Mackay Regional Council Sets Bold Economic Vision With 2025–2030 Draft Strategy

Mackay Regional Council has unveiled its draft Economic Development Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a bold vision to drive sustainable growth and investment over the next five years.

Developed through extensive consultation with industry, government and community stakeholders, the strategy outlines four key pillars: advocacy and leadership, an enabled economic environment, workforce development, and precincts and property.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the plan was shaped in collaboration with sectors including mining, METS, agriculture, biomanufacturing, construction and tourism.

"This strategy is a roadmap for Mackay’s economic prosperity," Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s about harnessing our region’s strengths, advancing emerging industries and ensuring we create the conditions for long-term, sustainable economic success,” he said.

“Mackay is already an economic powerhouse.

“As a regional city we punch well above our weight – our GRP is about $14.7 billion, our regional output is about $27 billion, our local economy employs almost 55,000 people and our unemployment rate is consistently around 2.4 per cent.

“Mackay was also recently recognised as one of Australia’s top 10 cities to launch a start-up business and we have 11,010 businesses operating in our region that can attest to the opportunities on offer.”

Mayor Williamson said many people were unaware of the strategic role council played in developing the regional economy.

“Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability Directorate is constantly working behind the scenes to support local businesses and industries, while showcasing our region and attracting tourism, investment and development opportunities,” he said. “This strategy builds on those efforts.”

The strategy’s four economic pillars include:

Advocacy and leadership: coordinated promotion and project prioritisation to attract critical investment.
Enabled economic environment: infrastructure planning and innovation to support traditional industries and unlock new opportunities.
Workforce development: training and education pathways aligned with current and future skill needs across sectors.
Precincts and property: optimising industrial estates and housing infrastructure to support population and industry growth.
Community feedback is now invited to shape the final strategy.

Council encourages residents, businesses and stakeholders to review the draft and share their thoughts.

Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability Aletta Nugent said this was residents’ opportunity to influence the future of our region.

“We want residents to have their say in creating a strategy that reflects Mackay’s aspirations and ensures we are prepared to capitalise on opportunities that will drive investment in our region.”

The draft strategy and feedback form are available at connectingmackay.com.au or via hardcopy at council’s customer service centres.

Have your say by 11.59pm, Monday, August 10, 2025.

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Part of council’s draft Economic Development Strategy actions involves a focus on workforce development and the attraction of skilled workers to our region. Photo Supplied

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