Invest in the Burdekin

Long known for its world-class sugar industry, the Burdekin region continues to build on its strong agricultural foundations while embracing innovation, diversification and investment opportunities to grow the local economy. Burdekin Shire Council is committed to being a key driver of the region's economic future, supporting sustainable growth, attracting investment and fostering opportunities that create jobs and enhance community prosperity.

Centred on the fertile Burdekin River Delta, the region benefits from abundant water supplies, rich soils and an average of 300 days of sunshine each year. These natural advantages have established the Burdekin as one of Australia's most productive agricultural regions. The dominant crop is sugar cane, with the region producing between 8-9 million tonnes annually and approximately 1.3 million tonnes of raw sugar through its four large-scale sugar mills. The area also supports thriving horticultural, aquaculture, manufacturing and grazing industries, with growing interest in agricultural diversification and value-added production opportunities.

Water remains the region's most valuable asset. The Burdekin River, Burdekin Falls Dam and extensive underground aquifer provide a reliable year-round water supply that supports agriculture, industry, business growth and community development. The aquifer, believed to be one of the largest in Australia, lies just metres below the surface and contains more than 20 million megalitres of fresh water. This exceptional water security provides confidence for investors and positions the Burdekin as a strategic location for agricultural expansion and new industry development.

The Burdekin is increasingly recognised as an emerging renewable energy hub. In addition to existing solar generation assets, significant investment is being directed towards new large-scale solar and battery storage projects that will strengthen North Queensland's energy network, support regional employment and contribute to Queensland's renewable energy future. Several proposed developments represent substantial private-sector investment and highlight growing confidence in the region's long-term economic prospects.

The region is also well positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the bioeconomy and renewable fuels sector. Industry and grower-led initiatives are exploring innovative ways to utilise agricultural by-products to create renewable energy, sustainable fuels and other value-added products. These projects have the potential to generate new revenue streams, encourage investment and strengthen the resilience of the Burdekin's agricultural sector into the future.

Tourism continues to play an increasingly important role in the local economy. Council is actively supporting tourism development to increase visitor stays and expenditure, with the region offering pristine beaches, world-class fishing, access to the Great Barrier Reef, the internationally renowned SS Yongala wreck dive site, and a rich mix of natural, cultural and agricultural experiences..

Burdekin Shire Council is proactively pursuing sustainable economic development that creates employment, investment, education and lifestyle opportunities for residents and visitors alike. By working collaboratively with industry, government and the broader community, Council is committed to supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment and ensuring the Burdekin remains a prosperous and vibrant region for generations to come.

Council welcomes investment enquiries and is committed to assisting new and expanding businesses establish and grow within the Burdekin.

Regional Profile Reports

Economic Profile

Burdekin Shire Council has engaged the services of Economy.id to present our Shire’s economic profile.

Burdekin Shire Council’s economic profile provides economic statistics in a clear and concise manner through tables and charts with associated factual commentary. The economic profile provides information on industry sectors, employment, business, journey to work, workers, economic value, worker qualifications as well as many more.

The information presented is derived from official sources of information (Australian Bureau of Statistics) as well as Australia's leading economic modellers, NIEIR. The economic profile is extremely useful for making business and investment decisions.

Click here to view the Burdekin Shire Economic Profile

Burdekin Investment Film and Investment Prospectus

The Burdekin Investment Film and Investment Prospectus showcase the local economy and provide an overview of the diverse range of industries and opportunities that exist in the Burdekin. Statistical information presented is derived from a number of industry sources.

Click here to view the Burdekin Investment Film. Please see related documents below to download a copy of the Investment Prospectus.

Regional Profile

Generate an up to date regional profile on the Burdekin by visiting the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office website.

Click here to view the Burdekin Shire Regional Profile