Our region boasts growing populations, diversified economies, and ongoing infrastructure investment from government and private sectors. These factors may make our region an attractive place to live, work and invest.
Toowoomba
As Australia's second largest inland city, behind Canberra our nation’s capital, Toowoomba is a place full of opportunity. With a growing population and a diversified economy, with strong sectors in agriculture, education, health, and manufacturing there are diverse investment opportunities abound. The city has seen significant infrastructure investment in recent years, including the development of a Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (Bypass) and a range of new residential and commercial developments.
Fast Facts
- Toowoomba region population - 175,316
- More than 3 million visitors to the region each year
- $15.69 billion development spend in the Toowoomba region (2022/23)
- Toowoomba’s Gross Regional Product was $11.74 billion in the year ending June 2021, growing 4.2% since the previous year (National Economics (NIEIR) - Modelled series)
- Median house price is $464,250 (March 2022 - February 2023, realestate.com.au)
- Toowoomba region represents Australia’s leading agricultural sector in production and innovation
Western Downs
The Western Downs, located to the west of Toowoomba includes a number of towns with Dalby as the largest hub. The region is known for its rich agricultural land, particularly in the production of proteins, wheat, cotton, and sorghum. The region is located in the heart of the resource rich Surat Basin geographic formation, meaning that the Western Downs has a diversified energy portfolio including traditional and renewable energy plat and production cementing its reputation as the Energy Capital of Queensland.
Fast Facts
- Western Downs current population is 35,296 and is forecast to grow to 38,183 by 2046
- Home to almost 5,000 local businesses
- $4.31 billion GRP in the year ending June 2021 growing 2.7% since the previous year (National Economics (NIEIR) - Modelled series)
- Median house price is $331,000 (Feb - March 2023)
- Low unemployment rate of 6.0% (2021)
- Construction is the largest employer, generating 3,978 local jobs in 2020/21 (Id Consulting)
Maranoa
The Maranoa region, southwest of Toowoomba, with Roma as its hub covers an area of approximately 58,000 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of industries. Agriculture is a major industry, with cattle, sheep, wheat, cotton and horticulture. Like neighbours, the Western Downs, the region is a significant producer of traditional and renewable energy projects. Maranoa also support manufacturing, construction, retail, and health care services. The region is served by several hospitals and health care facilities, providing essential services to the local community and surrounding areas.
Fast Facts
- Maranoa current population is 12,960 (2021)
- 2,600 local businesses
- $1.70 billion Gross Regional Product (GRP) as of 30 June 2021
- Median house price is $302,670 (Feb-Mar 2023)
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing is the largest employer, generating 1,833 FTE jobs in 2019/20
