Our economy
Mackay’s employment, investment and development opportunities, buoyant economy and lifestyle attributes are just some of the many positive aspects that encourage people to live, work and play in the Mackay region.
Mackay is a thriving regional centre with a population of over 125,000 people, supporting 55,000 jobs and an annual economic output of almost $22.3 billion.
The Mackay region is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland with strong population growth projected. The region contributes more GRP per capita to the Queensland Government than any other region in the state.
Our local economy is diverse and supported by strong activity in the resources sector, resurgence in agribusiness, and growth in construction, logistics, health, education and tourism. Supporting more than 8000 jobs, health care and social assistance is the region’s largest employment sector.
Mackay is the gateway to the rich coal deposits in the Bowen and Galilee Basins and hosts much of the engineering, manufacturing and mining services industries supporting the resources sector. It is one of the leading sugar-producing regions in Australia and is home to one of the country’s largest producers of ethanol products.
Regional economic profile
The Mackay region economic profile is a full comprehensive statistical handbook on the Mackay region, which provides both economic and demographic data for the Mackay region.
Economy profiles
This website provides third-party economic data for the Mackay region such as population, employment, gross regional product, regional exports/imports, tourism and building approvals.
Community profiles
This website provides third-party demographic insights for the Mackay region such as population, migration, families, education, work, housing and wellbeing.
Mackay region growth profiles
This website combines historical insights, Australian Bureau of Statistics data, and council growth projections to present a localised future growth outlook for Mackay’s 18 urban communities that will experience growth to the year 2036.
The Mackay region economic quarterly snapshot provides a concise snapshot of key economic and demographic data.
The regional economy is driven by an innovative and productive business community from a number of key industry sectors, including mining services, education, health, aviation, tourism and agriculture.
The region’s economy has historically been built on the back of our sugar cane and resource service industries.
However, we are continuing to grow a sustainable and diversified economic base with a broad range of emerging industries and investment opportunities.
The Mackay region is home to key infrastructure services that contribute to the region’s economy and provide significant growth and employment opportunities.
The region possesses excellent transport infrastructure, offering access to both local and regional markets through a combination of road, rail and air transport.
The Port of Mackay and Port of Hay Point provide the region with access to international markets through multi-cargo import and export services and one of the world’s largest coal terminals.
