Long known for the production of sugar, the Burdekin region is embracing innovative ideas, crops and products in its endeavours to grow the local economy.  Burdekin Shire Council is committed to being a key driver for the Shire’s economic future.  To further develop the Shire and take advantage of the emerging economic opportunities, Council explores new directions for our future and is committed to creating a thriving economy for the region.

The Burdekin is centred on the rich Burdekin River Delta. Abundant water supplies, fertile soils and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year have resulted in the Burdekin becoming one of the strongest agricultural regions in Australia. The dominant crop is sugar cane, with the region producing between 8-9 million tonnes of sugar cane annually, from which 1.3 million tonnes of raw sugar is produced at the region’s four large-scale mills.  The area also has strong horticultural, aquaculture and manufacturing industries. In recent times the Burdekin is also recognised as one of the leading solar energy producing regions in Australia with two solar farms located in the Shire.  

Our region’s most important asset is water. The Burdekin River, combined with a massive underground aquifer and the Burdekin Falls Dam, make the district drought resistant. The aquifer, which is said to be the largest in Australia, lies just 10 metres below the surface and contains over 20 million megalitres of fresh water.  The year-round supply of good quality water boosts the confidence of local farmers, business people, residents and investors. 

The aquaculture industry continues to grow in the district with Pacific Bio operating Pacific Reef Fisheries and an Astaxanthin Site in Ayr.  Pacific Reef Fisheries (PRF) produces in excess of 1,000 tonnes of premium Black Tiger Prawns and 100 tonnes of cobia annually. PRF is also about to start construction of its new Guthalungra facility, which will have the capacity to produce more than 3,000 tonnes of Black Tiger Prawns annually.

Pacific Bio have also constructed a state-of-the-art facility in the Burdekin which produces a high value specialised product, Astaxanthin – which is widely used as a natural red colourant in food.  The company now produces and packages their own consumer brad of naturally derived astaxanthin, ReefAsta™.  The facility is currently producing 150,000 bottles of the supplement per annum but has the capacity to double that output.  Pacific Bio has been working closely with James Cook University to develop a bioremediation process for pond water at PRF’s Ayr site before it is discharged and aims to set a new standard in sustainable aquaculture, wastewater management and plant nutrition. 

The Burdekin is also home to a rice mill and packaging plant owned by SunRice. SunRice is striving to grow more Australian grown rice and the Burdekin offers the water security farmers need to produce the crop.

Council is also expanding its support and focus in developing tourism opportunities to attract extra visitor stays and increase expenditure from the drive market.  Council sees tourism as a key driver for job creation as part of the economic diversification of the Shire.

Our Council is proactively pursuing sustainable economic development to create employment, wealth and educational opportunities enhancing the lifestyle of our residents and visitors. This will contribute to the growth and development of this wonderful region in North Queensland. 

Council welcomes enquiries and can assist new businesses establish in the Shire. 

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 Insight – Investment Prospectus

The Burdekin Insight – Investment Prospectus provides an overview of the Burdekin, it’s abundant natural resources, excellent facilities and wide-ranging assets.  Statistical information presented is derived from a number of industry sources.  Please see related documents below to download. 

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