Mackay
There is a lot more to the Mackay region than a subtropical climate and the world-famous Whitsundays. Located midway between Cairns and Brisbane, the Mackay region is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia and boasts all the advantages of a strong resource-based economy coupled with a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The growing population, thriving workforce and continued infrastructure development are driving this robust economy that consistently records growth above the state average. The Mackay region is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of investment, attracting interest from national, international and local investors - $11 billion in projects are planned for the region or have recently been completed. As a result, the region will benefit from the creation of an estimated 15,000 additional jobs in the next five to ten years. While there is considerable diversity among the projects planned for the Mackay region, the following industries are the focus of much of the development activity:
- mining and related services
- advanced manufacturing and engineering services
- construction
With $2.2 billion in investment already approved for the Whitsundays, tourism is also a key economic driver for the Mackay region, which boasts a diverse array of natural attractions, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
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Source: Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation 2007
- *Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007; Mackay and Whitsunday Local Government Areas
Mackay at a glance
- Population:
- 110,793*
- Location:
- 12 hour drive north of Brisbane
Facilities:
- 1 domestic airport
- 2 international seaports
- 9 hospitals
- 1 university (Central Queensland University)
- 4 major shopping centres
Key Events:
- Wintermoon Festival (May)
- Mackay Annual Show (June)
- Mackay Festival of the Arts (July)
- Qld. Mining and Engineering Exhibition (July)
- The Jetstar Strut (August)
