Aquaculture

Annual Production Value

$116 million

Contribution to QLD Production

51.8%

10yr Target Prawn Production

20,000 tonnes

Total Ponded Area

367ha

From ocean to table, the Greater Whitsunday region is home to the tech-powered future of Aquaculture.

A thriving industry on the rise.

The Greater Whitsunday region is emerging as a powerhouse in Queensland’s rapidly growing aquaculture industry, contributing more than $116 million annually—over half the total value of the state’s sector.

With a mature agricultural foundation, enviable access to natural resources, and a highly skilled workforce, this region is primed for substantial growth in the coming years. New investments are set to accelerate production even further, making the area a hub for cutting-edge, sustainable aquaculture practices.

Home to two key Queensland Government aquaculture development areas (ADA), the Greater Whitsunday region is well-positioned for future expansion.

Momentum is set to accelerate with new investments and cutting-edge facilities poised to drive growth. In 2023, the region celebrated the opening of the $2 million Aquaculture Centre for Excellence at Whitsunday TAFE, a state-of-the-art facility offering certifications in fish farming, hatchery, and pond management. These programs are designed to equip the next generation of aquaculture professionals with the skills to support the industry’s expansion.

The sophisticated transport network and proximity to international markets also make it a strategic location for exporting premium prawns, barramundi and coral trout.

 

Aquaculture Development Areas (ADA)

The region is home to two Queensland Government Aquaculture Development Areas (ADA) and is on track to increase production to 20,000 tonnes of prawns within the next ten years.

Mackay Aquaculture

Whitsunday Aquaculture

Aquaculture Highlights.

A mature and diverse agriculture base.

Availability of land to support growth.

Enviable location with moderate climate and access to water.

Highly skilled workforce.

Sophisticated supply chain and transport network.

Regional Opportunities

Tassal Group and Australian Prawn Farms are industry leaders, they are harnessing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to meet growing global demand.

Tassal Group.

The region is home to major players like Tassal Group, Australia’s largest black tiger prawn producer, employing over 350 people at its local facilities during peak season.

With innovations like Blue AgriTech, Tassal’s integrated Smart Farming Platform, the company is revolutionising aquaculture with real-time data and decision-making tools that enhance environmental management and prawn health.

This technology allows for the availability of data 24/7 which not only improves the environmental management and prawn health – but it is also all in real time. This ensures that operations are efficient, sustainable, and able to meet growing global demand.

Australian Prawn Farm.

Australian Prawn Farms, established in 1999 is located at Illbilbie south of Mackay, continues to be a significant player, providing over 2 million prawn meals annually.

 The region’s skilled workforce, access to cutting-edge technology, and thriving agricultural base position the Greater Whitsunday region as a world leader in sustainable aquaculture, with key species like barramundi, tiger prawns, and red coral trout driving the industry’s rapid growth.

Mackay, in particular, is on track to significantly increase prawn production reinforcing the region’s leadership in the industry and exciting opportunities for the future.

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

Agribusiness Future Alliance connecting the region’s agribusiness sector.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is leading the way to support the agriculture industry and to improve food systems within the Mackay Whitsunday Issac region through the Agribusiness Future Alliance Project.

Read More
Canberra delegation shares the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region’s vision for the future.

Some of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region’s change champions last week travelled to Canberra to meet with a range of parliamentarians and key advisors to discuss and showcase our region’s strong economic credentials and how it is at the forefront of embracing change.

Read More
Greater Whitsunday Workforce Development Playbook to build a future fit workforce.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has released the Greater Whitsunday Workforce Development Playbook which identifies a range of future focused initiatives to create a dynamic and capable regional workforce.

Read More
Regional Agribusiness Export Supply Chain Mapping Study released

The findings of the study show that the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region strengths were diverse resulting from a stable climate and good natural resources, which makes the region capable of producing a variety of different products.

Read More

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

Future Employment

Blueprint

File

Regional

Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping

Report

File

Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness

Supply Chain

Baseline Study

File

Future Employment

Blueprint

File

Regional

Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping

Report

File

Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness

Supply Chain

Baseline Study

File

Future Employment

Blueprint