Queensland is facing a critical shortage of construction workers, with an urgent need for 50,000 additional staff to fulfil ongoing housing projects, which offer salaries potentially exceeding six figures. According to a report from Construction Skills Queensland, the state requires these workers over the next two years to support housing and infrastructure developments in preparation for the 2032 events. Construction Skills Queensland director Kim Hetherington noted an average shortage of 18,200 workers annually, escalating to 50,000 by 2026 and 2027.
Currently, Queensland boasts $53 billion in construction activity, a figure expected to rise to $77 billion in the upcoming financial year. Among the ambitious targets is the construction of 53,000 new homes by 2044. Hetherington pointed out the challenges in meeting these goals with the available workforce, emphasising the urgent need for prioritising essential projects to ensure adequate housing, hospitals, roads, and schools over the next eight years.
The highest demand across the state is for carpenters, painters, electricians, plasterers, and concreters, while significant shortages also exist for earthmoving plant operators, structural steel workers, and crane operators. Salaries in this sector reflect the demand, with wages for tradespeople being notably competitive, and opportunities for construction management roles reaching up to $300,000.
The Queensland government is aware of this workforce deficit and is developing incentives and policies to remedy the situation. Housing Minister Sam O’Connor highlighted that the solution will not solely rely on training young Queenslanders in trades; there is a pressing need to attract talent from outside the state as well. Efforts are underway to explore innovative housing models to address these workforce challenges.