New technologies
Mackay possesses a forward-thinking and adaptive business community, which is globally recognised as a world leader in innovation.
Within the very advanced resources sector, the METS industry in Mackay holds a wealth of knowledge and expertise. These are valuable export goods recognised on a global scale. The creativity of the region’s business community is reflected by our registered patents per capita, of which Mackay is ranked one of the highest in Australia.
The Central Queensland University continues to support the growth of the region’s innovation sector through their School of Engineering and Technology which provides specialisations in civil, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics and mining. Annually, Mackay hosts the Whitsunday STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Challenge, which aims to increase STEM participation by students in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions. This is an innovative way to teach our students to adapt the way in which they learn, connect and interact to respond to technological advancements and emerging jobs of the future.
Mackay Regional Council launched the first smart water system of its kind in Australia, which sends real time data of water consumption and leakages to the council and their customers. Water consumption was reduced by 10 per cent through leakage monitoring through the smart system. There are plenty of stories to tell that highlight how our region is rewriting history through developing and employing game changing technology. D&T Hydraulics and Engineering is one of the pioneering businesses in our region that have proven to adapt to changing demands using world-class technology. They are now a leader in laser metal deposition technology.
Opportunities
The rapid emergence of digital and automated solutions across sectors presents numerous economic opportunities for growth and advancement.
The Queensland Future Skills Partnership is a collaborative initiative involving BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, TAFE Queensland, and CQUniversity. Its primary objective is to provide financial support and actively assist in the accelerated creation and implementation of automated technology pathways, skill sets, and certifications specifically tailored for open-cut mining operations in Queensland.
With access to a large skilled labour force, an advanced, world-leading mining engineering and technical services sector as well as a very experienced and knowledge-intensive sugar industry, Mackay is positioned perfectly to take advantage of the demand for more efficient and automated solutions and the added-value presented through new technologies.
To read some of the many case studies of how robotics are revolutionising our region, click here.