Our economy

Mackay offers a vibrant economy, abundant employment and investment opportunities, and a high quality of life—making it an attractive place to live, work, and play. With a population of over 126,000 people, Mackay supports 55,000 jobs and an annual economic output of nearly $26.3 billion.

As one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, Mackay’s population is expected to continue expanding. With a current Gross Regional Product of $14.1 billion, the region contributes more GRP per capita to the Queensland Government than any other area in the state.

The local economy is diverse, with strong activity in the resources sector. The agricultural sector, particularly sugar cane and beef, plays a key role in the economy, with Mackay being one of Australia's leading sugar-producing regions.

In recent years, Mackay has seen a shift towards economic diversification, with notable growth in tourism, construction and the service industry, including education and healthcare. The region is also positioning itself as a hub for innovation, particularly in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, in response to global market changes and technological advancements.

Mackay’s strategic location, skilled workforce and ongoing infrastructure investments ensure it remains a competitive, resilient and attractive destination for business and investment.

Economic quarterly snapshot

The Mackay region economic quarterly snapshot provides a concise snapshot of key economic and demographic data.

Economic quarterly snapshot

Facts and figures

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.

Economic profile

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.

Remplan economy profiles

Community profiles

This website provides third-party demographic insights for the Mackay region such as population, migration, families, education, work, housing and wellbeing.

Remplan economy profiles

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.

Growth profiles

Regional economic drivers

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.

Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS)

Construction

Health care and social assistance

Agriculture

Education

Emerging industries

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.

Connectivity

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.