Mayor focused on lowering unemployment

FRASER Coast Mayor George Seymour has a range of goals for the new year, one of which is to boost local jobs in the region.

The latest regional unemployment figure puts the Fraser Coast unemployment rate at 6.4%.

Whilst this is down from the previous quarter’s figure of 7% and significantly lower than the recent high of 12.1% in 2020, Mayor George Seymour says there is much more work to do in creating jobs in the region.

“This has to be a priority for us, we need to continue to attract industry to the region and work on ways to strengthen the local economy” Cr Seymour said.

Health care continues to be the largest employing industry with over 10,000 workers and is continuing to increase.

Other major employers include construction, manufacturing, retail and education.

“We recently launched our economic strategy, Fraser Coast Futures 2036, which sets out the roadmap to boosting local business and creating prosperity for the region going forward” Cr Seymour said.

Building Local Opportunities

Fraser Coast Futures 2036 focuses on harnessing the region’s unique strengths—its natural beauty, skilled workforce, and entrepreneurial spirit—to attract new industries, support local businesses, and upskill workers.

The plan outlines targeted investments in sectors like advanced manufacturing, tourism, health, renewable energy, and digital innovation, aiming to diversify the economy and build resilience in the face of future challenges.

Key Initiatives to Boost Employment

• Industry Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses, education providers, and industry groups to identify emerging job opportunities and meet workforce needs.
• Skills and Training: Rolling out tailored training programs and apprenticeships to equip young people and jobseekers with the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs.
• Business Support: Providing grants, mentoring, and infrastructure upgrades to help local enterprises grow and hire more staff.
• Attracting Investment: Promoting the Fraser Coast as a top destination for new businesses, start-ups, and investors looking for a vibrant regional base.

“I am very excited about the opportunities in the new year and am looking forward to working with businesses to help grow our local economy” Cr Seymour said.