UNEMPLOYMENT continues to fall in Logan as new figures show the lowest rate on record.
The milestone comes as Logan City Council details plans to build job hotspots and “innovation zones” in high-growth areas.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 4.5% of locals were jobless in the last quarter.
This marks the lowest unemployment rate since records began in 2010.
Newly-appointed Beenleigh Yatala Chamber of Commerce president Kerrie Saverin said the figure was “very encouraging” to see.
“For our residents, this means more households with greater financial security and confidence, and for our businesses, it reflects stronger workforce participation and a greater pool of skilled people choosing to work locally.
“Low unemployment has a positive flow-on effect for our local economy – it lifts consumer spending, supports small business growth, and helps attract further investment into our city.”
The previous record low was set in March 2024 with a rate of 4.6% after three years of strong jobs growth following Covid, when unemployment peaked at 9.1% in 2021.
But by September 2024, unemployment had reversed course and shot up to 5.8% before tracking down again by Christmas.
Mayor Jon Raven said the last quarter’s record-low rate was a result of coordinated efforts across government, education and industry.
He said council would continue to nurture job growth in Logan, with the city’s new draft planning scheme aiming to unlock land and future growth areas to boost employment.
This includes 600ha of land that will form part of a fast-growing industrial corridor that spans from Berrinba, Crestmead, and Park Ridge to Chambers Flat.
“The lifestyles of residents are improved when we have high quality jobs available, as it means less travel time to work. Increasing local jobs also boosts our city’s economy and provides greater opportunity for the future,” Cr Raven said.
“We know that local businesses are struggling to fill vacancies. That’s why council is focused on making sure Logan residents have the skills local businesses need.”
Under the draft scheme, council have created new zones to preserve land for manufacturing, logistics, commercial use and tourism.
This includes a new “innovation zone” that encourages emerging industries like technology, research and creative enterprises.
Council said these areas were positioned to take advantage of regional freight and logistics networks.
“We’re encouraging investment from industries with more high-value jobs and more jobs per square metre of floor space,” Cr Raven said.
