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Brisbane is the ideal environment for investment, development and business confidence. With a positive and optimistic outlook driven by proven and forecast economic growth, strong population growth and projections, high levels of investment in infrastructure projects, exceptional industry strengths, a stable political environment and a progressive and supportive business environment, Brisbane’s vision for the future is ambitious – but well within reach.
With a thriving $171 billion economy that’s anticipated to grow to $217 billion by 2031, $15 billion worth of major infrastructure projects in the pipeline and the largest city council in Australia committed to creating new and innovative jobs and opportunities, cranes are set to dominate Brisbane’s skyline for years to come – and that’s great for investors and businesses of all stages and sizes looking to make their mark and grow.
ECONOMY
With a business-friendly environment, faster access to Asia, sustained growth in the resources, construction and professional services sectors, and a well-deserved reputation for innovation, Brisbane’s thriving $171 billion economy is anticipated to grow to $217 billion by 2031.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Brisbane is a city on the move, with airport capacity on par with Hong Kong and Singapore; Australia’s largest capital city port; and a $15 billion infrastructure pipeline that includes the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf integrated resort and casino project and the $944 million high-frequency Brisbane Metro service.
TALENT AND SKILLS
Brisbane is an Asia-Pacific talent hub. With world-class educational institutions, a soaring start-up sector and global innovators like Boeing calling Brisbane home, it’s no surprise Brisbane has a productivity rate nearly triple the national average.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Brisbane has a resident population of 1.2 million people, a figure expected to grow to 1.5 million people by 2041 as Brisbane adds 250,000 residents over the next two decades. Brisbane has a labour force of more than 729,000 people, and more than 131,000 registered businesses.
GEOGRAPHY
Brisbane is conveniently positioned to operate across three time zones because of its location on the east coast of Australia. As the closest eastern seaboard capital city to Asia, with a world-class airport and container port, Brisbane offers unparalleled shipping and transport opportunities.
LIVEABILITY
Brisbane’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle is the envy of most cities, with a subtropical climate and a vast network of parklands and pathways ripe for walking and cycling. With more affordable housing and shorter commutes, Brisbane is the city most Australians are moving to.
Construction continues to be a major contributor to Brisbane’s economic growth, with the industry responsible for $31 billion in output for FY2019-20.
Brisbane is perfectly positioned at the centre of a 360 degree food bowl, with unrivalled access to a wide variety of food and agricultural produce within 90 minutes of the city centre.
The Health industry plays a crucial role in Brisbane’s economy, contributing $16 billion in output for FY2019- 20. The industry is also the largest employer in the city, accounting for 116,500 employees.
A $15 billion infrastructure boom, unprecedented population growth and an extremely positive long term outlook has driven demand for housing and propelled Brisbane’s fast-growing PropTech (property tech) ecosystem to help reshape the future of Brisbane’s built environment.
Brisbane is the national headquarters of METS Ignited, the industry-led, government-funded initiative to improve productivity in Australia’s $90 billion Mining, Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector.
The City of Brisbane’s largest export industry is currently Manufacturing, comprising $14 billion in export value for FY2019-20. This represents 17.6% of the total exports from the LGA.
Brisbane maintains a comprehensive infrastructure and transport network, which simplifies logistics. Transport, Postal and Warehousing is Brisbane’s second largest export industry, comprising $14 billion in export value for FY2019-20 and representing roughly 15% of total exports from the LGA.
With a wave of new infrastructure, less red tape and clear blue skies all year round, Brisbane offers the perfect climate for businesses of all sizes and stages to innovate and grow.
Brisbane offers incredible opportunities for investment, with sustained economic growth, direct access to the world’s fastest-growing markets and a wave of major infrastructure projects powering the city’s positive outlook.
Small business is big business in Brisbane, where local businesses at every level of growth are supported and provided with the resources they need to succeed.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency’s team provides support to new and established businesses in Brisbane, plus full market entry and expansion strategies to potential investors.
Access our range of helpful resources to help you establish, grow or innovate in your business in Brisbane.
Home to world-class infrastructure, facilities and educational institutions, as well as a talent pool of the biggest thinkers and the brightest minds, Brisbane offers phenomenal opportunities for investment and growth.
