Area
90,354 km²
Population
189,643
Economic Output
$74 Billion
Jobs Supported
97,582
Greater Whitsunday Region
First Nations Acknowledgement
The Greater Whitsunday Alliance team live and work in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region and long before these places were known by their colonial names they were actually known as Yuibera, Koinjmal, Widi, Birriah, Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala, Jangga, Barada Barna, Western Kangoulu, Wirdi, Ngaro, Gia and Juru respectively.
We acknowledge the first and continuing custodians of this land and pay deep respects to Elders past and present.
About Mackay Isaac Whitsunday
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3)
Unlocking Greater Possibilities
As Greater Whitsunday’s independent, regional economic development body, GW3 are future-focused super-connectors driving sustainable economic growth for the region.
Regional Economic Data
Resources, Mining Equipment Technology Services (METS), agriculture, tourism and construction are the regional economic drivers for the Greater Whitsunday region.
The Greater Whitsunday region also boasts an emerging biofutures industry, an abundance of natural attractions, and unique tourism destinations with a strong reputation for attracting local and international travellers. Alongside these sectors the construction sector is a fundamental component of the region building residential, commercial and mining infrastructure for the economy and community.
The region’s total economic output is $74 billion which is led by the mining and resources sector, along with other key industries, such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, tourism and retail.
Of the total $74 billion output generated in the Greater Whitsunday region:
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$40.035 billion is generated in Isaac (54.1%)
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$25.9 billion is generated in Mackay (35%)
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$8.08 billion is generated in Whitsunday (10.9%)
Continued strong performance across most industry sectors reinforces Greater Whitsunday as a major regional economic powerhouse and validates the region’s focus on exploring new industries, whilst proactively supporting key traditional sectors.
More Economic Data
REMPLAN ECONOMY PROFILE
This website provides third-party economic data for the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region such as population, employment, gross regional product, regional exports/imports, tourism and building approvals.
REMPLAN COMMUNITY PROFILE
This website provides third-party demographic insights for the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region such as population, migration, families, education, work, housing and wellbeing.
Regional Highlights
Home to Australia’s largest metallurgical coal reserves.
Within 10 years there will be 30,000 additional tourism visitors.
A highly skilled workforce with a proud tack record for hard work and innovation.
Endless sunny days in a tropical climate serve abundant agriculture, aquaculture and biomanufacturing.
Industries
Energy
Large-scale and emerging energy projects across the Greater Whitsunday region are powering on with 16 existing projects in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday and many more in the pipeline.
Mining & METS
The Greater Whitsunday region includes a large portion of the Bowen Basin, home to Australia’s largest metallurgical coal reserves and a key Australian mining region. The Mining and METS industry makes the greatest contribution to economic output in the region, totalling $19.4 billion and 46.3% of total output.
Tourism
Tourism is a major employer and economic driver for the Greater Whitsunday region. The total value of tourism output for Mackay Isaac Whitsunday is estimated at $1.6 billion.
Aerospace
The Greater Whitsunday region’s desirable location and renowned technical capability is attracting investment from aviation and aerospace organisations.
Aquaculture
The Greater Whitsunday region’s aquaculture sector currently contributes $21.2 million or around 18% of Queensland’s overall industry production with significant growth expected in the next five years from a range of new and exciting investments in the region.
Biomanufacturing
The Greater Whitsunday region’s broad biofutures focus has been on the manufacture of bioproducts utilising many of the region’s unique opportunities to capitalise on expected global growth.
Agriculture
Agriculture comprises 89% of the region’s land use, boasting diverse agricultural commodities dominated by cattle, sugar cane and horticulture (fruits and vegetables). Grains and aquaculture are also significant contributors to the region’s agricultural production. The region’s 2019-2020 gross value of agricultural production was $1.6 billion.
Education
As a region committed to embracing technology across all industry sectors, education in the Greater Whitsunday region is established, respected, and constantly evolving.
Beef
Beef is one of the Greater Whitsunday region’s biggest exports, with an estimated value of $474 million.
Sugar
The Greater Whitsunday region, in particular Mackay and Proserpine, were built on the back of the sugar cane industry.
Energy
Large-scale and emerging energy projects across the Greater Whitsunday region are powering on with 16 existing projects in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday and many more in the pipeline.
Mining & METS
The Greater Whitsunday region includes a large portion of the Bowen Basin, home to Australia’s largest metallurgical coal reserves and a key Australian mining region. The Mining and METS industry makes the greatest contribution to economic output in the region, totalling $19.4 billion and 46.3% of total output.
Tourism
Tourism is a major employer and economic driver for the Greater Whitsunday region. The total value of tourism output for Mackay Isaac Whitsunday is estimated at $1.6 billion.
Aerospace
The Greater Whitsunday region’s desirable location and renowned technical capability is attracting investment from aviation and aerospace organisations.
Aquaculture
The Greater Whitsunday region’s aquaculture sector currently contributes $21.2 million or around 18% of Queensland’s overall industry production with significant growth expected in the next five years from a range of new and exciting investments in the region.
Biomanufacturing
The Greater Whitsunday region’s broad biofutures focus has been on the manufacture of bioproducts utilising many of the region’s unique opportunities to capitalise on expected global growth.
Agriculture
Agriculture comprises 89% of the region’s land use, boasting diverse agricultural commodities dominated by cattle, sugar cane and horticulture (fruits and vegetables). Grains and aquaculture are also significant contributors to the region’s agricultural production. The region’s 2019-2020 gross value of agricultural production was $1.6 billion.
Education
As a region committed to embracing technology across all industry sectors, education in the Greater Whitsunday region is established, respected, and constantly evolving.
Beef
Beef is one of the Greater Whitsunday region’s biggest exports, with an estimated value of $474 million.
Sugar
The Greater Whitsunday region, in particular Mackay and Proserpine, were built on the back of the sugar cane industry.
Energy
Large-scale and emerging energy projects across the Greater Whitsunday region are powering on with 16 existing projects in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday and many more in the pipeline.
Mining & METS
The Greater Whitsunday region includes a large portion of the Bowen Basin, home to Australia’s largest metallurgical coal reserves and a key Australian mining region. The Mining and METS industry makes the greatest contribution to economic output in the region, totalling $19.4 billion and 46.3% of total output.
Tourism
Tourism is a major employer and economic driver for the Greater Whitsunday region. The total value of tourism output for Mackay Isaac Whitsunday is estimated at $1.6 billion.
Aerospace
The Greater Whitsunday region’s desirable location and renowned technical capability is attracting investment from aviation and aerospace organisations.
Aquaculture
The Greater Whitsunday region’s aquaculture sector currently contributes $21.2 million or around 18% of Queensland’s overall industry production with significant growth expected in the next five years from a range of new and exciting investments in the region.
Biomanufacturing
The Greater Whitsunday region’s broad biofutures focus has been on the manufacture of bioproducts utilising many of the region’s unique opportunities to capitalise on expected global growth.
Agriculture
Agriculture comprises 89% of the region’s land use, boasting diverse agricultural commodities dominated by cattle, sugar cane and horticulture (fruits and vegetables). Grains and aquaculture are also significant contributors to the region’s agricultural production. The region’s 2019-2020 gross value of agricultural production was $1.6 billion.
Education
As a region committed to embracing technology across all industry sectors, education in the Greater Whitsunday region is established, respected, and constantly evolving.
Beef
Beef is one of the Greater Whitsunday region’s biggest exports, with an estimated value of $474 million.
Sugar
The Greater Whitsunday region, in particular Mackay and Proserpine, were built on the back of the sugar cane industry.
Accelerators
Cape Hillsborough, wallaby on the beach.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.
Mackay River
Lords Table Mountain
Clermont Saleyards and Showgrounds, aerial view
Proserpine Town, aerial view.
Hamilton Island, the Whitsundays.
Proserpine Rail Sunrise
Bowen agriculture - girl eating mango
Night Camping, the Greater Whitsunday region.
Featured Programs
Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee
The RJC Program coordinates regional communities, industry, and government to identify opportunities and challenges for local skills development, workforce participation and business growth. The Greater Whitsunday RJC is driven by locals, for locals, bringing together community leaders, businesses, training providers and industry representatives, to ensure training and employment solutions meet the needs of the region now and into the future.
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.
Greater Foundations
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) are building career-based classroom learning with Greater Foundations, a professional development event for educators across the Greater Whitsunday region.
Latest News
1000 registrations and counting as region’s grant finder builds future financial investment.
More than 1000 Greater Whitsunday businesses and community groups have registered for the Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder in the past 18 months. The Greater Whitsunday Grant Finder is a partnership […]
Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit set to drive local action with global impact.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance and the Resources Centre of Excellence are hosting the region’s first ever decarbonisation summit in May, to help local businesses understand their role in carbon reduction. Greater […]
Blueprint sets path for a new industry
Tapping into a share of an emerging global industry estimated by the CSIRO to be worth some $400 billion by 2040, is the driver behind the release of the Greater […]
Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit: Your Last Chance to Be Part of the Future.
Sustainability leaders, deep tech investors and resource industry leaders are just some of the thought-provoking speakers who will share their experiences and insights at the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit. The summit […]
Resources & Downloads
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2019
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2020-2021
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2021-2022
Regional
Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping
Report
Cross Industry Skilling
Pathway
A model for harnessing transferrable skills
Decarbonisation
Accelerated
Blueprint 1.0
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2019
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2020-2021
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2021-2022
Regional
Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping
Report
Cross Industry Skilling
Pathway
A model for harnessing transferrable skills
Decarbonisation
Accelerated
Blueprint 1.0
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2019
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2020-2021
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2021-2022
Regional
Agribusiness Supply Chain Mapping
Report
Cross Industry Skilling
Pathway
A model for harnessing transferrable skills
Decarbonisation
Accelerated
Blueprint 1.0