Queensland is forecast to have a robust construction pipeline over the next eight years, growing from $53 billion worth of project work in 2024-25 to a peak of $77 billion in 2026-27.
But the resulting construction workforce demand presents challenges, with Construction Skills Queensland chief executive officer Geoff Clare describing that group’s latest report on the sector as a wake-up call.
“We need bold action to attract and train the next generation of Queensland’s construction workforce,” Mr Clare said.
The figures are included in the Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) report, Horizon 2032: Imagining Queensland’s Future Construction Workforce, released this week.
The report highlights the key drivers behind the construction surge, including record population growth, the transition to net-zero, and the infrastructure demands of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The next decade presents an extraordinary opportunity to shape Queensland’s future, but it also brings a significant workforce challenge,” Mr Clare said.
“Construction workforce shortages are anticipated to persist across the eight years, intensifying to a 50,000 shortfall in 2026-27.
“Our industry must act now to ensure we have the skilled labour needed to meet demand.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Major growth drivers: Queensland’s population is set to surpass 6 million by 2032, driving demand for housing, transport, and essential infrastructure.
- Labour shortages: An average shortfall of 18,200 construction workers is forecast over the next eight years, with the worst shortfall of 50,000 predicted in 2026-27, threatening project timelines and costs.
- Diversity and training: Female participation in the construction industry remains at just 15 per cent, and targeted workforce development initiatives are essential to meeting future demand.
- Regional focus: Increased investment in regional workforce programs is needed to deliver renewable energy and infrastructure projects across the state.
- Mr Clare said CSQ aimed to work with the Queensland Government to contribute industry intelligence on the changing workforce profile, and where the most urgent labour gaps were emerging.
- “Our data and modelling provides an evidence base to design strategies to boost skilled labour where and when it is needed,” he said.
- “We will need collaboration between industry stakeholders, training providers and government bodies working on apprenticeship expansion, retention strategies and strategic workforce planning.”
- The full Horizon 2032 report is available HERE