Queensland borders South Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales.Queensland, with a population of about 4.5 million people, is also considered to be the sixth largest sub-national entity in the world. It has an area of 1.8 million square kilometres. Brisbane is the largest city as well as the capital city of the state. Ten of the 30 largest cities and towns in Australia are located here. Queensland also has the third largest economy in Australia.
Queensland is represented in almost every national sports competition. The state also hosts several national and international sports events. Some of the most popular summer and winter sports are:
- Cricket
- Rugby union
- Rugby league
- Netball
The most successful Queensland team in any sporting event is the Brisbane Broncos, with three premierships in rugby league to its credit. Major sports teams include:
- Football: Gold Coast Suns, Brisbane Lions
- Basketball: Gold Coast Blaze, Cairns Taipans
- Cricket: Brisbane Heat, Queensland Bulls
- Soccer: Gold Coast United, Queensland Fury and Brisbane Roar
Industries
The two most important industries in Queensland are manufacturing and aerospace and aviation. Other key industries include transport, tourism and mining.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing includes the processing, or value-adding, of raw materials into other products (such as iron to steel body panels for vehicles and other products). Important sectors of Queensland manufacturing include medicine, aviation, mining and engineering. The state is also focusing on supporting some newer sectors with a high potential for growth, such as rail equipment, electronics and fibre composites.
Queensland manufacturing:
- Consists of about 11,000 businesses
- Has 190,000 employees
- Generates about $18.3 billion dollars (according to 2008-09 estimates)
Aerospace and aviation
The aerospace and aviation industry consists of about 900 companies ranging from small and medium to global. Queensland is home to about a third of Australia’s aerospace and aviation companies, making it a major industrial hub. Some prominent activities in the industry include:
- Civil and military aircraft design, modification, manufacture, overhaul and repair, and maintenance
- Domestic and international airline operations
- Aviation services
- Aerospace and aviation training and education
- Civil and military aerospace, aviation and airport infrastructure
- General aviation
Aerospace and aviation companies in Queensland are strongly innovative and commercially successful.
Education, employment and job opportunities
According to Queensland law, children are required to stay in school until they reach 17 or have one of the following:
- Full-time job
- Education certificate
- Vocational qualification certificate III
Each year the government invests about $10.6 million in a program known as “Get Set for Work”. The program is a part of training and education reforms, which aim to train the younger generation for different work opportunities.
Community organisations working throughout Queensland co-ordinate training and employment programs to assist job seekers in gaining the required skills to become a part of the workforce. The government also assists people seeking jobs. A number of government support programs are available for those who are unemployed or have lost their jobs.
Early Education
The future success of children strongly depends on their early participation in education. This is the reason why the Queensland Government invests millions in different kindergarten projects. The focus is on the establishment of additional kindergarten services in those areas where demand is very high. Some prominent kindergarten initiatives include:
- Provision of funds to some non-state kindergartens
- Implementation of learning guidelines for kindergartens
- Implementation of strategies to improve access to programs for children with disabilities and from non-English speaking backgrounds
- Increasing community awareness
Public Transport
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads helps transport operators, limousine and taxi companies, private ferry and bus operators and air operators to maintain sustainable, flexible and efficient transport services. It also assists in removing barriers to mobility and access for disabled people.
QConnect
This is an initiative to ensure improved public transport services as well as optimised services, connectivity and accessibility throughout rural, remote and regional Queensland.
Trans Link
This is an initiative offering a single network of public transport from Gympie to Coolangatta. The purchase of one ticket allows you to move wherever you like.
Conclusion
Queensland is one of the most important states of Australia, with considerable industrial activity. Manufacturing and aerospace and aviation are two major industries contributing significantly to the overall economy of Australia.
