“ABS Labour force figures released today show the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points to 5.7 per cent in March 2016, reflecting the underlying strength and resilience of the entire Australian economy, including here on the North Coast,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Locally our jobs growth is being driven by a resurgence of our agriculture industry and the Pacific Highway Upgrade, which is employing up to 4000 people directly and another 12,500 indirectly.

“From Port Macquarie to Ballina, thousands of people are working on the Pacific Highway Upgrade. The three Free Trade Agreements in place are also already improving market access for our local primary industry sector, driving exports up.

“Major projects such as the $1 billion Coffs Bypass are on the horizon, so the job market here is likely to continue to strengthen,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

The Department of Employment has forecast that jobs growth on the North Coast will be among the strongest of any region in Australia over the next five years, exceeding even the projections for greater Sydney.

Fast Facts - March Labour Force Statistics:

Since the Government came to office in September 2013 employment has risen to a record high of 11,909,600 in March 2016. 

Seasonally adjusted employment has now risen by 235,300 (or 2.0 per cent) over the year.

The youth unemployment rate fell, from 12.2 per cent in February 2016, to 12.0 per cent in March 2016.

The number of unemployed Australians declined by 7,300 in March, and is now 5.6 per cent lower than a year ago.