Cranes lead to growth in jobs

THE effects from the construction work beneath at least five tower cranes on the skyline of Cairns are starting to flow through.

Construction and health are tipped as being the biggest job creators this year followed by tourism, mining and education.

Tourism has been doing well and should be doing even better now that two Chinese airlines are flying direct from the mainland to, hopefully, free up seats on domestic flights so Australians can make the trek north relatively cheaply.

The Crystalbrook Collection hotels plus other construction and, optimistically, the first of the Nova City towers, will translate to a boost to the economy and more jobs.

A host of trades roles will be available as the hotels move through the various stages.

More tourism and hospitality jobs will be instigated by the first of the new Crystalbrook hotels, Riley, opening in 2018.

Already there is talk of some shortages in labour, such as cabinetmakers, while some businesses are expanding their footprints to handle the growth.

Healthcare jobs are increasing with the National Disability Insurance Scheme and as the population grows older.

Mining is ramping up, particularly Rio Tinto’s huge Amrun project at Weipa.

CQU and JCU expansions in the CBD will spark a boost in education and associated jobs.

All of this is expected to flow on to other businesses too, from the convenience store, through to professional services. Nick Dalton Deputy editor