Queensland’s growing pipeline of major projects is putting an increasing premium on skilled workers.
Housing Industry Association (HIA) executive director (QLD), Michael Roberts said workers are needed to support both major projects and residential construction.
He said plans for the Western Downs data centre development near Dalby, highlight the scale of new investment coming into the state.
“Queensland should not have to choose between attracting major investment and building more homes, the state has enormous opportunities ahead of it, but we need the construction workforce to match those ambitions,” Roberts said.
“Projects such as the Western Downs data centre, which will be the biggest of its kind in Australia, will require a significant construction workforce in a region that is already experiencing a challenging shortfall.”
The centre will span 725.5 hectares, drawing as much electricity as about 1.5 million average Australian households, which represents roughly 28 per cent of Queensland’s total daily power consumption.
The number of new homes currently being built in Queensland has hit a 10-year high.
A forecast from Master Builders shows construction started on an estimated 44,592 new homes across the state in FY2025–26; a 22.4% increase on the previous financial year.
Higher density housing (apartments) was the main driver, which leaped ahead by 56.2%. Non-residential building is likely to have reached a record high during 2025–26, with a 15.8 per cent expansion lifting activity to $13.5 billion.
Retail and commercial construction was the strongest performer, up 23.4%.
Recruiters claim employers are being forced to offer premium wages with six-figure salary packages common for in-demand tradies.