Upturn a long way off

MONTHLY jobless figures for Townsville have improved but the latest unemployment data shows the region’s recovery still has a long way to go.

MONTHLY jobless figures for Townsville have improved but the latest unemployment data shows the region’s recovery still has a long way to go.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the city’s average unemployment rate during the past 12 months was 9.7 per cent, up 1 per cent on July last year.

The figure is well above the state average of 6.2 per cent over the same time period.

Conditions improved in the more volatile monthly numbers, where the jobless rate fell from 14.8 per cent in June to 9.7 per cent for July.

But Townsville Chamber of Commerce president Troy ­Popham said Townsville was still a long way from recovery.

“To me this data suggests the participation rate has dropped or it could mean we’ve had a lot of people leave the region,” he said.

“That’s been a real concern. A lot of businesses are concerned about the population migrating away looking for jobs.

“For now we just have to keep creating opportunities because unemployment is still the major issue here.”

Adept Economics principal Gene Tunney said the region’s economy was a long way from a dramatic recovery but there was some positive news.

“There are people seeing green shoots in construction and other industries,” he said. “The economy will adjust and is in the process of doing so. ”

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the State Government was committed to creating jobs.

“We understand that more needs to be done to address the high levels of youth unemployment in parts of regional Queensland,” he said.

“I’m very pleased to see ­regions like Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton and the Wide Bay have all recorded ­decreases in youth unemployment but we still have a way to go.”

The Townsville Bulletin has joined the News Corp Australia 5000 Jobs in 50 Days Campaign.

Do you have a job for a first-time jobseeker? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Upturn a long way off