Strengthening Bundaberg Burnett

Rich in natural resources and with diversified economy lead by thriving agriculture, advanced manufacturing, tourism and service industries, the Bundaberg Burnett region is an emerging powerhouse.

Agriculture is a mainstay of the region’s economy where livestock production and high value horticultural production of nuts, citrus, avocadoes, sweet potatoes are complemented with commodities such as sugarcane and grains.

Advanced manufacturing has long been a regional strength, with internationally recognised brands calling the region home. Heavy industry is supported with a foundry, a number of specialised engineering firms, and a highly skilled workforce.

Food and beverage manufacturing and meat processing are particular strengths, with the Burnett being home to the largest pork abattoir in the southern hemisphere.

Bundaberg Burnett is also home to emerging strengths in biofuels, biomedical and defence capabilities and a growing resource sector.

Regional snapshot

Population

143,473 (2021 census)

Labour force

60,117

Economic output

Over $9 billion in annual Gross Regional Product (GRP), making it one of Queensland’s most significant economies outside South East Queensland.

The Bundaberg Burnett Regional Office services the local government areas of Bundaberg, North Burnett and South Burnett and Cherbourg.

This regional offices are part of a network of 11 regional offices across Queensland supporting businesses to mature, grow and invest.

View all upcoming events and opportunities on the events page.

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 businesses’ products and services to others.

Key features of the Bundaberg Burnett region

Strengths

• part of the Wide Bay Burnett, which is the largest region by population outside of South East Queensland
• abundant fertile agricultural land, mineral wealth and natural resources
• Bundaberg region is the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and home to world class environmental attractions such as the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and nearby Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands
• the magnificent environmental areas of the Bunya Mountains, Cania Gorge and My Walsh National Park sit within the picturesque Burnett inland
• the Ration Shed Museum in Cherbourg is rich in cultural heritage, preserving significant history of First Nations people from across the region
• home to international brands including Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Bundaberg Rum and Plenty Foods, and fresh food production enjoyed nationally and internationally
• State Development Area and Port of Bundaberg

Main industries

• engineering
• agriculture, including livestock production, aquaculture and horticulture
• agri-manufacturing and livestock processing
• construction
• tourism
• manufacturing
• transport and logistics
• education and training
• health and social services
• professional, scientific and technical services
• marine
• energy production, including biofuels
• retail
• mining

Key projects

• New Bundaberg Hospital
• Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project
• Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program Upgrade
• Paradise Dam Improvement Project
• Cherbourg Material Recycling Facility and Circular Economy precinct
• Wide Bay Burnett minerals region activation
• Port of Bundaberg and State Development Area

View more projects being delivered.

The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning understands business and provides potential investors with tailored support to help them investigate investment opportunities within the region.

Find out more about this diverse region or contact the Bundaberg Burnett regional offices.