Mackay
Mackay was settled in 1862 and within ten year's became Queensland's
largest sugar producing area. Today sugar cane is still one of
the major industries, as well as the coal and tourism industries.
With a population of approximately 70,000 and serving a region
of 130,000 Mackay has plenty to offer locals and visitors alike.
From the Great Barrier Reef in the east to Eungella National Park
- an Aboriginal word for "land of the fallen clouds", in the west,
there is plenty to see and do. The Great Barrier Reef is just
off the coast of Mackay and Brampton and Lindeman Islands, in
the Whitsundays provide the perfect getaway for day-trippers.
Climate
Mackay has an average annual temperature of 23 degrees celsius
and an annual rainfall of 1600mm. The wet season occurs in Summer,
and January is Mackay's hottest month with an average maximum
temperature of 29.9 degrees celsius.
Mackay's coldest month is usually July when the average minimum
temperature falls to 12.7 degrees celsius.
Situation
Mackay is situated half way between Brisbane and Cairns, some
992 kms north of Brisbane.
Industry
Mackay's main industry is sugar and the crushing season occurs
from April to September. Tours of working sugar mills and farms
are available during this period.
Coal exporting terminals at Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay are the
largest in Australia and the second largest in the world. Forty
million tonnes of coal worth $2 billion are exported annually.
The lookout at Hay Point offers spectacular views of the area.
Fishing and prawning have become thriving industries for the
region. The newly opened prawn hatchery will further the region's
potential to become the prawn farming capital of Australia.
Stud cattle, beef and dairy production form a large part of Mackay
industry. The region's mild winters and reliable rainfall are
ideal for grazing. Other burgeoning industries in the area include
deer farming, tropical fruit and power alcohol production.
Schools
Listed below are web sites for some of the private schools located
in Mackay.
Higher Education
The Central Queensland University situated in Rockhampton has
a campus in Mackay and offers a range of courses. See web address
below for further information.
Property Values
For further information concerning property values in Mackay
and the surrounding areas, we have listed some contacts for local
real estate agents.
Web Site Addresses
Real Estate
Greg Chappell Real Estate prdnationwide.com/mackay
Blacks First National Real Estate www.blacksrealestate.com.au
Elders Real Estate mackayre@elders.com.au
Schools
Emmanuel Catholic Primary School
St Joseph's Primary School
St Patrick's Co-Ed College (8-12) stpats.qld.edu.au
Holy Spirit College (8-12) www.hsc.qld.edu.au
Universities
Central Queensland University www.cqu.edu.au
Detailed Information about the Mackay region can be found at:
www.mwredc.org.au
www.mackayregion.com
