ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT


The Mackay Regional Council area is one of the fastest growing in Queensland, with a population at June 2008 of over 112,000 and an average annual growth rate of 3.2% (2003-2008). 

Looking to the future, strong growth is forecast, with a projected regional population reaching 190,000 people by 2031.

The region's growth is fuelled by the boom in the mining industry in the Bowen Basin, resurgence in agribusiness, growth in tourism and an emerging marine sector.
The region hosts much of the engineering, manufacturing and mining services industries supporting the regional economy.

Only an hour's flight from Brisbane, the Mackay region boasts an enviable lifestyle and a buoyant economy with the benefits of a fast-growing coastal city. Its coastal location is complemented by its spectacular natural environment.

INFRASTRUCTURE


Transport infrastructure includes extensive national road and rail networks and major port facilities.  The Sea Ports of Hay Point and Mackay, from 1 July 2009 are managed by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited (NQBP).

Situated on Mackay Harbour the Port of Mackay is Queensland's fourth busiest multi-commodity port in terms of cargo throughput, catering for the export of sugar and sugar products, molasses and grain and the import of petroleum.  Hay Point is among the largest coal export ports in the world, comprising two separate coal export terminals, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and the Hay Point Coal Terminal. NQBP also holds around 1400ha of land at Dudgeon Point which is intended for future port development.

Mackay Airport, controlled by Mackay Airport Pty Ltd 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 five carriers, Qantas, Virgin Blue, Jetstar, Tiger and Rex Airways.

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 facilities and effluent disposal.  A reuse scheme has been developed by council's business unit to recycle wastewater to cane farms affected by salt water intrusion of the aquifer.

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