WELCOME TO NORTH QUEENSLAND

North Queensland has one of the fastest growing economies in Queensland and its capital, Townsville, has one of the fastest population growth rates in Australia. Encompassing Townsville City Council, Charters Towers Regional Council and the Hinchinbrook and Burdekin Shire Councils, the region combines a relaxed tropical lifestyle with solid economic growth and the very best in health, education and recreational facilities for your family.

With world class infrastructure, North Queensland’s future growth is guaranteed. Handling 10 million tonnesof cargo annually, Townsville’s port is the cornerstone of North Queensland’s economy. It is well connected by both rail and road to one of the largest minerals provinces in the world– the North West Queensland minerals province, ensuring the region continues to capture the economic benefits of the continuing global growth in minerals commodities. In addition, with excellent water and road infrastructure and new land for housing development, North Queensland is well prepared for future residential growth.

Our strong growth means North Queensland is in search of new businesses, professional services, trades and skilled labour. We offer plenty of job opportunities at all levels in a range of sectors from mining and manufacturing to the service industries and tourism. North Queensland’s vibrant future promises a wealth of continuing opportunities for those seeking employment and a great family lifestyle.

So if you are considering relocating – consider Townsville.

Economy

North Queensland’s economy is growing rapidly with gross regional product up 12.4% to 11.6 billion in 2006. While North Queensland accounts for around 5% of Queensland’s population, we produce 7.1% of Queensland’s Gross State Product.

Manufacturing is the dominant industry, accounting for 15.2% of the economy. Other major industries underpinning the North Queensland economy are government administration and defence(11.2%), mining (9.7%) and construction (8.4%). The region’s diverse economy provides long term sustainability against general economic downturns.

As the region’s economy has grown, Townsville has attracted major facilities to establish itself as Northern Australia’s centre for minerals processing, public administration, education, research and development, health services, and a wide range of public and private sector professional services.

Health and Education Facilities

North Queensland has the best health services in regional Queensland. Townsville is also home to a number of specialist practitioners ranging from obstetrics to orthopedics.

Townsville offers an extensive range of schooling opportunities. There areboarding school facilities in the nearby towns of Charters Towers and Ingham. The region offers tertiary education options through the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFEand James Cook University (JCU). Townsville is also home to the Australian Technical College North Queensland which provides academic courses, business studies and trade training.

JCU is Australia’s leading tropical research university, and has an international reputation promoted and maintained through strong linkages with universities and research institutions world wide. JCU offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses spanning Arts, Business, Creative Arts, Education, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science, Information technology and Social Sciences, JCU is well placed to provide graduates with the qualifications and skills for entry into the global workforce.

Recreational Opportunities

North Queensland residents enjoy a wide range of recreational activities. For those interested in sport, Townsville boasts a 30,000 seat sporting stadium and several large sporting and community complexes. In addition North Queensland has four national sporting teams in the sports of rugby league, basketball(men’s and women’s) and most recently soccer. On a cultural note, Townsville hosts the world class Australian Festival of Chamber Music and is frequently visited by national and international shows and musical acts.

Many outdoor and recreational activities are on offer and are supported by a diverse range of community events. North Queensland boasts award winning community facilities and is blessed with the climate and natural attributes to support a fantastic array of outdoor activities.

North Queensland is a great launching spot to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics region and the charming heritage of the outback.

Information supplied courtesy of Townsville Enterprise