Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie has welcomed the latest ABS data showing the Sunshine Coast is powering ahead as Queensland’s jobs capital.

“More jobs were created on the Sunshine Coast in the last year than any other region,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This is a sure sign the Newman Government’s plan to build a four-pillar economy is working, and confirms what many are feeling – that our region is finally getting back on track after years of neglect under Labor.”

In February, more than 30,000 jobs were created in Queensland. That’s more than double the next-best performing state (NSW) (seasonally adjusted), with Sunshine Coast the standout region in Queensland.

“Sunshine Coast employment growth in the year to February 2014 is significant – it’s more than eight times greater than the state-wide average,” Mr Bleijie said.

There are 11,300 more people in work in the region than 12 months ago.

Mr Bleijie said the Sunshine Coast’s manufacturing and export reach was impressive with local businesses competing with major national and international rivals on large tenders.

“I’ve visited several Coast businesses in recent weeks and I’m impressed by their success in securing major contracts with clients across Australia and overseas,” he said.

The Newman Government’s $1.8 billion investment in the fact-tracked Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital is driving even greater confidence in our region,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The project, in my electorate of Kawana, is boosting the local economy and is a catalyst for local commercial and residential development in the surrounding area,” Mr Bleijie said.

“The facility will require a workforce in excess of 3,500 when it opens at the end of 2016, increasing to around 6,000 staff when services ramp up by 2021.

“The construction work force is now ramping up, with an estimated 1,800 jobs being created at the peak of construction.”

Since the election of the Newman Government some 43,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) and nearly 35,000 jobs (trend) have been created in Queensland.

“With better planning and better infrastructure, the Government is delivering on its promise to get Queensland back on track,” Mr Bleijie said.