government Area, Queensland, 2016 to 2041” Queensland Government, Brisbane Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2019b) “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 (2021a) “Bowen Basin: Non-Resident Workers On-Shift, by Local Government Area (LGA), 2006 to 2020” Queensland Government, Brisbane Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2021b) “Bowen Basin: Non-resident Population Projections, by Local Government Area (LGA) (Series A), 2019 to 2025” Queensland Government, Brisbane Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (2021c) “Residential Land Development Activity Profile, Central Highlands (R) Local Government Area (LGA)” (accessed July 2021), Queensland Government, Brisbane REMPLAN (2021) “REMPLAN Modelling and Analysis System” REMPLAN, Bendigo – REMPLAN utilises the following sources: — ABS 2016 Census Place of Work Employment (Scaled); — ABS 2017 / 2018 National Input Output Tables; and — ABS June 2020 Gross State Product. Residential Tenancies Authority (2021) “Median Rents Quarterly Data” Queensland Government, Brisbane Tourism Research Australia (2020) “Local Government Area Profiles, 2019 – Central Highlands (R) (QLD), Queensland” Australian Government, Canberra
2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile 53
Central Highlands Development Corporation Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) is a not for profit organisation and the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands region of Queensland, Australia. Underpinned by robust and innovative industries including resources, agriculture, tourism, small business and start-ups, CHDC advocates for sustainable regional and economic growth by enhancing our workforce, promoting our region and supporting our businesses. For more than 24 years, CHDC's rich understanding of the local industry has allowed us to deliver economic insights and strategic action plans for the region. In turn, this has contributed to building strong, capable businesses and industries that are supply-chain ready and optimised for expansion. The 2021 Central Highlands Economic Profile is based on data provided by REMPLAN and ACIL Allen. Using ABS datasets, modelling software has been applied to generate industrial economic data estimates. The data is the most recent and accurate information available at the time of publication. No responsibility is accepted for any inadvertent errors. 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 enquiries@chdc.com.au W chdc.com.au REMPLAN T (07) 5689 1499 / (03) 5444 4788 W remplan.com.au ACIL Allen T (02) 8272 5100 W acilallen.com.au
54 Central Highlands Development Corporation
Central Highlands Development Corporation 76 Egerton Street Emerald QLD 4720 chdc.com.au
T 07 4982 4386 F 07 4982 4068 E enquiries@chdc.com.au