Wide Bay Burnett is a region renowned for its diverse landscapes - from the Great Barrier Reef, Great Sandy Strait wetlands and Fraser Island, to the region’s green, fertile coastal plains, the Bunya Mountains, Cania Gorge and its rural hinterland.

More than 80% of the region's population is located in the five major centres of Bundaberg, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie and Kingaroy.

Over the past 20 years or so, the region’s population growth rate has matched or exceeded state and national averages. This growth has put pressure on the region’s environment, open spaces and productive rural land, particularly along the coast.

Regional plan 

The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan 2007–2026 was developed to ensure the region's new homes and jobs are accommodated without harming the environment, which underpins the region's agro- and tourism-based economy.

The regional plan covers the following local government areas:

• Bundaberg Regional Council
• Fraser Coast Regional Council
• Gympie Regional Council
• North Burnett Regional Council
• South Burnett Regional Council
• the part of the local government area of Gladstone Regional Council that was immediately before 15 March 2008 the local government area of Miriam Vale Shire Council.