Council’s Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 highlights the need to prioritise housing as a key driver of the regional economic engine.
The strategy was adopted at today’s (August 27) ordinary meeting of council.
Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee (EDGSAC) Co-chair Cr Belinda Hassan said while housing availability was undoubtedly a vital social need, consultation on the strategy had also revealed that it was one of the main roadblocks for accelerating economic growth.
“Without enough suitable places for people to live, it’s harder to attract and retain the workforce needed for both established industries and the new sectors our region is investing in,” Cr Hassan said.
“This strategy outlines some essential actions to address this need, including advancing new housing developments to meet population increases and supporting the delivery of short-term accommodation options for project‑based workforces, such as construction crews,” she said.
“We also need to ensure that we are streamlining our housing approvals and aligning development incentives with regional workforce needs.
“If our housing supply doesn’t match the accommodation needs and income levels of incoming workers, those workers will look to other regions.”
EDGSAC Co-chair Cr Nathenea MacRae said the strategy addressed four economic priorities – advocacy and leadership, enabled economic environment, workforce development and precincts and property.
“Each priority includes practical actions designed to open up opportunities for investment, support new and existing industries, and strengthen our local economy,” Cr MacRae said.
“These priorities aren’t just long-term aspirations – they’re real projects that will work together to deliver balanced growth,” she said.
“That means matching industrial expansion with the housing, skills and infrastructure needed to make Mackay an even better place to live, work and invest.”
Cr MacRae said workforce development was one example where the Strategy connected economic growth with community benefit.
“We know liveability is one of our biggest drawcards,” she said.
“By marketing Mackay’s lifestyle to attract skilled workers and ensuring housing is available to support them, we’re building the foundations for a strong and sustainable future.”
She said the strategy was built through collaboration with industry and business networks across the region.
“Leaders from mining, agriculture, construction, tourism, biomanufacturing and beyond – alongside local business networks and community groups – have helped shape this plan.
“Their input ensures the strategy reflects what really matters to our region and focuses on projects that will deliver the biggest impact for our community.”
Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 includes a series of priority initiatives that emerged from stakeholder workshops and consultations.
These initiatives include:
Expediate planning of the Mackay State Development Area to increase future industrial land supply and unlock investment in emerging industries such as biomanufacturing.
Establish a coordinated and consistent advocacy framework for the Mackay region that presents a clear and unified voice to attract investment and government support.
Identify, prioritise and advocate for key enabling infrastructure, such as Mackay Airport Intermodal Transport and Logistics Hub, Mackay Ring Road and Port of Mackay Capabilities Project, to support future industrial expansion.
Review, refresh and promote the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area to unlock high-value, mixed-use development and create vibrant residential, commercial and recreational spaces.
Proactively work with the region’s traditional industries to identify initiatives that support improved productivity, cost efficiencies and innovation.
Continue to drive projects that enhance the liveability of the Mackay region, growing the residential population base and attracting visitation.
The Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 is available online on the Discover Mackay website.
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