A labour shortage in the South East Queensland region is getting worse, as employers are now having difficulty finding skilled workers.

Australian’s Queensland’s Regional Development Minister Desley Boyle said labour shortage has been the biggest problem since those who live in the area recognise the pressures they face from huge population growth.

Beaudesert’s Franklin Constructions director John Franklin said there was a labour shortage being felt in the local construction industry ‘’for a number of years’’ now.

‘’If you have a downturn in the industry, which we’re starting to see particularly with interest rates, the problem may pass, but that may take a while to affect us,’’ Mr Franklin said.

Mission Australia’s Sharon Meredith said the labour shortage was a wide-spread problem. She said trade, truck driving or skilled labour were the most difficult positions to fill.

‘’We have to call employers to say we haven’t had any hits for their job or no applications,’’ Ms Meredith said.

‘’It’s been affecting the area for 18 months to two years, but it’s been more pronounced over the last 12 months and getting worse,’’ Ms Meredith said.