CQMR economy

Local, national and international enterprises are drawn to the CQMR by the wealth of opportunities presented by the strength of its manufacturing industries and self-sufficient supply chains. Key industry sectors within the region include: mining, agribusiness, light metals production, mineral processing, value-added manufacturing and retail trade.

Gross regional product
Although home to just 5 per cent of the State's population, the CQMR accounts for more than 5 per cent of  the State's economic activity.

The Central Queensland economy:

• Accounts for seven per cent of Gross State Product and 1.2 per cent of Australia's Gross National Product
• Generates more than 10 per cent of Queensland economic activity
• Employs over 10 per cent of Queensland's workforce
• Is home to six per cent of the State's businesses

Population growth

The CQMR's population is projected to increase by around 60,000 people over the next two decades. The steady population expansion will see Central Queensland account for 5 per cent of Queensland's overall population.

The table below gives an indication of how the Central Queensland region's population is expected to grow in comparison to Australia's capital cities.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2003 Cat No 3218.0; OESR Local Government Area Profile for CQMR