The region boasts strengths in the agriculture industry as the largest producer of sugarcane and melons in Australia.

Townsville North Queensland Agriculture industry is well-established, with strengths across sugar, beef, fruit and vegetable production. With an abundance of irrigated land and plenty of untapped cropping potential, the region is on the brink of future growth and export potential from this sector.

The agriculture industry is critical for the Burdekin and Hinchinbrook regions and overall contributes $695M to the regional economy and 3,559 jobs. Along with the regions production of crops, fruit and vegetables, Charters Towers is also known as the third largest cattle ground and the second largest exporter of cattle in Australia. The food manufacturing industry is heavily reliant on agriculture activities with sugar and meat manufacturing supporting nearly 2,000 jobs in the region.

Large Producer of Agriculture Products

North Queensland is the largest producer of sugarcane and melons across Australia, along with being the second largest producer of mangoes, corn, pumpkin and beans. The region is also a significant exporter of beef cattle and the Port of Townsville is the second largest live cattle exporter. The diverse agricultural base positions North Queensland as a vital contributor to Australia's overall food supply. The region's ability to excel in such a wide range of agricultural commodities is a testament to its favorable climate, soils, and well-developed industry. The region's continued growth in this sector will be crucial in meeting the rising global demand for high quality agriculture products.

Aquaculture Potential

North Queensland is poised to become a major player in Australia's aquaculture export market, which is set to be the country's second-largest agri-food export sector by 2050. The demand for high-quality seafood protein is projected to be worth $12.8 billion by 2050, and the region has the opportunity to capitalise on this growing global demand.

The North Queensland region currently has established aquaculture capabilities, and there is significant potential to expand these operations to deliver an estimated $1.34 billion in annual exports. Several key factors position the region for success:

  • Diverse Marine Resources: North Queensland's proximity to a variety of diverse marine environments, including the Great Barrier Reef, provides access to a rich array of aquatic species with commercial potential.
  • Favorable Environmental Conditions: The region's climate and conditions are well-suited for the cultivation of many high-value aquaculture species.
  • Existing Industry Expertise: The region has a growing base of experienced aquaculture producers, along with the  can be further developed and scaled.
  • Proximity to Asian Markets: North Queensland's geographical location provides convenient access to the rapidly growing seafood demand in key Asian export markets, such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

By building upon the existing aquaculture capabilities and leveraging the region's natural advantages, North Queensland is set to become a major contributor to Australia's aquaculture export success in the coming decades.