Australia 2025 - Reflecting on the trends set to shape the future of Queensland's agriculture sector and regional communities

What trends will shape the future of Queensland’s agriculture sector and regional communities? This question was at the heart of robust discussions at the recent Australia 2025 Breakfast, hosted by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) in partnership with The Demographics Group .

More than 200 people attended the sold-out event to hear from renowned Australian demographer Bernard Salt AM , alongside his colleagues Simon Kuestenmacher and Hari Hara Priya Kannan , to look at the trends poised to reshape the agricultural and regional landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The conversation took a deep dive into a broad spectrum of themes impacting Queensland’s future, from population growth to the rise of artificial intelligence and what this means for labour and skills pools in Australia. For the agriculture sector the implications of these trends are vast and varied.

One key topic was population growth. As Queensland continues to experience a population boom, workforce dynamics are evolving rapidly. This growth, coupled with shifting migration patterns, is redefining regional economies. For agriculture, these trends present both opportunities—and challenges, including increased demand for infrastructure and services in rural areas and competition for land use.

Workforce trends of course also featured in the discussion. The integration of artificial intelligence and other technological advances is altering labour pools and creating demand for new skill sets. At the same time, the sector faces pressing challenges, such as addressing the impacts of an ageing population, particularly in retirement and aged care and the prevalence of this cohort in regional Queensland.

Emerging opportunities in regional communities was also highlighted. Amid risks posed by global change, Queensland’s regions stand to benefit from their resilience and adaptability. Issues such as food security, energy, housing, and environmental sustainability were spotlighted as areas of known importance, particularly as the global demand for food intensifies alongside population growth.

The Australia 2025 Breakfast underscored the need for strategic thinking and collaboration across the agricultural industry, and other sectors, to navigate the path ahead. With attendees including QFF’s peak body members, corporate partners, industry stakeholders, and ministerial representatives, the event reinforced the need for a shared commitment to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for Queensland agriculture and its communities.