The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is changing to the Department of State Development and Infrastructure. Work is underway to update this website. Read more about the new Ministerial portfolios. Access Planning and Local Government content as changes are being progressed.

Skip to content

Strengthening Darling Downs South West

Darling Downs South West banner

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

  • The Darling Downs South West region is a Transport and logistics hub with high performing infrastructure linking the region to the world by air, rail and road. Assets such as the Toowoomba-Wellcamp Airport and the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precincts, Toowoomba Wellcamp Trade Distribution Centre and InterlinkSQ, all situated with close connectivity to the recently completed $1.6B Toowoomba bypass and Warrego highway upgrades. A future regional freight hub for the Inland Rail between Brisbane and Melbourne will only enhance this strength.
  • A resilient and diverse region building a responsible and sustainable future guided by the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles with a strong First Nations business network operating across the region. Regional leaders are working collaboratively to build on existing business capability, capacity and engagement.
  • The Darling Downs has long been known as Queensland’s food bowl, and the cattle production and meat processing sector is the region’s highest food value chain, worth more than $1 billion each year. The region represents Australia’s leading agricultural sector in production and innovation and hosts the AATLIS Innovation Precinct, which is supporting agtech innovation, not only within the region but within the State. The region is also experiencing growth in the feedlotting and associated beef and small livestock processing sectors. There is a long and proud history in the region and it boasts export orientated processors located across the region and assets including industry renowned livestock selling centres.
  • Leaders in innovative industries such as renewables, resource recovery, and manufacturing. Home to the Southern Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, the region is experiencing significant growth in clean energy production from both wind and solar projects. The renewable sector is supported by a strong and innovative supply chain in the manufacturing sector that has built expertise across agriculture, mining, civil construction and coal seam gas.

Main industries

Value added by industry sector DDSW 21/22

Industry$m
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 2837.9
Construction 1938.8
Health Care and Social Assistance 1780.1
Mining 1746.8


Output by industry sector DDSW 21/22

Industry$m
Mining 9039.2
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 7667.7
Construction 5986.8
Manufacturing 4664.6


Employment by industry sector DDSW 21/22

IndustryNumber
Health Care and Social Assistance 23324
Retail Trade 13976
Education and Training 13573
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 13386


Gross Value Add by industry sector DDSW 21/22

IndustryNumber
Mining 4606
Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 2613
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 1736
Construction 1720

Future Growth Industries:

  • Aerospace and Defence
  • Renewables
  • Agritourism
  • Education
  • Food production

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:

Further information

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

Last updated: 16 Oct 2023