Why Queensland?

Queensland the Smart State

Premier’s message

Why Queensland?
Queensland is Australia’s Smart State and is well known as a
place of great natural beauty with an enviable way of life.

Our State is a place of rapid economic, scientific,

technological and cultural development. Our mining,
agriculture and tourism-based economy remains strong but
it is our smart industries — the new sciences, information and communication
technologies, and creative industries — that are propelling us forward.

Queensland is the engine room of Australia and our goods and services are
renowned throughout the world.

Our business advantages such as Australia’s lowest payroll tax; lowest workers’
compensation premiums; competitive operating costs; highly skilled workforce;
highly competitive power costs; and strategic Asia-Pacific location create a state
of tremendous opportunity for all.

So come and see all that Queensland has to offer first-hand.

We are ready to welcome you.

Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland
Queensland at a glance

Apart from being a great place to work, live and play, here are
some fast statistics on Queensland:

• Capital city — Brisbane

• Average daily temperature range (Brisbane)
>> Summer — 21.1 – 29.1°C
>> Winter — 8.8 – 20.9°C
• Size
>> Mainland coastline — 6,973 kilometres
>> Total area — 1.728 million square kilometres
• Population
>> Queensland — 4.2 million
>> Brisbane — 1.8 million
• Language — English
• Currency — Australian dollar (A$)
• Legal system — Westminster system
• International airports
>> Brisbane
>> Cairns
>> Gold Coast
Why Queensland?
• Dynamic economy — Queensland has an outstanding, dynamic
economy. For more than a decade the State’s economic growth
has exceeded the national average. Queensland’s strong national
and international trading has accelerated this growth, making the
Queensland economy larger than that of Singapore and Malaysia.
Queensland’s dynamic economy can partly be attributed to the
Queensland Government’s Smart State Strategy. The strategy
includes strong support of industries that foster science, technology
and innovative research and accelerate Queensland’s knowledge-
based economy.
Queensland is Australia’s fastest growing State, with around 1,100
people a week migrating to the State from interstate and overseas.
The surge in Queensland’s population and the huge demand for
resources is generating high business confidence in the State, further
encouraging investment in its economy.
• Pro-business Government — The Queensland Government has an
active pro-business attitude, encouraging and supporting business,
industry and entrepreneurship. The Queensland Government works
in partnership with the private sector to drive economic development
and offers businesses a secure legal system that includes copyright,
patent and intellectual property protection.
• World-class reputation — Queensland’s products and services
are known throughout the world. Businesses across sectors such
as mining, agribusiness, biotechnology, aviation and the creative
industries have well-established export reputations.
• Skilled motivated workforce — As a result of world-class education
systems, including schools, universities, and training providers,
Queensland is home to a pool of skilled professionals educated in a
wide range of industries. The State’s positive migration figures have
led to the development of a highly multilingual society.
• Sophisticated infrastructure — Infrastructure in Queensland is
sophisticated and reliable. State planning not only deals with
traditional and technical infrastructure for industry, but also for day to
day living including world-class health and education systems.
• Enviable lifestyle — Queenslanders enjoy a high standard of living
and benefit from an idyllic climate with 300 days of sunshine a year.
With golden sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforests and spectacular
coral reefs, Queensland is one of the world’s most liveable places.
• Smart industries — The Queensland Government is committed to
creating a highly diverse business environment. While the State’s
traditional industries continue to play an important role, the
Government recognises that the future will be captured by these
industries that look to the horizon and search for new opportunities.
• Location options — Queensland’s regions are becoming strong
business centres, as well as unique lifestyle options. The State’s
regions are consistently growing and expanding, but there is still
plenty of room for new people, new ideas and new businesses.
• Multicultural community — Queensland is a multicultural society
and welcomes people from around the globe.
The climate in Queensland
is great for growth.
Life in Queensland

The advantages of living in Queensland include: The advantages of living in Queensland are clear and compelling.
The State’s enviable lifestyle complements its business climate
• Superior quality of life
perfectly. The Queensland Government is working hard to continue
• Competitive cost of living the State’s success and to provide ongoing opportunities and support.
• A climate that lends itself to outdoor leisure and sporting activities
The climate in Queensland is great for growth.
• An active centre for arts and culture, with many vibrant shopping and
cultural precincts, premier festival events and leading artists and arts
workers
• Many location options including metropolitan and regional lifestyles
• Tourist attractions including world-renowned beaches, national
parks, World-Heritage rainforests, the Great Barrier Reef, Carnarvon
Gorge and the Whitsunday Islands
• World-class education and training facilities
• Well developed transport infrastructure.
 Useful websites for further
information
www.business.qld.gov.au
www.education.qld.gov.au
www.export.qld.gov.au
www.industry.qld.gov.au
www.innovation.qld.gov.au
www.investqueensland.com.au
www.jobs.qld.gov.au
www.oesr.qld.gov.au
www.qld.gov.au
www.whereelse.com.au
www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au

SD4608 03/08
www.qld.gov.au