I cannot help but feel we have had an immense "false start" to the year with the floods in many respects. Rather than wish everyone a happy new year, it would be far more appropriate to offer our best wishes and thoughts for those amongst us who have been devastated by the floods.

I don't think anyone can accurately forecast the impact on Queensland. I do hope that as markets respond they do so in a positive way and that amongst the negativity and hardship, opportunity is created that goes to strengthen our environment and long term prospects.

On a brighter note the year did start with the prospect of a "rising" jobs market, however as the floods took a firm hold on the city, like everyone else in the CBD we evacuated to higher ground and set ourselves up in a makeshift office. The following two weeks saw us really endeavouring to stay positive and get ourselves set for a vigorous start to the year in employment as most people struggled with what was happening around them. To our staffs credit we are back and focussed on getting started with the year ahead. Already the enquiries are happening and we have listed a number of opportunities that have been advertised in the media.

My prediction is that as we move into February and the "clean-up" continues around Queensland, the traditional January start to the employment market will show continued and sustained strength driven by the Energy, Resources and Construction markets and followed by the Professional Services arena with the accountants and lawyers seeking to expand their human capital ranks.

I think Queenslanders are a resilient lot and in this just get on with doing what they do best. That is winning and creating opportunity!