Townsville and North West

The economic strengths of Townsville and the North West have been built on mineral resources, a diverse natural environment, rich agricultural soils and extensive grazing areas. The competitive advantage of these natural resources has led to regional strengths in mining and minerals processing, tropical science and expertise, horticultural processing, advanced manufacturing, general aviation and tourism. Townsville is also home to one of the largest army bases in Australia as well as a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base, which drives growth in the defence sector. 

The region has identified mining and minerals processing and tropical science and expertise as the two sectoral areas for initial development under the Centres of Enterprise initiative.

Centres of Enterprise target sectors

Mining and minerals processing

Opportunity exists to drive strategic industry development, supporting mining and minerals processing in the region. This is underpinned by the region's existing international recognition as a minerals resource area. Numerous mines, including several of the world's most significant hard rock mines, operate in the region and are supported by major public and private investment in infrastructure. The region is a transport gateway and service centre for hard rock mining activities and minerals processing. Regional supply chains into mining and minerals processing are targeted. 

Townsville and North West Queensland Centres of Enterprise Mining and Minerals Processing Industry Action Plan

Tropical science and expertise

North Queensland has a strong international competitive advantage in research in the tropical sciences, including biotechnology, marine science, biology, agriculture, and health and medicine. This competitive advantage across the spectrum of tropical science is anchored by extensive research and academic facilities. The region is well positioned to seize domestic and global opportunities in health and biosecurity, environmental science and marine science and aquaculture.

Townsville and North West Queensland Centres of Enterprise Tropical Science and Expertise Industry Action Plan

Further information on mining technologies and services can be found on the Department's key industries pages. Further information on tropical science and expertise can be found on the Department's Q-Tropics site