Increased unemployment rate highlights importance of Queensland resource sector jobs

Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the Queensland’s trend unemployment rate increased by 0.1% to 6.3% – a two year high – was disappointing, but the resources sector was offering hundreds of opportunities across the State.

Macfarlane said the QRC was surveying its member company Chief Executive Officers to understand their employment intentions. QRC will release those findings soon in its quarterly State of the Sector report.

“Already we know unemployment rates in mining regions are well below the State average. Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday is below 5%,” he said.

“Resource sector employers are currently advertising 1360 positions across Queensland in resources, mining and energy on seek.com.au.”

Macfarlane said 980 of those advertised jobs – or almost three quarters – pay more than AUS$100 000/yr.

“These are good jobs in a great industry in the best State of Australia,” he said.

The advertised positions by region, noting some roles are advertised in multiple regions, are:

• Mackay and Coalfields – 499.
• Brisbane – 342.
• Gladstone and Central Queensland – 125.
• Western Queensland – 105.
• Townsville – 83.
• Mount Isa – 82.
• Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast – 66.
• Toowoomba and Darling Downs – 50.
• Cairns and Far North Queensland – 43.
• Sunshine Coast – 9.
• Bundaberg and Wide Bay – 8.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/18072019/increased-unemployment-rate-highlights-importance-of-queensland-resource-sector-jobs/