Strengthening Central Queensland

The Central Queensland Region includes the local government areas of Banana, Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Central Highlands, Diamantina, Gladstone, Longreach, Rockhampton, Winton and Woorabinda.

Driven by powerhouse industries and natural advantages, the Central Queensland region boasts a resilient and diverse economy underpinned by resource extraction and minerals processing, energy production, manufacturing and agriculture. Its coastal position at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef also supports a growing tourism and events sector.

Strategic infrastructure are key enablers of future growth and regional connectivity. These include:

• Shoalwater Bay Defence Training Area
• Bajool Explosives Reserve
• Gladstone State Development Area
• established infrastructure corridors and upcoming projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road and inland rail extension.

Rockhampton, known as the Beef Capital of Australia, is a major centre for livestock processing. It’s also home to the Port of Rockhampton and Stanwell Power Station. Gladstone, with Queensland’s largest deepwater, multi-commodity port, leads alumina, aluminium, cement and chemicals production.

The Central Highlands, located in the heart of the Bowen Basin, plays a critical role in mining. It produces and exports a third of Queensland’s coal exports through the port of Gladstone. The region additionally hosts Australia’s largest cattle inventory, contributing significantly to national beef production.

Longreach and Winton are important inland centres with strong agricultural industries and a growing tourism sector. The Capricorn Coast further strengthens the region’s visitor appeal with pristine beaches and access to Great Keppel Island.

The region is a significant food-production area. The eastern part of Central Queensland produces over 50% of Australian pineapples while the west supports the country’s largest organic beef producers. The region's fertile land also grows significant grains, citrus, nuts and other agricultural products.

Our Central Queensland regional office is one of eleven regional offices across Queensland helping businesses to mature, grow and invest. Our local teams based in Rockhampton and Gladstone are prioritising responsible economic development though balancing demands for industrial, residential and agricultural land while maintaining the unique liveable spaces that make Central Queensland a place people want to live and work.

Key features of Central Queensland

Population

249,020 (2023) – expected to increase to 291,311 by 2046.

Employment

Labour force 129,900 (2024)

Strengths

Ports and logistics

• The Port of Gladstone is Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port exporting minerals and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), and importing minerals, petroleum and general cargo
• Port of Rockhampton (Port Alma), a key hazardous-goods port
• 28,000 hectares of state development land adjacent to the Port of Gladstone

Energy and resources

• Major coking, PCI and thermal coal production via the Bowen basin
• Access to natural gas transmission network
• Large reliable water supply for industry and development
• Significant minerals processing capabilities
• Abundant bioenergy feedstock from sugarcane, forestry and agriculture and industrial waste
• Strong and reliable electricity network

Agriculture and agribusiness

• Home to the largest beef herd of any region in Australia
• Thriving sugarcane and agriculture industries, supporting biofutures development

Defence and strategic assets

• Home to the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, an internationally recognised defence training facility

Liveability

• Strong base of skilled workers in various manufacturing sectors, particularly those related to resources and processing
• Tourism including access to the southern Great Barrier Reef, outback heritage tourism and iconic events including the Big Red Bash and Birdsville races, paleo and Indigenous tourism experiences
• Major domestic airport in Rockhampton with international standard runway and heavy lift capability
• Tertiary education and several high-quality private boarding and public schools
• Sub-tropical climate due to proximity to the Tropic of Capricorn

Main industries

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Energy production
• Fisheries and aquaculture
• Horticulture
• Manufacturing
• Mining and minerals processing
• Outback and reef tourism
• Transport

Top ten output industries – total regional output of $70.13 billion:

• mining
• manufacturing
• construction
• electricity, gas, water and waste services
• rental, hiring and real estate services
• agriculture, forestry and fishing
• transport, postal and warehousing
• health care and social assistance
• public administration and safety
• education and training

Top ten employment industries – total regional employment 113,705 jobs:

• health care and social assistance
• construction
• education and training
• retail trade
• mining
• manufacturing
• accommodation and food services
• public administration and safety
• agriculture, forestry and fishing
• transport, postal and warehousing

Top ten value add industries – total regional value add $33.57 billion:

• mining
• rental, hiring and real estate services
• construction
• health care and social assistance
• manufacturing
• agriculture, forestry and fishing
• electricity, gas, water and waste services
• transport, postal and warehousing
• education and training
• public administration and safety

Key projects

• Transport & supply chain logistics planning including heavy vehicle transport infrastructure, Rockhampton Ring Road and inland rail extension.
• Energy generation and transmission upgrades
• Gladstone region Industrial Ecosystem
• Maximising local content through major project supply chain development
• Accelerating industrial developments across the region
• Delivering public infrastructure including Olympic Games infrastructure
• Attracting and facilitating private investment
• Sustaining existing industries that underpin our economy

Events and activities

View upcoming events and opportunities in the region. Our workshops and industry briefings support businesses at all stages of project supply chains.

You can also view pre-recorded sessions on how to promote your business’ products and services to others.

Contact us

Contact our Central Queensland regional office.