Our vision is to be a leader in AgTech leveraging the region’s manufacturing and engineering roots to accelerate innovation in advanced robotics and primary production processing.
Regional snapshot
The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region is home to thriving fruit, vegetable and sugarcane production. The region grows more than half of Queensland’s tomatoes and over a quarter of the state’s sugarcane.
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday is building on its primary production strengths by adding new industries driven by innovation and emerging AgTech. Partnerships with universities and the technology sector are enabling exciting new projects in bio-commodities, including energy generation usubg biofuels.
The region also leads Queensland’s emerging aquaculture sector, positioning itself to diversify beyond traditional offshore seafood production.
Location
The Local Government Areas of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday are home to some of Queensland’s highest mountain peaks in the Clarke Range, as well as a significant stretch of the Great Barrier Reef.
It includes:
- regional centres such as Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen and Moranbah
- island communities like Hamilton, Hayman and South Molle.
Playing to our strengths
End-to-end sugar production
The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region is home to one-third of Australia’s sugarcane production, as well as significant sugar refining, ethanol production and bioenergy facilities.
The region’s sugarcane production alone is worth almost $350 million per year, with 85% of produce exported to countries like Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and the USA.
Emerging aquaculture strength
Aquaculture is a relatively recent arrival to Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday, but it has rapidly grown into a major industry. It produces $161 million worth of farmed prawns annually, with significant opportunities for further growth.
The region has also seen the recent establishment of new enterprises focused on producing coral and algae.
Cutting edge bio-industries
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday is a key hub for emerging industries in biomanufacturing and biofuels, contributing to significant research projects through:
- Sugar Research Australia
- Sugar Research Institute
- QUT Biocommodities Renewable Pilot Plant in Mackay.
Racecourse Mill in Mackay now generates enough electricity to supply 30% of Mackay’s power needs.
Diversity on land and sea
One of the defining characteristics of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday is that no singular sector dominates. The region boasts vibrant operations in commercial fishing, grains, fruit, vegetables and beef.
Despite the evenness and breadth of the region’s agricultural sector, there are some notable stand outs, including the region producing two-thirds of Queensland’s farmed prawns and being home to the world-famous Bowen mango.
Last updated: 07 Aug 2026