Help shape the future of our workforce

Council is seeking your input to develop a new plan to attract and retain a strong local workforce to ensure our region continues to be industry leaders in agribusiness, energy and manufacturing.

Your feedback will play a crucial role in meeting the needs of the Western Downs now and into the future.

Your insights will help address the following:

• The key challenges facing our regional workforce
• The emerging trends
• The areas that require a priority focus
• Threats facing our local jobs market and broader workforce.

In April 2025 Western Downs Regional Council conducted an online survey and invited the community and key stakeholders to participate. The responses would help develop a Regional Workforce Plan. There were 36 responses from the survey and the insights from the community and key stakeholders have been invaluable in preparing the draft document.

In May 2025 Western Downs businesses and community members were invited to online workshops to discuss the survey results in more detail. These online workshops would further develop the Regional Workforce Plan.

Consultation encompassed the following stakeholders:

• Health care
• Education and Child Care
• Construction and Trades
• Energy Sector
• Professional services
• Government

A draft of the 'Regional Workforce Plan 2025-2028' has now been created, and this is more than just a document; it’s our shared commitment to building a future-ready workforce. We're preparing for a future where families, workers and businesses can continue to grow and thrive in the Western Downs, now and for generations to come.

Draft Western Downs Regional Workforce Plan 2025-2028

Click here to read the full draft of the Regional Workforce Plan

We will be seeking further feedback about the draft of the Regional Workforce Plan before it is presented to Council and endorsed at an Ordinary Meeting of Council. This is your last chance to provide any feedback and put forward your ideas.