Organisations throughout the Gold Coast are creating thousands of new jobs in Queensland, with the region experiencing solid growth across multiple sectors.
Mayor Tom Tate welcomed comments State Treasurer Curtis Pitt made in January that the Gold Coast was leading Queensland in terms of improvements in the labour market. Mr Tate said the city currently has the lowest unemployment in the state, with construction, retail and manufacturing jobs all on the rise.
“I have always said that when the Gold Coast’s economy fires, Queensland hums and that’s what we are seeing right now,” he remarked.
“This jobs bonanza is no accident. It has taken careful planning and a sleeves-rolled-up approach from council and private enterprise.”
Recent figures from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office revealed Gold Coast unemployment dropped 0.7 percentage points to 5.3 per cent in the 12 months to December 2015.
State funding into the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games has played a big part in local job creation, with various infrastructure projects approved to ensure the city is prepared for an influx of domestic and international visitors.
The mayor highlighted other contributing factors, such as the city’s Business Growth Accelerator Program, Investment Attraction Scheme, Export Assistance initiative and Business Online Program.
Current climate benefiting jobs
Citing the latest unemployment figures, Mayor Tate said 15,000 jobs have been created across the Gold Coast in the last 12 months. He claimed the city is “truly open for business”.
According to the local council, many organisations are increasing their headcounts as the economy thrives. This could encourage employers to hire more apprentices and trainees, especially if they urgently need to fill skills gaps in their operations.
One business that is taking advantage of the Gold Coast’s optimistic business environment is Crema Espresso in Main Beach. Antony Forbutt, managing director of the coffee shop brand, said his company expanded rapidly and he is looking to continue this trend.
“The Gold Coast has been the perfect city for me to grow my business. It is vibrant, exciting and there is a fantastic optimism you don’t find everywhere,” he explained.
Crema Espresso began as one shop on Main Beach but is using the franchise model to expand. There are now several shops open on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and elsewhere.
According to Mr Forbutt, the business has benefited from various commercial programs that the city offers, enabling him to innovate and take on more people.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
