Mareeba Shire is a diverse and strategically located regional economy in Far North Queensland. Covering approximately 53,491 km², the Shire extends west from the Wet Tropics across the northern Atherton Tablelands and towards the base of Cape York Peninsula.
Mareeba is the largest urban centre in the Shire and an important regional hub for agriculture, transport, logistics, aviation, retail and professional and government services. Its location provides an important connection between Cairns and the communities and industries of Cape York Peninsula and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Shire is strategically positioned close to Cairns and Cairns International Airport and is home to, and in proximity to, internationally significant natural attractions including the Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Areas.
Mareeba Shire had an estimated resident population of 24,205 at 30 June 2025, growing by 1.1% over the preceding year. The population is projected to reach approximately 26,960 by 2046.
The Shire is characterised by a diverse population and network of urban, rural and remote communities. 14.3% of residents identify as First Nations people, while 16.9% of residents were born overseas, reflecting the cultural diversity that has helped shape the region.
Continued public and private investment in transport, water, aviation, industrial land, renewable energy, agriculture and tourism provides a strong foundation for future economic development.
Key Statistics
- Gross Regional Product (year ending June 2025): $1.35 Billion
- Population: 24,205
- Number of local businesses: 2,300
- Employed residents: 10,225
- Largest industry: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Thriving Industry
Council is committed to creating conditions to attract investment and facilitate economic growth and the Shire has continued to keep pace with the Queensland average for population growth. Mareeba is the largest town outside of Cairns in Far North Queensland, acting as a vital transport and services hub for Northern Australia, including Cape York Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria areas.
The opportunities for workforce growth, innovation and diversity abound in the Shire. The Shire’s Gross Regional Product was $1.35 billion in the year ending June 2025.
In the Shire, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing had the largest output by industry, generating $583 million in 2024/25. The industry had the largest number of total registered businesses in Mareeba Shire, comprising 27.3% of all total registered businesses, compared to 7.9% in Queensland.
The industry is also the Shire’s largest employer, generating 1,405 jobs in 2024/25. The diversity of the Shire which has access to reliable water, enables a wide range of high-quality produce to be farmed year-round.
