a bold blueprint unlocking the Bowen Basin’s potential to drive the next multi-billion-dollar economic opportunity.
The prospectus reframes mine rehabilitation not as an end-of-life obligation, but as a springboard for new industries, long-term jobs, and regional transformation.
Reimagine Rehab outlines the significant investment potential emerging from post-mining land use (PMLU), forecasting an $8 billion industry by 2030. The Bowen Basin with its world-class mining expertise, existing infrastructure, and innovation ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to lead this new chapter.
The Prospectus identifies where commercial value can be generated now; how industry and government can collaborate; and which pathways offer the greatest economic, environmental, and social return.
The Prospectus builds on the Greater Whitsunday METS Sector Revenue Diversification Strategy, which identified PMLU as one of seven high-value emerging sectors aligned to the region’s capability.
Three opportunity streams were identified within the prospectus:
- Minerals reprocessing – unlocking untapped value within tailings, mine waste, and legacy assets.
- Agriculture and aquaculture – transforming post-mining land and water into new food, fibre and protein industries.
- Mine water reuse – converting mine-affected water from a liability into a resource for community, industry and emerging sectors.
Together, these opportunities represent a once-in-a-generation chance to create new industry precincts, regenerate landscapes, and support long-term prosperity across the region.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the prospectus highlights the scale of the opportunity now on the table.
“Reimagine Rehab is about more than restoring land, it’s about unlocking the Bowen Basin’s next high-value industries. With the right collaboration, investment and policy settings, this region can lead Australia in transforming mining landscapes into engines of economic growth and community prosperity. Ms Porter said the Bowen Basin has powered Queensland and global markets for decades. “
– Ms Kylie Porter
“As the region faces its largest ever wave of mining industry transformation, proactive planning is now essential.
“This transformation presents a narrow window to build new industries, attract private investment and secure long-term regional resilience,” she said.
Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Chief Executive Officer Mr Steven Boxall said the prospectus demonstrates how the region’s existing capability can be channelled into new commercial ventures.
“Our region already has the skills, the experience and the infrastructure. This prospectus shows the clear, investable projects that can turn post-mining land into new jobs and new industries. It’s a call to action for industry and government to work together and seize this opportunity while it’s right in front of us.”
Transforming post-mining landscapes at scale will require deep collaboration between Traditional Owners, community, industry, research institutions and government. The Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct is highlighted as a catalyst site for innovation and pilot projects that can drive commercial uptake across the Basin.
Isaac Regional Council (IRC) Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the opportunity goes beyond industry diversification.
“The skills, innovation and know-how across Isaac have shaped Queensland’s economy for generations and will continue to guide what comes next.
“The Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct will take that strength and turn it into practical outcomes. It will give industry, researchers and community a place to test ideas, show what works and create opportunities that keep jobs in our region and keep Queensland growing,” Mayor Vea Vea said.
The Greater Whitsunday region has been actively shaping the national conversation on PMLU through involvement in the CRC TiME Bowen Basin Hub, EnviroMETS Lighthouse Projects, and the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Water Strategy. Reimagine Rehab brings these efforts together into a cohesive, region-wide strategy for unlocking commercial impact. This coordinated roadmap clarifies where the greatest opportunities lie, how industry and government can collaborate effectively, and what investments will unlock the most sustainable, job-creating outcomes.
Online briefing details:
When: December 3
Time: 1.30pm
Where: Online event Register today
What is Post Mining Land Use?
Post-mining land use prepares land for life after mining by making it safe, stable and environmentally sound. Beyond rehabilitation to nature or pasture, it opens the door to new industries and community-building opportunities that create long-term regional value.
Quick Facts
- Read the full Reimagine Rehab Prospectus
- $8 billion projected value of post-mining land use by 2030.
- Prospectus developed by GW3, Isaac Regional Council and RCOE.
- High-value opportunities: minerals reprocessing, agriculture and aquaculture, mine water reuse.
- Builds on the Greater Whitsunday METS Sector Diversification Strategy.
- Greater Whitsunday region covers Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday LGAs.
