Area
23,863km²
Population
39,712
Economic Output
$8.08 Billion
Jobs Supported
17,960
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.
The best of land and sea.
It casts a stark contrast to the grit of Mackay’s support industry sector, and the vastness of Isaac’s resource-dotted landscape; the Whitsunday local government area has been long revered as one of Australia’s favourite playgrounds.
But there is more to the Whitsunday region and its community of 39,712 people than perfect beaches and idyllic islands.
Contributing $8.081 billion annually to the state and national economy, with a GRP of $41.1 billion, the region boasts resilient and innovative tourism, agriculture, construction, mining, primary industry and emerging aerospace sectors. The Whitsunday region is forging a path toward becoming one of the state’s economic heavyweights.
Spanning 23,863km2, the Whitsunday region in on Ngaro, Gia, Juru, Jangga and Birriah country. It takes in the towns of Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Bowen and Collinsville – and every beach, hidden waterfall, rainforest and tract of national park in between.
Where the reef inspires, and the soil sustains.
As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the magnificent 74 Whitsunday Islands, the Whitsunday region has one of the fastest growing populations in Queensland.
The Whitsunday region story is one anchored by the Great Barrier Reef but is also harvesting the fruits of a resilient agriculture sector. Boasting a strong and diverse economy driven by the agriculture, construction, mining and tourism industries; the Whitsunday region is on track to becoming a regional economic engine of Queensland. Renowned for its relaxed lifestyle, the region boasts beaches, rainforests and large tracts of national parkland. While the region is rural and coastal in its nature, residents and visitors alike enjoy access to contemporary facilities including museums, art galleries, cafes, hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities.
Regional Highlights
Airlie Beach is a colourful cosmopolitan and inviting holiday town.
The Whitsunday region’s four town centres are diverse and provide unique opportunities in art, culture and events.
One of Australia’s leading agricultural regions, and the number one producer of mangoes, tomatoes and capsicum.
The Whitsunday region lays claim to 74 Whitsunday Islands.
Industries
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accelerators
Snorkelling in Bowen, Queensland.
Overnight group sailing, The Whitsundays.
Bowen agriculture - girl eating mango
Cape Gloucester aerial view
South Molle Island hiking.
Hamilton Islands, the Whitsundays.
Elysian Retreat, relaxing by the fire
Proserpine Rail Sunrise
Proserpine Town aerial view.
Bowen farmland - aerial view
Airlie Beach. Credit: TEQ
Elysian Retreat, The Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays
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.
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.
Resources & Downloads
Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness
Supply Chain
Baseline Study
Greater Whitsunday
Biomanufacturing
Blueprint 1.0
Greater Whitsunday
Digital Roadmap
Roadmap 1.0
Greater Whitsunday Workforce
Development
Playbook
Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness
Supply Chain
Baseline Study
Greater Whitsunday
Biomanufacturing
Blueprint 1.0
Greater Whitsunday
Digital Roadmap
Roadmap 1.0
Greater Whitsunday Workforce
Development
Playbook
Greater Whitsunday Agribusiness
Supply Chain
Baseline Study
Greater Whitsunday
Biomanufacturing
Blueprint 1.0
Greater Whitsunday
Digital Roadmap
Roadmap 1.0
Greater Whitsunday Workforce
Development
Playbook