Wide Bay Burnett

The Wide Bay Burnett region's economy has been driven by world demand for advanced manufactured products and services, food products, timber products and tourism. With ideal flying weather and fertile land, the region has developed a specialisation in aviation manufacturing and services and high quality food production. It also has a strong engineering, machinery and equipment products and services industry that supports sectors such as transport, agriculture, mining and food processing.

The region has identified general aviation and unmanned aerial vehicles/systems and transport equipment manufacturing as sectoral areas for initial development under the Centres of Enterprise initiative.

Centres of Enterprise target sectors

General aviation and unmanned aerial systems

Existing regional capabilities which may be further developed include design, manufacture and assembly of light aircraft and components, aircraft engines and avionics, supported by well-established local supply chains. The region also offers four major airports, new industrial estates with air site access and opportunities for unmanned aerial vehicle testing and international pilot training facilities. The region has potential to become Australia's premier regional hub for general aviation and unmanned aerial systems.

Wide Bay Burnett Centres of Enterprise General Aviation and Unmanned Systems Industry Action Plan

Transport equipment manufacturing

The region has developed strong capabilities and expertise in road, rail and component design; manufacturing, research and development; and precision engineering and advanced composite rolling stock structures. Further development of this capability can establish Wide Bay Burnett as Queensland's regional centre for transport equipment manufacturing.

Wide Bay Burnett Centres of Enterprise Transport Equipment Manufacturing Industry Action Plan 

Further information on the aviation sector and advanced manufacturing can be found on the Department's key industries pages.