Welcome to the Burdekin, sugar capital of Australia and one of the most prosperous rural communities in the country. It’s also one of the prettiest districts along the Queensland coast and boasts a stable population of warm, friendly, down-to-earth residents.
The shire’s main towns of Ayr and Home Hill are just 12km apart and are linked by the landmark Burdekin River Bridge - the longest bridge of its type in Australia. A recent CBD revitalisation scheme has injected new life and beauty into Ayr and Home Hill, with new footpaths, shade structures, trees, gardens, public artworks and rest points. Both towns make great stopover points, with their ease of parking, relaxed pace, good cafes and specialty shops.
Apart from its relaxed lifestyle, the Burdekin is famous for its fantastic fishing, unspoilt beaches and spectacular wetlands. Drop into the Visitor Information Centres at Ayr and Home Hill for more information on these and other attractions.
The Burdekin has long been regarded as one of Australia’s premier agricultural regions. Not only does it have thousands of hectares of rich soil and plentiful sunshine, but it is drought-proof. Fed by the mighty Burdekin River, the huge reserves of the Burdekin Falls Dam and a massive underground aquifer, the district has an abundance of good-quality, irrigation water. This ‘liquid gold’ allows our farmers to produce the biggest and sweetest sugar cane in Australia, as well as mangoes, melons, capsicums, zucchinis, tomatoes and many other small crops.
Prolonged drought conditions in other parts of Australia have turned the spotlight on the Burdekin. Southern farmers and graziers have begun relocating here, investors are looking into alternative crops, and the council is working actively to attract new and secondary industries to the shire. The Burdekin Shire Council is planning for a more prosperous future by taking steps to open up more land for industrial and housing development.
The Burdekin is a great place to live and visit. Enjoy your stay!
Regards
Lyn McLaughlin
Mayor, Burdekin Shire