The latest Westpac Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) is further evidence that the Queensland economy heading in the right direction, Treasurer Tim Nicholls said today.

In Queensland, the CSI is up 3.9 per cent to 110.7 points compared to a national decline in the Index of 2.1 per cent.

Mr Nicholls said the latest figures showed Queensland was a place where businesses could invest, employ and grow with confidence.

“Today’s positive CSI figures come on top of a 7.4 per cent rise for Queensland in the index in September and put consumer sentiment at its highest level since August 2010,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The results for Queensland are in stark contrast to other states with New South Wales, Victoria and even the boom state of Western Australia reporting a decline in consumer confidence.”

Mr Nicholls said the figures showed the Newman Government was leading Queensland back to a sound economic position.

“In recent months we’ve seen retail sales and housing finance approvals growing at faster than the national average,” he said.

“Retail turnover in Queensland grew at four per cent in 2012-13, more than double the national average and there’s been business investment of $60 billion in this State in the year to March. Our economy is set to grow at around four per cent over the next three years and our employment growth of 2.25 per cent in 2013-14 is double the national growth rate.

“With these positive signs emerging there’s never been a better time for businesses to invest, employ and grow in Queensland.”