Strengthening North West Queensland
The North West Queensland region encompasses the nine local government areas of Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Flinders, McKinlay, Mornington, Mount Isa and Richmond.
The region has a total land area of 307,082.2 km2, with an average daily temperature range of 18.6°C to 32.5°C and an average annual rainfall of 573 mm.
The North West Minerals Province, located in the north-west region, is one of the world's most significant base and precious metals producers, while a thriving beef industry is a strong economic stimulator. The north-west region is also a popular destination for tourists seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience. Tourists can explore world-class fossil sites, cultural heritage sites and paddle down the tranquil and picturesque Lawn Hill Gorge.
Our North West Queensland regional office is one of 11 regional offices across Queensland supporting businesses to mature, grow and invest.
Support is facilitated via one-on-one interactions, information, presentations and workshops (both online and face-to-face). A number of pre-recorded sessions are also available on how to promote your business’s products and services to others.
Key features of North West Queensland
Population
31,160 (ERP 2023p ABS)
Employment
Labour force 16,871 (June quarter 2023)
Strengths
- abundant mineral wealth and natural resources
- thriving pastoral industries
- a vital transport corridor with easy access to major transport routes
- established local supply chains
- proximity to growing Asian markets
- the world’s largest natural aquifer, the Great Artesian Basin
- world-class fossil deposits
- national parks and cultural heritage sites
- resilient and diverse economy
- Riversleigh World Heritage Fossil Site
- thriving outback experience, tourism industry
Economic overview
Main industries
- mining and minerals processing
- agriculture, beef
- tourism
The North West Queensland region has many economic strengths that drive employment and output in the region. With abundant land and coastline, rich mineral resources and a well-skilled workforce, the region’s key industries include mining and mineral processing, manufacturing (predominately mining by-products), construction and agriculture and fishing. There is significant economic activity in mining for minerals such as zinc, silver, copper, phosphate and lead, as well as beef cattle production. Collectively, these industries contribute almost 87 per cent of gross regional output.
Emerging industries
There are many economic opportunities for the North West Queensland region that build on current regional strengths and will support the growth of new, diverse industries as Queensland transitions to a decarbonised economy.
There will be an increase in demand for the North West Queensland region’s minerals as the world shifts towards renewable energy. This region is home to many of the input minerals needed for electric and hybrid vehicles, batteries, wind turbine generators and solar panels. There are opportunities for further exploration and growth in supporting industries such a critical minerals processing, particularly in the mining-centric areas.
Local governments across the region have identified the potential to invest in renewable energy resources, specifically in wind and solar energy generation. Developing the region as a major clean energy provider, through establishing a utility-scale renewable energy industry, will have many benefits for the region. Investment in onsite renewable energy generation will also help reduce operating costs and secure supply for energy intensive operations, helping to attract people and businesses.
In agriculture, there are emerging opportunities for diversification of the industry’s outputs by capitalising on the competitive advantages of the region and exploring dryland and irrigated cropping opportunities.
Key projects
- North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy, a key deliverable of A Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North West Minerals Province
- Coordinated projects in the region (Office of the Coordinator-General)
- Vecco Critical Minerals Project
- Prescribed projects in the region (Office of the Coordinator-General)
- Multicom Saint Elmo Vanadium Project
- Vecco Critical Minerals Project
- 29 Metals Capricorn Copper Recovery and Extension Project (Critical infrastructure project)
- CopperString 2032 Project (Critical infrastructure project)
- Harmony Eva Copper Mine Project
The North West Minerals Province pipeline of projects is an initiative of the North West Queensland Economic Diversification Strategy and provides awareness of upcoming employment and business opportunities. Government is partnering with proponents to progress many of these projects to help boost local economies.
Local content activities
We’re committed to providing local businesses with full, fair and reasonable opportunities to participate in government and non-government projects across Queensland. This is done by delivering a range of activities to help local businesses find project opportunities, compete for work and improve their tendering and supply chain capabilities.
View all upcoming events and opportunities in the region including:
- workshops
- mentoring services
- industry briefings that support businesses at all stages of project supply chains
You can also learn more about the regional manufacturing hubs and support provided to the region.
Local economic opportunities network
The local economic opportunities network (LEO network) assists regional councils and communities with decarbonisation and the economic opportunities associated with a decarbonised economy.
The LEO network will work with key stakeholders to identify, collect and discuss local opportunities and distribute information on government programs and services.
The LEO network is part of the Queensland new-industry development strategy (QNIDS). QNIDS was established to support investment in clean energy technology and help communities take advantage of the economic opportunities available in Queensland.
Mount Isa Transition Fund
The Queensland Government is investing up to $50 million to support workers affected by the closure in 2025 of Glencore’s Mount Isa copper mine and copper concentrator and the Lady Loretta zinc mine. Glencore‘s other regional assets will remain operational. In addition to the $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program delivered by Queensland Treasury in conjunction with the Department of Resources, the support package includes up to $20 million for an economic structural adjustment through the Mount Isa Transition Fund.
The Fund aims to support job creation for the local workforce, and strengthen the economy, liveability and community resilience in Mount Isa.
The Mount Isa and Region Futures Advisory Committee will support the delivery of the Fund through place-based advice to the government.
Regional Economic Futures Fund
The Regional Economic Futures Fund, known as the REFF, is a program that is supporting communities to support long-term sustainability by enhancing economic, social and environmental liveability, sustainable regional growth and economic diversification as well as supporting regions most impacted by the changing energy mix.
North West Queensland (including the corridor to Townsville) is one of the identified regions with a Regional Transformation Strategy and Implementation Plan developed through consultation with local communities. The Strategy was released on 26 July 2024.
The REFF approved projects are aimed at supporting long-term community prosperity by leveraging on the region’s identified strengths, facilitating sustainable employment and building industry capability.
Actions contained within the Regional Transformation Strategy will be funded through the REFF.
Further information
Contact our North West Queensland regional office on 07 4747 3900 or NWQ@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au to find out more.
Last updated: 26 May 2025