The Toowoomba Region’s diverse economy and a steady population increase over the past five years have been the major contributors to the region’s steady economic growth, according to data contained in a report prepared for Toowoomba Regional Council.

Mayor McDonald said the report detailed the Toowoomba Region’s prosperity and resilience, particularly given the rebound from earlier drought conditions and the lingering effects of Covid-19, and more recent disruptions caused by uncertain global economic conditions and the effects of rising inflation on the Australian economy.

Population increased by 1.4 per cent per year from 2017 to 2022, above the decade average (1.2 per cent p.a.).

Toowoomba’s estimated population was 178,590 in 2021-22, representing 4.6 per cent of South East Queensland and 6.6 per cent of regional Queensland’s population.

Population growth remains strong and has been driven by domestic migration.

The main population growth sectors are predominantly people over 60 and those under 14 (and their parents).

Importantly, the attraction of families with high workforce participation rates, supporting the demand for local businesses, goods and services, alleviates the aging population issues with a new workforce.

Around nine in ten of Toowoomba’s residents live and work in the Region; locals tend not to commute to work outside our Region.

Strong labour demand has helped improve job prospects for Toowoomba’s younger workers and the Region has a relatively low level of socio-economic disadvantage compared with surrounding local government areas.

Tourism

Around 97 per cent of Toowoomba’s tourism visitors are from Australia.

Most of the day trip visitors are from surrounding, Southern Queensland Country and Brisbane.

The major attraction to Toowoomba for day trip visitors is its regional service role where many visitors come to Toowoomba for medical, shopping and hospitality needs.

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 21 December 2023.