Industry Overview

Health Care and Social Assistance is the region’s 3rd largest employer and 7th largest contributor to economic output. The Southern Downs has a growing health and aged care industry and is expected to continue to develop to accommodate the region’s rapidly increasing population.  The recent Churches of Christ $32million development in Warwick secures the future of the Southern Downs as the premier location of choice for the provision of residential aged care, home and community care services and retirement living options.

Key health and aged care enterprises on the Southern Downs include:

• Warwick Hospital
• Stanthorpe Hospital
• Churches of Christ
• Griffith University Warwick Dental Clinic

Key benefits of investing in health and aged care on the Southern Downs:

• The region has experienced recent major investment including the $32million Churches of Christ project.
• Southern Downs experiences a high demand for health and aged care services. The median age of the population is 45, much higher than the Queensland average of 37. Residents aged over 65 account for almost one quarter of the population. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016)
• Strong industry links to education and training providers including Griffith University.