Strengthening Fraser Coast and Gympie

The Fraser Coast and Gympie region, encompassing the Fraser Coast and Gympie Local Government Areas and nestled between Noosa in the south and the Isis River in the north, is one of Queensland’s most vibrant and diverse regions. A key strength lies in the complementary character and economic diversity of its communities: Fraser Coast’s growing urban centres and coastal lifestyle blend seamlessly with Gympie’s rich agricultural heritage, historic charm, and strategic transport links. Together, they form a region that offers a unique balance of economic opportunity, liveability and cultural depth.

The region is experiencing strong and sustained population growth, underpinned by its enviable lifestyle, spectacular natural landscapes and diverse economic base. This growth reflects increasing demand for coastal and hinterland living, supported by industries spanning manufacturing, construction, tourism, agriculture, health, education, and emerging sectors. Excellent proximity to South East Queensland provides strategic advantages - offering access to major markets and infrastructure while maintaining a lower cost of living and a high quality of life. This combination of lifestyle appeal and economic diversity positions the region as a growth corridor with significant potential for economic and residential development, service expansion and business opportunities.

The region also possesses significant natural resources including the World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and the RAMSAR-listed Great Sandy Strait wetland. Over 100,000 hectares of plantation forest is located in the region, underpinning a significant timber industry, while beef, sugar and macadamia nuts are also major commodities.

Regional snapshot

Population

• 178,134 (2024), forecast to reach 221,000 by 2046

Labour force

• 71,467 (Dec 2024)

Economic output

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

Key features of Fraser Coast and Gympie

Strengths

• Close proximity to South East Queensland
• Direct access to national and global markets
• Integrated road, rail and air transport networks
• One of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions
• Resilient, expanding and increasingly diverse economy
• Well-developed and competitive local supply chains
• Established, innovative and highly capable manufacturing sector

Main industries

The region’s top 10 industry sectors by output (gross revenue) are:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Rental Hiring and Real Estate Services
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Public Administration and Safety
• Retail Trade
• Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
• Education and Training
• Transport, Postal and Warehousing

Future growth industries

• Advanced Manufacturing - High-value production and innovation capabilities
• Agrifood, Agritourism and Eco-tourism - Sustainable agriculture and food-based visitor experiences
• Bioeconomy - Using renewable resources to create sustainable products and energy
• Health, Education and Professional Services - Expanding service sectors supporting regional growth
• Renewable Energy, Grid Infrastructure & Technology - Sustainable energy solutions and future-focused infrastructure

Key projects

• Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
• Bruce Highway (Gympie – Maryborough), Tiaro Bypass
• Urangan Boat Harbour Master Plan
• Borumba Pumped Hydro Project
• Construction of the Fraser Coast Library and Administration Centre
• Gympie South replacement permanent fire and rescue station
• Maryborough police facility upgrade
• Maryborough Area Brigade Headquarters
• Hervey Bay replacement police facility
• Hervey Bay replacement water police facility
• Expansion of the Hervey Bay Hospital
• Rebuild Pialba Substation
• K’gari – Central Station upgrade
• Maryborough - Hervey Bay Road, upgrade various intersections and improve safety
• Rainbow Beach replacement police facility

View more projects being delivered.

Events and activities

We are dedicated to ensuring local businesses have full, fair and reasonable opportunities to participate in both government and non-government projects across Queensland.

To achieve this, we deliver a range of activities designed to help businesses:

• discover project opportunities
• compete for work effectively
• strengthen tendering and supply chain capabilities.

These initiatives include workshops, networking events, capability-building programs, and direct engagement with project proponents.

View all upcoming events and opportunities in the region and across the State including:

• Workshops
• Webinars
• Project and industry briefings that support businesses at all stages of project supply chains

You can also view pre-recorded sessions on:

• Promoting your business – through the ‘Why Choose Your Business” webcast series
• Optimising your Supply TMR profile and EOI responses
• Cyber security

Local opportunities

The Queensland State Development Regional Office Network aims to assist regional councils, industry and communities with local industry development and economic growth opportunities.

Details about programs, support initiatives and other resources are available on the Department’s local economic opportunities and initiatives webpage.

Other services

Other services offered by the Fraser Coast and Gympie regional office include:

• investment and project facilitation
• regional economic development initiatives.

Find out more about this diverse region or contact one of our Wide Bay Burnett regional offices.