Greater Whitsunday - Regional Projects Pipeline
In 2023-24 the Queensland Government will deliver a $623.4 million capital works program in the Greater Whitsunday region, providing essential infrastructure to meet the increasing service needs of residents and directly support an estimated 2,100 jobs.
We develop strategic alliances to catalyse private sector investment and develop industry supply chains. We do this by pursuing new private sector projects in priority industries including renewable energy, critical minerals, hydrogen, biofuels, and waste management.
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Overview
The data contained within the 2023 Greater Whitsunday Major Projects Pipeline Booklet incorporates detailed information sourced from private developers and investors, plus projects noted within the Queensland Government Capital Statement 2023-24.
The booklet provides information on projects currently under construction but not yet completed, as well as committed and planned projects in the pipeline.
The information can be used by local contractors and suppliers to ensure they are ready to take advantage of the future opportunities and construction activity that Greater Whitsunday is currently experiencing.
With this strong capital program for the Greater Whitsunday region, we are confident that the pipeline of projects will create jobs, sustain economic growth, and support a secure future for the region.
Strong Jobs Growth and Low Unemployment
The Greater Whitsunday region continues to experience solid jobs growth and relatively low unemployment with the number of employed persons increasing by 2,000 over the year to June 2023. Whilst unemployment in the Greater Whitsunday Region rose slightly over the year to June 2023 (+0.4 per cent) the unemployment rate of 2.8 per cent remains lower than the Queensland (3.7 per cent) and Australian rate (3.6 per cent)1.
Economic activity in Queensland has been supported in part by the elevated level of net interstate migration post the pandemic (+34,545 annual change year ending 2022). Robust population growth combined with Queensland’s strong economy have supported jobs growth across the state.
Over the year to June 2023 employment has increased in Queensland by 98,300 persons. Underpinned by this jobs growth, Queensland’s unemployment rate over the year to June 2023 has fallen from 4 per cent to 3.8 per, with a participation rate of 66.5 per cent.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022, December). National, state and territory population. ABS.
Source: ABS Cat. 6291.0.55.001 Labour Force, Australia, Detailed, June 2023
Public and Private project pipeline investments
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Several major public and private projects in the investment pipeline over the next two to three years
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$3.1 billion worth of construction activity
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Another $16.5 billion in projects planned but not yet committed
There are several major public and private projects in the investment pipeline over the next two to three years which amounts to $3.1 billion worth of construction activity, with another $16.5 billion in projects planned but not yet committed. We increase Queensland content in the supply chains of major projects by 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 support local businesses find project opportunities, compete for work, and improve their tendering and supply chain capabilities.
Major private projects planned for the region include:
- $6.5 billion Capricornia Energy Hub located 80 km west of Mackay will create up to 600 construction jobs and 65 operational jobs (PHES Component).
- $700 million Vestas wind farm located at Lotus Creek in the Isaac region will generate 300 construction jobs.
- $1 billion Winchester South coal mine near Moranbah will support up to 500 construction jobs over the life of the project and create up to 500 long term regional jobs.
- $2 billion Peak Downs Mine Continuation project south-east of Moranbah which will support up to 160 construction jobs and 2,400 operational jobs.
- Pioneer Valley Outdoor Tourism Hub will deliver a 1592sqm fit for purpose facility featuring accommodation for outdoor guides and guests.
Public Pipeline Investment
The amount of public investment in Greater Whitsunday over the next few years is valued at $1 billion. New and continuing public projects such as the Walkerston Bypass, Mackay Port Access Road and connections to the Mackay Ring Road are the major road projects for the region.
The pipeline will also see significant investment in health infrastructure with the construction of the new Moranbah Hospital and Mackay Base Hospital and carpark expansion.
Public Pipeline - all projects
For supply chain opportunities associated with commenced or committed projects please register with QTenders.
Location | Proponent / Department | Project | Total Project ($m) | Expenditure to 30-06-23 ($m) | 2023-24 ($m) | Post 2023-24 ($m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moranbah | Dept of Education | Moranbah East State School – Additional classrooms | 5.704 | 3.036 | 2.668 | |
Moranbah | Dept of Education | Moranbah State High School – Additional classrooms | 7.436 | 2.260 | 5.176 | |
Proserpine | Dept of Education | Proserpine State High School – Additional specialist classrooms | .606 | .606 | ||
Proserpine | Dept of Education | Proserpine State School – Amenities upgrades | .400 | .400 | ||
Mackay | Dept of Energy and Public Works | Systems replacement – Network replacement |
| 99.926 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Energy and Public Works | Systems replacement – Network augmentation |
| 20.258 | Ongoing | |
Whitsunday | Dept of Energy and Public Works | Systems replacement – Cannonvale-Jubilee Pocket 66 kilovolt reinforcement | 30.440 | 20.063 | 10.377 | |
Nebo | Dept of Energy and Public Works | Nebo secondary systems replacement | 36.000 | 29.984 | 5.519 | .497 |
Nebo | Dept of Energy and Public Works | Nebo primary plant replacement | 26.800 | 22.199 | 2.655 | 1.946 |
Whitsunday | Dept of Environment and Science | Whitsunday Islands National Park – Ngaro trail ecotourism facilities | 4.900 | 1.200 | 3.700 | |
Mackay | Dept of Housing | Housing and Homelessness Services – Construct social housing |
| 5.120 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Housing | Housing and Homelessness Services – Upgrade existing social housing |
| 3.731 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Housing | Housing and Homelessness Services – Social housing land acquisition |
| 2.000 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Housing | Housing and Homelessness Services – Purchase of existing properties |
| 3.414 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Housing | Capital Grants – Housing and Homelessness Services |
| 4.061 | Ongoing | |
Whitsunday | Queensland Fire and Emergency Services | Airlie Beach replacement permanent and auxiliary fire and rescue station | 8.900 | .300 | 2.250 | 6.350 |
Bowen | Queensland Health | Bowen Overall Project of Works | 3.700 | 3.200 | .500 | |
Mackay | Queensland Health | Mackay Community Mental Health Refurbishment | 6.000 | .322 | 2.253 | 3.425 |
Proserpine | Queensland Health | Proserpine Hospital Acute Primary Care Clinic Upgrade | 5.000 | .009 | 3.993 | .998 |
Sarina | Queensland Health | Rural and Regional Infrastructure Package – Sarina Hospital Redevelopment | 31.500 | 24.419 | 5.443 | 1.638 |
Whole of region | Queensland Health | Cladding Investigation and Remediation Program | 27.300 | 26.763 | .060 | .477 |
Mackay | Queensland Health | Mackay ROU Lease | 2.393 | 1.213 | .162 | 1.018 |
Clermont | Queensland Police Service | Clermont replacement police facility | 3.500 | .200 | 3.300 | |
Mackay | Queensland Police Service | Mackay police facility upgrade | 4.000 | .500 | 3.000 | .500 |
Proserpine | Queensland Police Service | Proserpine replacement police facility | 2.300 | .050 | .050 | 2.200 |
Moranbah | Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water | Burdekin Moranbah Pipeline – inline storage | 12.711 | .441 | 9.134 | 3.136 |
Mackay | Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water | Eungella Water Pipeline (stage 3) | 22.987 | 3.624 | 14.106 | 5.257 |
Bowen | Dept of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning | Sailsbury Plains Industrial Precinct | 9.225 | 2.725 | .250 | 6.250 |
Bowen | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Bruce Highway (Bowen – Ayr) Bowen Connection Road to Champion Street intersection, widen pavement | 31.398 | 16.459 | 10.303 | 4.636 |
Mackay / Proserpine | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Bruce Highway (Mackay - Proserpine) Jumper Creek, upgrade flood immunity | 23.000 | 15.893 | 4.400 | 2.707 |
Mackay / Proserpine | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Bruce Highway (Mackay - Proserpine) Palm Tree and Blackrock Creek bridges, strengthen bridges | 10.000 | 2.060 | 2.500 | 5.440 |
Proserpine / Bowen | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen) Bowen Connection Road, improve intersection | 12.042 | 6.809 | 3.094 | 2.139 |
Proserpine / Bowen | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Bruce Highway (Proserpine - Bowen) Emu Creek to Drays Road, various locations, widen formation | 56.450 | 25.446 | 18.007 | 12.997 |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Mackay Port Access, Bruce Highway to Mackay – Slade Point Road, construct new two lanes road | 350.000 | 21.190 | 7.680 | 321.130 |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1) | 497.375 | 398.359 | 22.453 | 76.563 |
Mackay / Whitsunday | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Other construction – Mackay Whitsunday District (Transport and Main Roads) |
| 29.431 | Ongoing | |
Proserpine | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Proserpine – Shute Harbour Road, Hamilton Plains, flood immunity upgrade | 21.000 | 4.031 | 8.180 | 8.789 |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Walkerston Bypass | 187.401 | 81.562 | 44.754 | 61.086 |
Dysart | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Capital Grants – Saraji Road, Phillips Creek, replace bridge | 18.000 | 5.900 | 12.100 | |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | 5 Yearly Dredging at Hay Point |
| 2.096 | Ongoing | |
Bowen | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Abbot Point Road Resealing and Asphalting | 2.000 | 2.000 | ||
Whole of region | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Armour Rock Stockpile |
| .350 | Ongoing | |
Whole of region | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Cargo Handling Security & Operational Improvements | 1.892 | .142 | .500 | 1.250 |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Harbour Road Upgrade (Middle Breakwater) | 3.131 | .131 | .500 | 2.500 |
Whole of region | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Hydrogen trade studies |
| .500 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Louisa Creek Acquisition Program |
| 1.052 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Marine Offloading Facility Expansion – Stage 1 |
| .500 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Middle Breakwater Fuel Line Support Replacement | 9.131 | 2.631 | 6.500 | |
Bowen | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | New Abbot Point Eastern Precinct Facility (Stage 1) | 1.575 | .175 | 1.400 | |
Whole of region | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited – Port Development General |
| 1.501 | Ongoing | |
Mackay | Dept of Transport and Main Roads | Northern Breakwater Inner Revetment Upgrade | 2.990 | .490 | 2.500 |
Industry Capability Network (ICN) Outlook
The future is looking bright for Queensland. ICN Queensland is seeing State Government, private and public sectors come together in partnership to invest in skills and infrastructure, supporting capability development. Growing industry collaboration is future-proofing the State's value across industries - defence, energy, aerospace, battery storage, biofutures, hydrogen, wind, solar and more.
The pipeline of work across traditional sectors like construction, energy, defence and infrastructure continues to flourish, with the major gap in supply chains identified as skilled labour. The government continues their support of industry through the launch of Manufacturing Skills Queensland, free TAFE programs and many other initiatives.
As we inch closer to the 2032 climate-positive Olympic and Paralympic Games, there is an increasing need for companies to demonstrate low carbon emissions (net zero for participation in the games). To support the journey to climate positively, ICN has partnered with ClimateClever, an Australian carbon emission accounting service and digital platform.
The opportunity is rich for investment and involvement in projects across Queensland.
Hospital boom
The Queensland Health Capacity Expansion Program broke records this year with a $9.78 billion investment into Queensland Hospitals. The significant investment into capital infrastructure will see 2,509 extra beds across 15 facilities over the next six years. Contractors for each facility have now been announced with several already listed on ICN Gateway.
The scope of these projects are broad. ICN Queensland and DSDILGP are working closely with awarded contractors to maximise local industry participation across the entire supply chain. Be sure to check and update your ICN profile to ensure your company is EOI-ready as relevant work packages open.
Major Project Pipeline Continues to Build
As the Queensland major projects pipeline continues to build post-pandemic, engagement is continuing to grow. This year we have seen a change in Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) that will impact all government projects valued over $100 million. To ensure your company is BPIC ready, have your organisation pre-qualified through Queensland’s whole-of-government Pre-Qualification (PQC) System.
The importance of renewables
Queensland is establishing itself as a global superpower in renewable energy.
In October 2022 the Queensland Government's 10-year Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) increased the State’s renewable energy target to 70% by 2032. The plan requires an estimated $62 billion of capital projects to be funded across public and private sectors.
At the heart of the plan is the creation of the SuperGrid that will see 22 GW of large-scale wind and solar electricity infrastructure built in Queensland. This will be complemented by 7 GW of pumped hydro energy storage, the transformation of existing state-owned power stations into clean-energy hubs, and 1,500 kilometres of new transmission lines.
It is estimated that about half of the new renewable energy will be from wind farm projects to be completed between now and 2032.
As Queensland joins the global transition to renewable energy, workforces will need to grow and develop to increase competitiveness for a low-carbon future. To support this, the Queensland government has invested $90 million to establish two new regional transmission and training hubs as well as a new Energy Industry Council and a Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs advocate to provide support for future skills, opportunities and training pathways.
To stay up to date on all things major projects and future industries, ensure you regularly check and update your ICN Gateway profile and get in touch with your local consultant.
To start browsing projects and suppliers register on the ICN Gateway at https://gateway.icn.org.au/.
Regional Action Plan
As part of the 2023-2024 Queensland Budget the Mackay-Whitsunday Regional Action Plan supports good jobs, provides better services for all Queenslanders and protects our great lifestyle.
About our region
The Greater Whitsunday region is one of the most naturally beautiful and resource-rich locations in Australia contributing more than $46 billion in economic output to the Australian economy. Read more about it's strengths and key features.
Last updated: 18 Sep 2023