Australia is globally recognised as the market leader in mining, equipment and technology services across many different technology platforms and commodity segments. In the Greater Whitsunday region, we’re supporting sustainable post-closure mine planning, with flexibility in mine-site rehabilitation to facilitate development of new industries and circular economy opportunities.

We’re also working to strengthen the capability and capacity for existing METS businesses, particularly start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises to support decarbonisation.

In Queensland, our biofutures sector is dedicated to the development and manufacturing of innovative products from sustainable resources. By strengthening the existing biofutures industry, we will support start-up, innovation and collaboration precincts. The Mackay State Development Area is a testament to the region’s commitment to biofutures manufacturing. Additionally, the Future Foods Biohub initiative presents exciting opportunities to cultivate a future foods industry.

Coordinated planning and establishment of renewable energy and hydrogen production, distribution, and storage precincts are underway across the Greater Whitsunday region.

Supporting small, regional agriculture businesses to further modernise the region’s agriculture, including fostering innovation. Cooperation between aquaculture and agriculture industries will help realise seasonality, efficiency and climate adaptation opportunities.

The Greater Whitsunday region is to become a leading ecotourism destination, renowned both domestically and internationally. To achieve this vision, we aim to enhance education-based tourism by leveraging attractions that embody the region’s rich natural heritage and the unique identity of its community.

The Central Queensland region is recognised as a global leader in heavy industry manufacturing. As an emerging hydrogen hub, it now has an opportunity to transition to a more decarbonised and sustainable future by developing its green manufacturing industry.

The Central Queensland region is well known as the state’s energy powerhouse, located at the heart of our electricity network. Places like Gladstone, Rockhampton and Biloela are critical to Queensland’s energy system.

It’s also the region that will spearhead Queensland’s energy transition plan to power the state with renewable energy for generations to come.

Value-added agriculture focuses on the production or manufacturing processes that will increase the value of primary agriculture commodities.

The Central Queensland region is investigating how to adopt technology and innovation to improve farming practices. One example of this is the Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre which is bringing together research, development and extension in farming systems, agronomy, crop innovation and plant protection.

Greater connectivity allows the movement of goods both domestically and internationally, and enhances a region’s position in global markets.

In terms of sustainability, Central Queensland is investigating how to transform its freight transport network into a strong low emissions transport and logistics industry and to further decarbonise the region’s industries through investments in sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure.

Queensland is committed to reaching net zero by 2050 through its support for the continued growth of the state’s sustainable energy industry and investment in strategic transmission infrastructure in North West and North Queensland.

Queensland already plays a nationally significant role in the provision of minerals needed for renewable energy technologies. North West Queensland has a substantial endowment of minerals such as copper, lead, zinc, silver, cobalt and vanadium. These are essential in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, batteries and wind turbines.

While North West Queensland’s agricultural activities have mostly centred around cattle grazing, there is an opportunity to diversify and expand the region’s agricultural footprint. This includes the production of high-value crops as well as developing more intensive agricultural practices like cotton gins.  Read more about the region's economic diversification strategy.

With the economic prosperity of the North West Queensland region dependent upon the strength of its supply chains, there are opportunities to promote sustainability and decarbonisation through new innovative technologies and skills development to create sustainable transport options, including across the region’s vital freight networks.

The North West Queensland region boasts a wealth of natural attractions, including its unique landscapes, globally renowned fossil deposits, expansive national parks and rich Indigenous cultural heritage.

There is a significant opportunity to further develop and expand the local tourism industry, including First Nations peoples agri-tourism. Read more about the region's economic diversification strategy

Technology is currently being developed to re-purpose waste through bio-chemical manufacturing. The adoption of research and development or AgTech (agricultural technology) may also improve efficiencies, increase output and pave the way for new higher value-adding horticulture and nutraceuticals with greater nutritional benefits.

Renewable energy is a key priority for the Queensland Government. We are accelerating towards our ambitious target of 50% renewable energy by 2030.

To help Queensland get there, we’re encouraging the growth of emerging energy sectors, supporting major renewable projects and ensuring a greener footprint for the businesses and communities of tomorrow.

There are opportunities to strengthen the capability of the region’s advanced manufacturing industry, particularly in specialist renewable energy and aerospace and defence componentry.

Investigations are considering how to help grow existing businesses in the region.

There’s an opportunity to develop well-recognised bio-clusters and health precincts in the region. These will contribute to improved health-and-wellbeing services for communities, as well as progress research and innovation for new health products.

Harnessing the region’s diverse and rich agricultural lands will also support the expansion of the production and processing of pharmaceutical products. This includes native products as well as animal by-products (keratin and collagen).