Key Industries

Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS)

The region was at the centre of the most intense and prolonged resource sector exploration, investment and development period in Australian history.

We feature a diverse industrial sector that is a world leader in the mining equipment, technology and services (METs). As one of the six key growth industries identified by the Queensland State Government, the Mackay’s METs sector will continue to expand and capitalise on our role as the service industry hub of the Bowen and Galilee Basins.

Mackay has also been identified by Adani Group as being the key service centre for its $21 billion coal mine project in the Galilee Basin. With significant growth expected, the region has ample industrial land supply to cater for the industry needs of any businesses locating to the region.

Coupled with a well-established industry and technology sector and a supportive industry network, the region’s METs sector is going to continue to grow from strength to strength.

Tourism

World-class attractions, amenities and lifestyle factors provide an excellent environment for residents and tourists alike. The region provides a vibrant urban lifestyle, as well as a range of different lifestyle options, such as easy and convenient access to rural and regional areas.

The breadth and diversity of local culture, nature, dining and the arts makes Mackay an ideal destination for those wanting a relaxed holiday experience in both an urban and natural setting. Key attractions of the region include the Eungella National Park, Finch Hatton Gorge, numerous beaches, pristine coastal areas and proximity to the beautiful tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Eungella Hinterland is recognised as the best location in the world to see platypus and is perfectly positioned to grow as a key boutique eco-tourism destination.

The tourism industry is a growing component of the Mackay economy with an estimated economic output of $543 million in 2016. Over the twelve months from January 2015, the region attracted over 750,000 domestic and 40,000 international overnight visitors, equating to an estimated expenditure of $300 million. Our growing tourism market will present many opportunities for the advancement of tourism initiatives.

With redevelopment plans for resort complexes at Brampton Island, Lindeman Island and Laguna Quays, the region is positioning itself as a key domestic and international tourist destination.

Mackay Tourism is the peak tourism organisation for the Mackay - Isaac region helping you secure the best accommodation and tours for your visit to the region.

Construction

Mackay’s construction industry contributes over $2.1 billion to the annual regional economy and supports over 4,100 jobs.

Strong economic growth is driving demand for residential and commercial developments. Construction firms based in the region are at the forefront of innovative residential, commercial and industrial design and construction, bringing world-class expertise to the projects they undertake.

With over $1 billion in major projects currently underway or due to commence soon, the construction industry will continue to be a major component of our regional economy.

Agriculture

The region was settled as a sugar farming area and has since established an innovative and world-class agricultural sector. The region has valuable and strategic agricultural and grazing land, key labour specialisations, established supply chains and well regarded industry knowledge.

The Mackay region is one of the most recognised and innovative sugar cane growing and milling areas in Australia. Sugar cane cultivation forms the mainstay of the region’s agricultural production with the region producing more than one million tonnes of raw sugar per year, equating to one third of Australia’s cane sugar production.

Mackay also represents a key processing and storage centre for a broad range of other valuable raw and processed agricultural commodities (e.g. beef, horticulture, forestry, fibre and aquaculture).

The region holds an increasing stake in the expanding bio-industry sector. With access to a reliable feedstock, notably sugar and its bio-products, the region is positioned to capitalise on this growing market.

About 30 per cent of Mackay’s electricity supply is currently created by Mackay Sugar, via a co-generation electricity plant fuelled by bagasse, a waste product from sugar cane crushing. The green energy electricity plant reduces Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 200,000 tonnes equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2e) each year.

Health and Allied Services

Mackay includes the critical health infrastructure required to support the growing region and surrounding areas.

The demand for health services will continue to grow in the future with an aging population and increasing propensity for access to a higher level of health service.

The Mackay region currently has the following key health related infrastructure:

• Mackay Base Hospital
• Mater Misericordiae Hospital Mackay
• Specialist medical and health care facilities
• Allied health services typical of a major regional city
• Local health facilities in outlying urban areas, including Sarina, Walkerston, Marian and Mirani

Education

The region has an established, respected, innovative and growing education sector. It is a vibrant industry, with a range of different providers contributing to and supporting the expansion of other critical local industries.

The city has Queensland’s first comprehensive university with a combined secondary school, TAFE and university curriculum. This partnership is a key factor in driving a collaborative and highly innovative education sector focused on the future and working with key local industries.

The university’s School of Engineering and Technology provides engineering specialisations in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Mining and works closely with local mining companies to train and supply future engineers.

Central Queensland University is also home to Split Spaces Mackay, a not-for-profit co-working space

which nurtures innovation and entrepreneurism through incubation and accelerator programs.

The core education and training capabilities in the area are driven by several key institutions -

• Central Queensland University (including a $46 million Trade Training Centre and a $16 million Engineering Centre)
• A James Cook University Mackay Education and Research Centre located at the Mackay Base Hospital
• Twelve (12) private schools: some of which include Whitsunday Anglican College, St Patrick’s College,
• Holy Spirit College and Mackay Christian College
• Numerous public secondary schools and a range of other primary school and education options.