Published Friday, 09 January, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Mackay Whitsundays economy better placed than New York or London
The State Government is on a mission to create more economic and employment opportunities for the Mackay and Whitsundays region, Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle announced today at the release of the economic health snapshot and business attraction plan for the region.
Ms Boyle said the Bligh Government’s number one goal was to not only protect current jobs but to also create new employment opportunities.
“We are in the grasp of some of the toughest economic conditions ever experienced so we must work harder than ever to provide security for Queenslanders,” Ms Boyle said.
“Some of the world’s biggest economic centres are doing it pretty tough at the moment.
“But if I had to pick between London, New York and Mackay to ride out the economic storm, I’d be choosing Mackay.
“Mackay is coming off a very high growth period.
“While the local economy may slow, relatively speaking, it would only be in the short term.
“Most reassuring is that the Vital Signs economic report card for the Mackay Whitsunday broader region showed a strong and resilient economy.
“The strong economic mix of sectors like mining, retail trade, primary industries and tourism provides a strong future platform,” she said.
While mining continues to fuel Mackay and Whitsunday’s growth, diversification across industries is beginning to insulate the region from the market fluctuations that occur from time to time.
“Construction, property, and business services and finance are three of the fastest growing sectors in relative terms.
“The Whitsunday islands are already a world-class tourist destination, but boosting the tourism industry remains a focus for the whole region.
“Capitalising on the region’s competitive advantages in the marine industries is another aim, with large-scale marine infrastructure servicing commercial and recreational vessels at Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Mackay.”
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said an example of local economic diversification is the production of bio-commodities, such as ethanol and the planned production of furfural, a liquid chemical made from sugar-depleted cane fibre.
“Primary industries remain an important driver as the region produces 30 per cent of Queensland’s sugar.
“However complimentary industries like ethanol and the expansion of CSR's distillery in Sarina were becoming increasingly important.
Mr Mulherin also added that major local infrastructure projects currently underway, including a $20M new Convention Centre to open in Mackay in 2009; the $500M Port of Airlie project with a marina, hotels, retail and residential development; and the $85M Dent Island Golf Course Resort west of Hamilton Island, would provide a range of additional economic and employment opportunities before and after completion.
“Marine and mining services and technology will continue to be a key focus of the Bligh Government.
“My congratulations go to business leaders in these sectors who are pushing these local industries forward.
“These varied industries will be essential for safeguarding our local economy and employment for future generations of Mackay and Whitsunday residents.
“The Mackay and Whitsundays region is no longer just a place to come and play, it has cemented its reputation as a place to come and stay,” he said.
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the Regional Profile also provided greater detail about regional lifestyle characteristics and key economic and social information.
“What is important for the longer term is that our community is attractive to people and we use the strong work lifestyle mix as a key drawcard.
“This will be useful in years to come as councils and business look to attract skilled labour.
“Mackay and Whitsunday, like other high growth areas of Queensland, is fast maturing, with not only new business and employment opportunities emerging but fantastic recreational facilities,” she said.
“With a great climate and lifestyle there is no question that Mackay and Whitsunday region should be on the radar of businesses and people looking for a sea change.”
Ms Boyle said the economic vital signs snapshot and plan were the second of five Growing Liveable Regions initiatives being released by the State Government for high growth regions of Queensland.
“This new initiative involves a number of strategies including international and domestic promotions designed to entice investors and businesses to move to regional Queensland,” she said.
Fast Facts on the Mackay and Whitsunday region:
o Mackay and Whitsunday is home to over 142,000 people
o Almost 1,100 new people move to the region each year
o There are about 13,000 businesses currently operating in the region
o Retail trade, construction and mining are the largest industry employers
o Mackay and Whitsunday has one of the state’s highest amount of sporting, recreational and specialist interest groups, including art, music and migrant clubs.
o The wider region’s economy has been growing steadily since 1995, taking advantage of the resources boom.
o In 2006 the mining sector accounted for 60 per cent of the local economy.
o The region produces 30 per cent of Queensland’s sugar.
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
9 January 2008
Ms Boyle said the Bligh Government’s number one goal was to not only protect current jobs but to also create new employment opportunities.
“We are in the grasp of some of the toughest economic conditions ever experienced so we must work harder than ever to provide security for Queenslanders,” Ms Boyle said.
“Some of the world’s biggest economic centres are doing it pretty tough at the moment.
“But if I had to pick between London, New York and Mackay to ride out the economic storm, I’d be choosing Mackay.
“Mackay is coming off a very high growth period.
“While the local economy may slow, relatively speaking, it would only be in the short term.
“Most reassuring is that the Vital Signs economic report card for the Mackay Whitsunday broader region showed a strong and resilient economy.
“The strong economic mix of sectors like mining, retail trade, primary industries and tourism provides a strong future platform,” she said.
While mining continues to fuel Mackay and Whitsunday’s growth, diversification across industries is beginning to insulate the region from the market fluctuations that occur from time to time.
“Construction, property, and business services and finance are three of the fastest growing sectors in relative terms.
“The Whitsunday islands are already a world-class tourist destination, but boosting the tourism industry remains a focus for the whole region.
“Capitalising on the region’s competitive advantages in the marine industries is another aim, with large-scale marine infrastructure servicing commercial and recreational vessels at Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Mackay.”
Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said an example of local economic diversification is the production of bio-commodities, such as ethanol and the planned production of furfural, a liquid chemical made from sugar-depleted cane fibre.
“Primary industries remain an important driver as the region produces 30 per cent of Queensland’s sugar.
“However complimentary industries like ethanol and the expansion of CSR's distillery in Sarina were becoming increasingly important.
Mr Mulherin also added that major local infrastructure projects currently underway, including a $20M new Convention Centre to open in Mackay in 2009; the $500M Port of Airlie project with a marina, hotels, retail and residential development; and the $85M Dent Island Golf Course Resort west of Hamilton Island, would provide a range of additional economic and employment opportunities before and after completion.
“Marine and mining services and technology will continue to be a key focus of the Bligh Government.
“My congratulations go to business leaders in these sectors who are pushing these local industries forward.
“These varied industries will be essential for safeguarding our local economy and employment for future generations of Mackay and Whitsunday residents.
“The Mackay and Whitsundays region is no longer just a place to come and play, it has cemented its reputation as a place to come and stay,” he said.
Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the Regional Profile also provided greater detail about regional lifestyle characteristics and key economic and social information.
“What is important for the longer term is that our community is attractive to people and we use the strong work lifestyle mix as a key drawcard.
“This will be useful in years to come as councils and business look to attract skilled labour.
“Mackay and Whitsunday, like other high growth areas of Queensland, is fast maturing, with not only new business and employment opportunities emerging but fantastic recreational facilities,” she said.
“With a great climate and lifestyle there is no question that Mackay and Whitsunday region should be on the radar of businesses and people looking for a sea change.”
Ms Boyle said the economic vital signs snapshot and plan were the second of five Growing Liveable Regions initiatives being released by the State Government for high growth regions of Queensland.
“This new initiative involves a number of strategies including international and domestic promotions designed to entice investors and businesses to move to regional Queensland,” she said.
Fast Facts on the Mackay and Whitsunday region:
o Mackay and Whitsunday is home to over 142,000 people
o Almost 1,100 new people move to the region each year
o There are about 13,000 businesses currently operating in the region
o Retail trade, construction and mining are the largest industry employers
o Mackay and Whitsunday has one of the state’s highest amount of sporting, recreational and specialist interest groups, including art, music and migrant clubs.
o The wider region’s economy has been growing steadily since 1995, taking advantage of the resources boom.
o In 2006 the mining sector accounted for 60 per cent of the local economy.
o The region produces 30 per cent of Queensland’s sugar.
Media contact: 3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
9 January 2008