Open for business
Economic performance & growth
Our economy has been growing at a rate of 3.8% per year over the last 20 years, higher than many other state and national economies. And so too have jobs, with employment growth outpacing the national average over this period.
We have matured from strengths in tourism and construction to a diverse economy with knowledge sectors and investments taking advantage of our state-of-the-art facilities, skilled workforce and unrivalled natural environment.
Continued expansion of the city’s education and knowledge institutions and investment in industry collaboration means that businesses and investors have access to an increasingly educated workforce.
$45B
GRP in 2023
a 10% share of Queensland GSP.
12.4%
GRP growth 2021-2023
higher than the national growth rate of 7.5%.
2.5M
people
within a 1 hour drive.
2.8%
unemployment rate
lower than state and national average (May 2024).
Global gateway
Gold Coast’s connection with Asia has never been deeper. With proximity to international airports on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, and direct flights to key Asian trading centres, our businesses take advantage of their strategic location to forge new links with international trading partners.
Our industries ride a 24-hour business cycle that encompasses the Asian time zone, and taps into the closing of American and opening of European business days.
Our enviable work-life balance has long been a driver for attracting new businesses and successful entrepreneurs to the city, and it is the Gold Coast’s spirited ambition and global connectivity that have seen our economy prosper.
Infrastructure
The expansion of the Gold Coast Airport, upgrade of major roads and ongoing construction of the Gold Coast Light Rail have created an integrated region, with a strong foundation for further investment.
Linking the Gold Coast to Brisbane is a four-lane motorway that facilitates easy access between Queensland’s two largest cities. An express railway service from Varsity Lakes to Brisbane City and Brisbane Airport makes that connection even more convenient, supported by direct links with the Gold Coast light rail network. The Port of Brisbane major shipping hub is also within an hours drive.
Business density
We are an entrepreneurial hub with more than 70,000 businesses forming a workforce of over 300,000 people. We are Australia’s favourite small business capital, with around one in 4 professionals operating their own business.
We have a progressive business culture that drives the success of enterprise at all levels, from start-ups to large corporations.
1 in 7
Australians
call SEQ home, 72% of Queensland's population.
2.1%
population growth per annum
over the last decade vs 1.3% nationally.
6M
residents by 2046
100,000 new residents annually.