Economic development

Mackay City is the major regional centre for the Mackay Statistical division which covers the Local Government areas of  Belyando, Bowen, Broadsound, Mackay Region, Nebo and Whitsunday.

The region and subsequently Mackay City is undergoing rapid growth fueled by the boom in the coal mining industry in the Bowen Basin, resurgence in agribusiness, growth in tourism and an emerging marine sector.  Mackay City hosts much of the engineering, manufacturing and mining services industries supporting the regional economy. 

Aerial view of the Port of MackayTransport infrastructure includes extensive national road and rail networks and major port faciities.  The Mackay Airport and Seaport are managed by the Mackay Port Authority.  The Mackay airport is recognized by the Queensland government as an airport of state significance with recent rapid growth in traffic stimulated by the mining boom and the frequent and low cost services currently on offer.  It is serviced by the four carriers, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Tiger Airways.  The Seaport is the fourth busiest multi commodity port in terms of cargo throughput and includes one of the world’s largest bulk sugar terminals and the only bulk refined sugar terminal in the Southern Hemisphere.

The main national highway is routed through Mackay connecting with an extensive road system which provides excellent access to other areas of the region.  Four rail systems also serve the region, including three which are designated for freight (coal, sugar and other freight products) and Queensland Rail's passenger Tilt Train travels regularly between Brisbane and Cairns, stopping in Mackay.

The region enjoys the advantages of a cost-competitive water supply, coming from the Eungella, Peter Faust, Teemburra and Kinchant dams.  A network of water supply schemes across the region supports agricultural activities.  Mackay Regional Council provides sewerage infrastructure as well as sewerage treatment facilties and effluent disposal.  A reuse scheme is currently being developed by Mackay Water, a business unit of Mackay Regional Council to recycle wastewater to cane farms affected by salt water intrusion of the aquifer.

Mackay City supports a waste management philosophy which focusses on reducing waste to landfill and includes kerbside recycling collection, a material recovery facility for the processing of recyclables, and green waste processing. 

Mackay Regional Council supports business development in the region through the development of strategic partnerships with the following organisations: