IPSWICH

The fast-growing Ipswich region - just a 40-minute drive from Brisbane City - encompasses the local government areas of Ipswich City, Boonah Shire, Esk Shire and Laidley Shire.

Facts and Figures

• $12.5 billion in planned projects over the next five years
• 13% growth in jobs for construction workers
• 10% growth in jobs for tradespersons and related workers

Summary of Recent Statistical Indicators

Unemployment rate in Boonah Shire, and historically low levels of unemployment across the region
• 22,680 new jobs created in the region in the past five years
• 7% growth in jobs for finance and insurance workers
• 6% growth in jobs for retail trade workers

Employment by Occupation

For the year ended March 2007, the top five occupations in the Ipswich region were estimated to be:
• Intermediate, clerical, sales and service workers (18% share of total employment)
• Tradespersons and related workers (16% share of total employment)
• Labourers and related workers (14% share of total employment)
• Intermediate production and transport workers (12% share of total employment)
• Associate professionals (11% share of total employment)

Employment by Industry

In 2006, the top five industries of employment in the Ipswich region were:

• Manufacturing (16% share of employment)
• Retail Trade (15% share of employment)
• Health and Community Services (10% share of employment)
• Property and Business Services (9% share of employment)
• Construction (9% share of employment)

Between 2001 and 2007, there have been an estimated 22,680 jobs created for residents of the Ipswich region with the majority of these jobs created in construction (extra 4,138 jobs), retail trade (extra 3,725 jobs) and property and business services (extra 3,288 jobs).

The strongest employment growth rate between 2001 and 2006 was experienced by the construction industry (13% average annual growth rate), closely followed by property and business services and mining (10% average annual growth rate each), cultural and recreational services (8% average annual growth rate) and finance and insurance (7% average annual growth rate).

Employment Outlook: The Next Five Years

Around $12.5 billion in projects are planned for the region between 2007 and 2012, with a considerable focus on upgrading infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population.

At the heart of the region's growth story are two, master planned developments - Greater Springfield and Ripley Valley - which upon completion will house close to 200,000 new residents.

For more information visit www.ipswich-revealed.com.au