Agriculture

Regional Area

90,354km²

Annual Production Value

$1.9 billion

% of Land Use

89%

% of QLD Agricultural Production

10%

Greater Whitsunday region is transforming its agricultural legacy to cultivate an agtech future.

A beacon of agricultural heritage.

The Greater Whitsunday region thrives on a rich tapestry of commodities, including cattle, sugar cane, aquaculture and a vibrant variety of fruits and vegetables.

The Greater Whitsunday region, spanning an impressive 90,354 km² and comprising around 5% of Queensland’s total land mass, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of agriculture. This vital industry, which dominates 89% of the region’s land use, has laid the groundwork for our community and economy, thriving on diverse commodities like cattle, sugar cane, and a vibrant array of horticultural produce. As global demand for food is projected to double by 2040, the Greater Whitsunday is uniquely positioned to leverage its rich agricultural resources and robust infrastructure to meet this growing need.

Agriculture Highlights

Greater Whitsunday boasts several key strengths .

Availability to land to support growth, with an enviable location with moderate climate and access to water. It is also home to many emerging agriculture sectors including agave, which is grown at Prospect Agriculture’s Agave Spirit Farm.

A highly skilled workforce and sophisticated supply chain and transport network.

Ultra Coral Australia is a company based just south of Sarina and are passionate about ensuring the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef and corals everywhere. Part of their vision is to provide their industry with a 100% aqua cultured source of premium corals.

Superfood leading the way to evolve agtech .

Currently one million litres of AlgaeFeed are produced a day onsite at Genesis Algae Innovation farm at Bowen. AlgaeFeed is s stockfeed supplement to support a carbon neutral economy.

Growing collaborations

To seize this golden opportunity, key stakeholders, including GW3, Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays, and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, have come together to form the MIW Agribusiness Futures Alliance.

This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the capacity and capability of the agribusiness sector, driving productivity and expanding export potential across all agricultural domains. With the Australian Federal Government targeting an ambitious growth of the agriculture sector from $61 billion to $100 billion by 2030 through the Delivering Ag2030 program, the Greater Whitsunday region is primed for a transformative leap forward.

Pioneering a new era.

Looking ahead, the region is embracing AgTech—a fusion of agriculture and technology—to revolutionise farming practices

By integrating innovative technologies into traditional farming methods, the Greater Whitsunday is not just preserving its agricultural heritage but also pioneering a new era of efficient, productive, and environmentally responsible food production. The future of agriculture here is not just about feeding the world; it’s about redefining how we cultivate and sustain our land for generations to come.

Industry Accelerators

GW3 has identified five strategic and interconnected accelerators that exist across all industry sectors and will deliver economic growth when maximised.
Greater

Decarbonisation

The region’s vision for decarbonisation is as aspirational as it is audacious.

Greater

Digital

By 2032, Greater Whitsunday will be Australia’s most hyper connected region.

Greater

Infrastructure, Energy & Water

Engaging in road advocacy, election priorities, and funding opportunities, GW3 aims to amplify our region’s voice and ensure that critical projects receive the attention and funding they deserve.

Greater

Diversification

Expanding and transforming legacy industries and exploring economic diversification into new sectors.

Greater

Workforce

The beating pulse of the Greater Whitsunday region is its people.

Latest News

New agriculture study to identify key regional export products

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) will lead research to identify key agricultural products for export from the Mackay Issac Whitsunday region through project funding from the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA).

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Featured Programs

Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub

The Greater Whitsunday Agtech Hub promoting innovation and adoption of AgTech, amplifying opportunities across agribusinesses and supply chains. Learn about agtech and join us in bringing new ways of farming, people and capabilities to the region.

Read More

Resources & Downloads

File

Regional

Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping

Report

File

Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness

Supply Chain

Baseline Study

File

Greater Whitsunday Alliance

Annual Report

2022-2023

File

Regional

Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping

Report

File

Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness

Supply Chain

Baseline Study

File

Greater Whitsunday Alliance

Annual Report

2022-2023

File

Regional

Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping

Report

File

Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness

Supply Chain

Baseline Study

File

Greater Whitsunday Alliance

Annual Report

2022-2023