Queensland - Wide Bay SA4 region

The Wide Bay SA4 is made up of 35 SA2s, situated 170km North of Brisbane, directly above Noosa of the Sunshine Coast SA4 region. The region's larger surface area is characteristic of its widely dispersed population across several major population centres. With a growing economy primarily geared towards Healthcare, retail, and agriculture, Wide Bay SA4 is forecast to experience significant and consistent growth throughout the 25-year forecast period.

The region's most significant population centre is Bundaberg, a historic agricultural hub situated just off the Burnett River in the most northern section of the SA4. As Bundaberg SA2 continues to grow, so does its economy, shifting away from agriculture and manufacturing and into services and retail as its leading provider. Heading South on the Bruce Highway leads to Maryborough, the region's second largest population centre, situated in the Fraser Coast area. Forecast to experience significant population growth over the forecast period, Maryborough SA2 and its surrounds continue to evolve into a prominent Queensland regional centre. Directly South on the same highway lies Gympie, a third historic town within the Wide Bay SA4 region, situated on the Mary River. Known for its gold and Macadamia trees, the city sits directly above the Noosa Hinterland and has also expanded its economy into health care and other services sectors.

In terms of transport, the region benefits from a passenger train linking Brisbane to Gympie. Beyond that, a regional bus connects the other major population centres, with rural areas relying on private transportation.