ABOUT MACKAY & REGION

The Mackay Regional Council area is one of the fastest growing in Queensland, with a population at June 2010 of 118,842 and an average annual growth rate of 2.9% (2005-2010). Looking to the future, strong growth is forecast, with a projected regional population heading towards 200,000 over the coming decades.

The region's growth is fuelled by the boom in the mining industry in the Bowen Basin, resurgence in agribusiness, growth in tourism and an emerging marine sector. The region hosts much of the engineering, manufacturing and mining services industries supporting the regional economy.

Only an hour's flight from Brisbane, the Mackay region boasts an enviable lifestyle and a buoyant economy with the benefits of a fast-growing coastal city. Its coastal location is complemented by its spectacular natural environment. This includes 31 beautiful beaches, a picturesque blue river and a pristine rainforest hinterland. There are about 25 different nationalities represented in the region, including people from Malta, South Africa, the Netherlands and Germany. The region also boasts the largest Australian South Sea Islander population.

With thriving industries yielding solid employment and long-term job security, sustainable population growth accompanied by millions of dollars worth of investment and development both under way and on the cards, a supportive community, a vibrant cultural and arts scene and a progressive Local Government – the Mackay region is powering ahead.

The Mackay region is the gateway to the rich coal deposits in the Bowen basin. It is the largest sugar-producing region in Australia and nearly a third of Queensland's export goods originate from the Mackay region.

• Gross Regional Product $5.1 Billion (2009) 13.3% annual growth (2008-9).
• Coastal location with spectacular natural environment.
• Population 118,842- average annual growth rate 2.9% (2005-2010)

Mining Operations (2011) – 53 (Bowen Basin & Surrounding Region)

• 32 Coal Mines
• 3 Mineral Mines
• 15 Quarries
• 3 Coral Sea Gas Production Sites

Major ports and rail expansions happening now.

ARTICLES & RESOURCES