Area
7,622 km²
Population
126,907
Economic Output
$25.9 Billion
Jobs Supported
54,582
Mackay 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.
The blue river city of possibility.
The Mackay region is a vibrant community, rich in diversity. The natural beauty of hinterland rainforest, 31 stunning beaches, a trove of off-the-beaten-track waterholes and trails, and one of the few blue rivers in Australia, is a glorious backdrop to the Mackay region’s dynamic economic portfolio.
With a population of 126,907, the Mackay regional local government area is located on Yuibera Country, spanning an area of 7,622kms2. It’s diverse industry base contributes $25.997 billion to the state and national economies annually, with a $13.9 billion GRP and supports 54,582 jobs.
A landscape filled with legacies looking to new horizons.
Mackay is a service and support hub for the Bowen and Galilee coal basins, while also boasting strong traditional and emerging sectors from sugar cane to biomanufacturing, and tourism, aquaculture, education, health, aerospace, renewable energy, agriculture, beef, mining, and METS.
Renowned for its enviable lifestyle and for having one of the highest rates of boat ownership per capita in the country – Mackay is a community built on families, diversity, innovation and opportunity. From traditional wealth powerhouses such as mining, agriculture and tourism; to exciting emerging industries including aerospace, aquaculture and biomanufacturing, Greater Whitsunday welcomes investment in vital infrastructure and job-creating future focused projects.
Regional Highlights
A collection of public art is woven in between some of the regions preserved art deco buildings in the city centre.
Home to a number of major ports including coal ports at both Hay Point in the south and Abbot Point to the north.
A fast-emerging tourism destination with an extensive nature-based offering.
Mackay offers an enviable lifestyle including 31 beaches and a seaside marina.
Industries
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.
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.
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.
Sugar
The Greater Whitsunday region, in particular Mackay and Proserpine, were built on the back of the sugar cane industry.
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.
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.
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.
Sugar
The Greater Whitsunday region, in particular Mackay and Proserpine, were built on the back of the sugar cane industry.
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.
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.
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.
Sugar
The Greater Whitsunday region, in particular Mackay and Proserpine, were built on the back of the sugar cane industry.
Accelerators
Mackay City aerial view.
Night camping.
Mackay City centre, aerial view.
Mackay by the river.
Wallaby at Cape Hillsborough Beach.
Coal ship loading, aerial view.
Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park.
Tree Arch, Eungella rainforest.
Pionner Valley.
Cape Hillsborough National Park, wallabies at the beach.
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.
Fifth Lane artwork, Mackay artist trails.
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 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.
Decarbonisation Accelerated
Accelerating Greater Whitsunday towards a thriving, low carbon 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.
Grant and Tender Services
Connect with Grant and Tender Service to help you and your business or organisation access more than 5,000 grants worth at least $87 billion available in Australia from both government and private sources.
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: 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
Strategic Plan
2021-2022
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2019
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Future Employment Study
2020
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Ambitions Summary
2022-2024
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Strategic Plan
2021-2022
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2019
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Future Employment Study
2020
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Ambitions Summary
2022-2024
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Strategic Plan
2021-2022
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2019
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Annual Report
2022-2023
Future Employment Study
2020
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Ambitions Summary
2022-2024