Industry Sector Overview

Agriculture

North Queensland's weather, coupled with large tracts of fertile land, make our region ideal for a thriving agribusiness industry. The region has over 300 days of sunshine a year and a wet season in summer that ensures both crops and livestock get all the water they need. Three dams, Ross River Dam, Paluma Dam, and the Burdekin Falls Dam service our region. Combined, these dams store more than 2 million megalitres or 5 times the amount of water in Sydney Harbour. With agriculture being one of the oldest industries in the region, we have the infrastructure to support this important sector that contributes 4% to the Gross regional Product (GRP) of North Queensland.

The region also has strong cattle and aquaculture industries. Our deep water port allows access to world markets, and with world class animal handling facilities, live cattle are exported from Townsville to Brunei, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Pacific Islands.

Heavy Industry

Townsville is Australia's gateway to the mineral rich provinces in North-West Queensland. Large scale deposits are mined for ore that is particularly rich in base metals. In addition, sizeable coal deposits await development west (Pentland) and south (Collinsville) of Townsville.

The Queensland State Government has established the Townsville State Development Area (TSDA) to provide land close to the port for industrial development. It was declared by the Governor in Council on 30 October 2003 and includes the existing Stuart Industrial Estate and the proposed Eastern Access Corridor. 480 of the TSDA's 4900 hectares are allocated for heavy industry developments while the remaining areas will cater for light/medium heavy industries and as buffer zones.

Light Industry

Light Industry in the north is vital. Our region currently supports 19 major industry sectors as varied as Minerals Processing to Defence and Government Administration. Existing major industries are expanding substantially and so are their needs. There are many opportunities for Light Industry operators in North Queensland to support other industries such as construction, defence, aviation, marine operations, agriculture, science and research. Harnessing their capabilities, the Townsville Region Engineering Cluster (TREC) is a co-operative of approximately 40 specialist engineering firms in the region.

Collectively, these firms are able to provide equipment and specialist advice equivalent to multinational firms. TREC also provides excellent network and business opportunities for new operators and investors.

Property and Construction

As our diverse range of industries including mining, minerals processing, defence, and tourism expands, they require the services of the property and construction industries. To put it simply - we need people and those people need property. As business and industry are attracted to Townsville, they need housing, workshops, office space, warehouses and retail outlets.

The construction industry is one of the key drivers of our economic growth. At 8%, construction is the fourth largest contributor to GRP in our region The regions most dominant contributors to GRP (manufacturing and government administration/defence) are poised to experience a surge in growth and the construction industry will follow.

Science and Education

Australia's status as one of few developed countries in the tropics places the North Queensland Region in a unique position as a world leader in tropical sciences and education. We are the largest tropical city in Australia and the custodians of one of the wonders of the world- the Great Barrier Reef. The combination of a politically stable economy and our close proximity to South East Asian nations provide an ideal platform for investment in Tropical Science and Education.

Our region extends competitive advantages to you through our world leading expertise in tropical research, development and education. This edge in research is harnessed for us by organisations that are internationally acclaimed:

• Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS),
• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial research Organisation (CSIRO),
• James Cook University (JCU),
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and REEF HQ, and
• Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (DPI & F).

Together these organisations employ thousands of professional staff in scientific and educational functions and are host to world-leading research projects.

Tourism

North Queensland lives up to its reputation as one of the most laid back places on earth. Townsville sits on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands, deep rainforests and the vast outback. The wider North Queensland region is uniquely placed to offer an extensive range of outstanding natural tourism and recreational activities and the diversity of and potential for exhilarating experiences at sites located throughout our region offers future high yield tourism developments.

Townsville is known as the 'events' capital of the North, with an impressive line up of major sporting events and our very own National Basketball Team the 'Crocs' and the ever-popular National Rugby League team the 'Cowboys'. International sporting events, such as the Rugby World Cup and the Troy Dunn International Bull Riding Competition also find us commercially supportive.

There are also a number of cultural events such as the Palmer Street Jazz Festival, Cultural Fest, Festival of Chamber Music, Palm Creek Rainforest Festival, Greek Fest, and River Festival.

North Queensland is also fast becoming a meeting and convention hot spot. Set in one of the world's most stunning, pristine environments, you can rely on great weather. Visitors love our 300 days of sunshine a year and take advantage of our new visitor facilities, new air connections and world-renowned attractions. North Queensland is the ideal destination for conference and event planners looking for somewhere refreshingly different.