Strengthening Darling Downs South West

This vast and economically diverse region is centred on the regional capital of Toowoomba and is supported by significant regional towns such as Dalby, Warwick, Roma, Goondiwindi and Charleville.

Our Darling Downs South West regional office is one of 11 regional offices across Queensland supporting businesses to mature, grow and invest.

Population

280,822 (30 June 2021) – expected to increase to 316,026 (by 2041).

Employment

Labour force 137,581 (unemployment rate 6.1% June 2022)

Strengths

• high performing infrastructure linking the region to the world by air, rail and road such as Wellcamp Airport and the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precincts, Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre and Interlink
• strong transport infrastructure connectivity including the recently completed $1.6B Toowoomba bypass and Warrego Highway upgrades.
• future regional freight hub for Inland Rail between Brisbane and Melbourne
• building a responsible and sustainable future guided by the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles
• the region represents Australia’s leading agricultural sector in production and innovation
• leaders in innovative industries such as renewables, resource recovery, and clean energy
• currently experiencing growth in the feedlot sector and associated beef processing industry with long established export orientated processors located across the region
• strong education (including tertiary institutions) and health sectors
• the key industry sectors are supported by a strong and innovative manufacturing sector that has built expertise across agriculture, mining, civil construction and coal seam gas
• strong First Nations business network operating in the region, working to increase business capability, capacity and engagement.
• resilient and diverse economy

Main industries

• agriculture
• aviation
• construction
• education
• manufacturing
  • transport equipment manufacturing
  • food product
  • primary metal and metal production
  • fabricated metal production
  • machinery and equipment
• renewables
• tourism

Local content activities

View all upcoming events and opportunities on the events page including:

• workshops
• industry briefings supporting businesses at all stages of project supply chains

Other services offered include:

• investment and project facilitation
• regional economic development initiatives
• pre-recorded sessions are also available on how to promote your businesses’ products and services to others.

Further information

Find out more about this diverse region or contact our Darling Downs South West regional office.