The number of hospitality venues has grown by about one-third since 2020, and overall employment in the greater Brisbane region by 22 per cent in that same period, the report found.
Brisbane’s health industry grew by 6 per cent last year, with the 2025 State of the City report finding “the city is a leading destination for clinical trials, commercialisation and export-led growth”. Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency
“Brisbane’s industries are flourishing, supported by stable governance, a favourable tax environment, the world’s second-highest business freedom ranking and one of Australia’s lowest regulatory burdens,” the report read.
The average cost of rent for inner-city office rental spaces in Brisbane fell 10 per cent below the national rate – about equal to Melbourne and half of Sydney rental costs.
It found Brisbane office workers spent more time in the office than any other city, choosing to work on-site 88 per cent of the time.
The report also pointed to Queensland’s payroll tax, which is the lowest in the country at 4.75 per cent for businesses with turnover below $6.5 million, and 4.95 per cent for businesses above that.
Loading
However, while business costs remained low, the report said Brisbane would have to consider “land constraints” and rely on infill development.
“Brisbane still offers significant inner-urban and suburban development opportunities, providing room to grow,” the report read.
For other challenges, such as cost pressures, the report pointed to the state government’s productivity commission as a remedy.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the council was “getting on with the job” in developing Brisbane across the next eight years.
“With the global spotlight on us in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our momentum has never been greater, and we’re building a better Brisbane right now,” he said.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.