The Mackay/Whitsunday Region represents
one of Queensland's strongest growth regions. It covers an area in
excess of 90,000 km2 which is about 5.2 per cent of the total area
of Queensland. The area is administered by nine local authorities
- Peak Downs Shire, Broadsound Shire, Belyando Shire, Bowen Shire,
Mirani Shire, Nebo Shire, Mackay City, Sarina Shire and Whitsunday
Shire - all strategically located in the heart of Queensland, halfway
between Brisbane and Cairns.
The region encompasses Australia's
largest continuous stretch of rainforest, spectacular National Parks,
breathtaking mountains and gorges, historic townships, miles of golden
beaches, more than 70 tropical islands and, of course the enchanting
world of the Great Barrier Reef.
In the west, the region extends into
the coal-mining belt of the Bowen Basin, the largest single coal
mining area in Australia. Throughout the area the landscape is dotted
with cane fields, reflecting the Central Region’s place as
Australia's largest sugar producer.
The Mackay region has an estimated
population of more than 124,309 permanent residents and of this number,
more than half (78,401) live within the Mackay City Council. Mackay's
population is younger than the State's average and some of
the outer lying mining towns rank among the State's wealthiest