Economic slowdown? What economic slowdown? This month Jon takes us out to Roma and shows us around a town very much on the rise.

With 80% of Australia’s population living within 50km of the coast and the continual drift of population to the coast contributing to the view that Australia’s inland towns are losing relevance in today’s society, many inland towns continue to quietly go about their business, being overlooked by city dwellers and punching significantly above their weight.  These towns have historically been the backbone of the country, but have struggled against drought, the lack of an available workforce and economic restructuring in more recent times.  They have certainly not benefited from the ‘sea-change’ phenomena, nor have many benefitted from the more recent ‘tree-change’ trend.  Typically, these towns have also not been immune to the global economic crisis either.  Roma is an example of an inland town with a booming economy that is being largely ignored by the populace. 

Roma is strategically located at the junction of the Warrego and Carnarvon Highways, almost 500km west of Brisbane.  These Highways connect it with Melbourne and Sydney via Dubbo and Brisbane via Toowoomba, as well as with western, central and northern Queensland towns.  Beef, sheep and wheat cropping have traditionally been the mainstay of the region, with the fertile soils of the Maranoa being very productive when it rains.  Its strategic location between the cattle breeding regions to its west and north and the fattening area of the Darling Downs has led to Roma boasting the busiest cattle saleyard in Australia.  

In contrast to the 11% decline in population recorded by the three Western Queensland Statistical Divisions over the past 17 years, Roma has obtained a 4% increase in its population.  However, this modest increase belies the strength of its economy and the employment opportunities available.  

The discovery and subsequent development of the Surat oil and gas field has been both an economic boon and drawback for the town.  Mining now accounts for almost 5% of the town’s employment (compared to less than 4% for the agricultural sector) and has contributed to household incomes being on par with the state average, in comparison to the below state average for the majority of rural towns.  But the downside is that the much higher wages being offered by the oil and gas sector has drawn experienced and qualified staff from the traditional service sectors, making it difficult for local businesses to compete for staff.  With unemployment rates increasing around the country (hitting 7.2% in Cairns) and coal miners being laid off, it would be reasonable to assume that people would migrate to where the jobs are, such as Roma.  Not so.  Many businesses, including fast food outlets, are relying upon migrant workers via 457 visas to attract the necessary workforce.  This has resulted in the unemployment rate for Roma falling to only 1.2% in June 2009, which is arguably a rate dredging into the unemployable. 

With a population of 7,000 persons, Roma boasts an attractive main street, a Woolworths-anchored shopping centre, hospital, state and Catholic primary and high schools and a wide range of community and sporting facilities.  It is widely known for the Queensland Bottle Trees lining the main streets, reminding all of the rainfall variability in this Gateway to the Outback.  It is a family-friendly town with a strong community spirit where the locals know each other and stop and chat in the main street.  It has a strong social infrastructure including sporting groups, clubs, fetes and special events.  The town has produced two of Queensland’s famous sons: Darren Lockyer; and Arthur Beetson.  

With average house prices being approximately half the equivalent in South-East Queensland, Roma is a clear example of Australians not being prepared to move in pursuit of employment opportunities.  

How do I know these things?  My daughter is one of the few to have moved to Roma in recent years (following a love interest rather than employment) and is employed as an HR Manager at the largest private sector employer in the town, which is struggling to fill job vacancies.  

Jon Norling

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