As one of Australia’s fastest growing major capital and the gateway to the Asia Pacific, Brisbane offers businesses the scale to grow, the talent to innovate and the certainty to invest. With competitive operating costs, streamlined regulation and a $100.6 billion major projects pipeline, Brisbane is where ambitious businesses come to establish, scale and invest with confidence.
01. A Fast-growing economy with global momentum
Brisbane is powering ahead as one of Australia’s most dynamic business locations. In 2024, the city’s economy reached $201 billion, making it a major engine of national growth, and it is forecast to expand to $275 billion by 2041. Over the past five years alone, Brisbane’s economy has grown faster than all other major Australian capital cities, supported by strong export growth and rising business investment.
This momentum is underpinned by confidence and scale. Brisbane is home to the fastest growing number of ASX listed company headquarters, a growing number of multinational firms and a diverse industry base spanning advanced manufacturing, health, technology, logistics and professional services. For businesses, this means entering a city with proven demand, deep supply chains and a growth trajectory that supports long term expansion.
02. Strategic gateway to the Asia Pacific
Brisbane’s location is one of its strongest advantages with excellent access to global customers, resources and markets. As Australia’s closest major capital city to the Asia Pacific, Brisbane provides direct access to a region that represents 47% of global trade and 60% of the world’s population. This positions Brisbane as a strategic base for businesses targeting Asia, North America and global markets, supported by a large pool of local customers, with South East Queensland’s population projected to reach six million by 2046.
Brisbane Airport operates 24/7, connects to more than 35 international destinations, and is undergoing a $5 billion expansion, while the Port of Brisbane continues to scale as one of the most efficient ports in the country. Shipping times to key Asian markets are faster from Brisbane than from southern capitals, giving exporters a measurable competitive edge.
03. A skilled, scalable and diverse workforce
Talent is central to business success. Brisbane employment has grown by 274,000 since 2020, driven by nation leading population growth and a highly skilled workforce. The city leads Australia for skills availability, giving employers access to talent across technology, health, engineering, advanced manufacturing and professional services.
Brisbane is home to five universities ranked in Australia’s top 30, including the nation’s top ranked university by Time magazine’s World’s Top Universities of 2026, The University of Queensland, and produces thousands of job ready graduates each year. The city also has the highest number of innovation hubs per capita of any Australian capital, accelerating collaboration between industry, researchers and government.
With more than a quarter of the population born overseas, Brisbane delivers global capability, cultural diversity and international networks.
04. Competitive costs that accelerate growth
Brisbane offers one of the most cost competitive operating environments in the Asia Pacific. Average prime office rents sit at $506 per square metre, around 50% lower than Sydney, allowing businesses to reinvest capital into growth, talent and innovation.
Queensland has Australia’s lowest standard payroll tax rate, overall tax levels more than 10 per cent below the national average, and lower freight and utility costs than other east coast capitals. These advantages shorten the path to profitability and reduce long term operating risk.
Brisbane is experiencing a major transformation, with a $100.6 billion project pipeline driving upgrades in transport, digital infrastructure, health, and logistics. Landmark projects like Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, and airport and port expansions are boosting connectivity and creating fresh commercial opportunities.
As the host of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane is spurring investment in construction, medtech, tourism, and business services, supporting long-term growth and certainty. Notably, Brisbane City Council approves development applications 57% faster than Sydney or Melbourne, giving businesses a real edge. Other advantages include the lowest standard payroll tax rate in Australia, highly competitive office rents, and rapid population and workforce growth, making Brisbane a prime location for ambitious businesses.
06. A Lifestyle that attracts and retains talent
Brisbane’s world-class cultural precincts, easy access to stunning natural surroundings, and an increasing reputation for luxury - including Oceania’s best hotel, The Calile Hotel - make it a magnet for top talent, both local and international. By establishing your business here, you’ll benefit from an environment that consistently attracts skilled professionals who are eager to live and work in Brisbane, ensuring you have access to a vibrant, highly qualified workforce that can drive your enterprise forward.
In 2024, Brisbane was also recognised by The New York Times in its “52 Best Places to Go” list, further cementing the city’s global appeal.
The city’s experience economy continues to expand, with $13.7 billion in visitor expenditure and Australia’s fastest growing hospitality sector, supporting workforce engagement and long term retention.
Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) can help make sure your business grows with it.
