Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday agribusiness export supply chain mapping study

Project locations: Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Clermont

Project partners: Greater Whitsunday Alliance Limited (GW3) ; North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Ltd ; RDA Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Inc ; Bowen Gumlu Growers’ Association Inc

Project summary and impacts

The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday (MIW) Agribusiness Export Supply Chain Mapping Study examined the region’s agricultural production, processing, logistics and export pathways to identify opportunities for strengthening agribusiness exports and supporting long-term regional growth. The study mapped the export freight task for key commodities including beef, sugarcane, horticulture, broadacre crops and seafood, while also identifying potential domestic and international market opportunities for the region.

The project found that much of the region’s agricultural output leaves the MIW region for processing or export through ports outside the area, highlighting opportunities to improve competitiveness through targeted investment in logistics, processing, water and enabling infrastructure. The study also identified actions to support implementation of the Growing Greater Whitsunday Agri-food Strategy, including regional export development planning, export readiness initiatives and stronger coordination across supply chains.

The findings have provided government, industry and regional stakeholders with an evidence base for future investment and decision-making. By improving understanding of supply chain constraints and market opportunities, the project has helped position the region to expand agricultural production, strengthen export capability and support a more resilient and diversified regional economy. Economic modelling undertaken as part of the study indicated that a one per cent increase in exports could generate up to $21.8 million in additional regional output and support up to 72 jobs across the region.