Working in Mackay, Queensland Australia

Work in Mackay basically revolves around the rich minerals of the Bowen Basin, if people are not employed by a mine, a gas plant, drilling company, a contractor or a supplier to a mine then they are either employed in the retail or service industries, but there is a more than fair chance these are for miners or their families.

There is also tourism and the Sugar Industry in and around Mackay, but the biggest provider of jobs to the Mackay region is minerals. The unemployment rate for the whole of the central west including the Bowen Basin is under 4%.

The Bowen Basin is an area of over 60,000 square Kilometers and is a home to largest coal reserve in Australia.

There are currently 34 operational coal mines in the Bowen Basin, producing over 100 million tonnes of Coal annually.

Over the last 10 years, Mackay has become the location of choice for many mining service companies which supply and consult to the mine operators. This is due to its strategic proximity to the mines, major highways and train lines, and the Coal Export terminals, it is not uncommon to see over 70 Coal transport ships at anchor off of Mackay waiting to be loaded with Coal from the Bowen Basin, these ships take Australian Coal all over the world.

Mackay has a population of approximately 77 000 people, and there are many good schools in the Mackay region both government state schools and privately run schools and with the abundance of the mining companies situated in Mackay there are also many positions available for administration and clerical work making it a very attractive city for everyone to live and work in.

Mackay also has a vast array of different sporting facilities catering to all sports, including Golf, Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League, basketball, swimming, Tennis and surf lifesaving, the mining companies place a big emphasis on sponsoring the sporting clubs and their facilities.

About Mackay

Mackay is a pristine city on the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia.

It is about 970 kilometres (603 mi) north of Brisbane, which is the capital city of Queensland.

While Mackay still holds on to the great laid back country charm it has all the amenities of any major city in Australia.

Mackay is surrounded by beautiful sandy coastlines, a total of 31 beaches within comfortable driving distance of the city, you could visit a different one every day for a month! Mackay is also surrounded by spectacular rainforests, historical townships and national parks.

Just inland from Mackay, take a leisurely scenic drive and visit the mining communities and hinterland, areas steeped in history, with townships built around the coal and sugar industry, you can even fossick for gold and experience a working coal mine.

Mackay has right in the heart of the city, great shopping, fabulous dining, wonderful restaurants, also right in the city centre is Blue water lagoon, a free family friendly leisure facility comprising three tiered lagoons overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River.

The Mackay region boasts some of the most spectacular fishing spots along the Queensland coast, these include beach, reef, estuarine, fresh water creeks and inland dams.

Take a drive to the Northern Beaches less than a 15 minute drive from the city centre, where you can stroll along the quiet and secluded beaches or treat yourself to a counter meal, ice cold drink and million dollar views of the nearby islands at the Eimeo Hotel. Whales are also visible during the season from the back veranda of the hotel.

The Whitsunday islands on the Great Barrier Reef with their pristine waters, amazing snorkelling and diving, are also home to some of the best fishing in Australia are just off the coast of Mackay. These islands are surrounded by magnificent coral reefs. During the seasons from June to July whales can be heard and seen underwater around the islands. With weather temperatures in the warmer months ranging from 24 degrees to 33 degrees and in the winter months a comfortable 16 degrees to 24 degrees, the waters remain warm from 18 to 26 degrees offering swimming all year round.

Also within the Mackay region you will find three excellent golf courses, and it’s just a short drive north to one of Australia’s best resort golfing facilities at Laguna Whitsundays.