Thousands of jobs created in regional SA in 2021

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) highlights the importance of the regions to the South Australian economy, the strength of the regional jobs market and the importance of returning the Marshall Government at the state election.

“South Australia created 4,600 jobs in regional communities during 2021, ended the year with a regional workforce of 183,000 and an unemployment rate of just 2.8 per cent,” said Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan.

“An unemployment rate of just 2.8 per cent across regional South Australia is an outstanding result and highlights just how attractive it is to live, work and raise a family away from the stress and strains of life in Adelaide.

“Even greater job opportunities for regional South Australia are just around the corner with major power projects about to begin.

“In great news for regional jobs construction on the 900 kilometre high voltage transmission line for the $2.3 billion Project EnergyConnect is just weeks away from breaking ground.

“Project EnergyConnect will be a green freeway for renewable energy generated in South Australia and exported to NSW, creating a surge of investment in renewable energy projects across the state.

“Over the next decade South Australia will see billions dollars of investment in dozens renewable energy projects that will create thousands of jobs.

“Neoen’s massive Goyder South project is already underway with the construction works beginning for 412 MW of wind power near Burra in the mid-north.

“The Goyder South project has been granted development approval to host a total 1200MW of wind, 600MW of solar PV and 900MW of battery energy storage – worth some $3 billion dollars.

“South Australia has weathered the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as anywhere in the world.

“South Australia’s economic growth rate of 3.9 per cent is the fastest in the nation, creating exciting opportunities for businesses and delivered new jobs right across the state.

“The Marshall Government’s record $17.9 billion infrastructure investment and $4 billion COVID-19 stimulus is creating new jobs and opportunities for South Australians across the state.

“Increasing hours worked is good news for South Australians thinking of buying a house, opening a business or looking to get a loan from the bank.”