Unlocking the
Gulf Savannah's
potential

Representing the Councils, communities and businesses of the Gulf Savannah region

Gulf Savannah Development has been representing the Councils, communities and businesses of the Gulf Savannah region for over 50 years, driving economic development to unlock the region’s potential, and develop more sustainable and prosperous businesses and communities where people want to live, work, play and invest.

The Gulf Savannah is recognised nationally as a dynamic, new business and industry hub where people want to work, invest, live and play.

We work for our members

We are a not-for-profit organisation that works on behalf of members to ensure the best outcomes for them, with a focus on regional success. Our members include Councils, businesses and community members.

We drive economic growth

We work in partnership with Councils, industry and community to drive and support the Gulf’s economic growth across all industry and community sectors.  We connect these sectors with all levels of government, securing funding, facilitating and delivering projects, advocating change and influencing policy.

We collaborate

We collaborate with members, Councils, businesses and communities to bring people, ideas and resources together to deliver impactful and sustainable outcomes that make a real difference to our region and communities.

We embrace a whole-of-region focus by working in partnership with peak bodies and other regional organisations, engaging across the broader North West Queensland, Far North Queensland and nearby Northern Territory region to leverage regional strengths and opportunities, and address our challenges through joint advocacy, facilitation and project delivery. This approach brings together our regional resources and delivers better outcomes for the whole North Queensland region.

We work across many sectors

We have a strong history of working with sectors that drive economic success in our region including agriculture and fisheries, tourism, aviation, resources, energy, renewables, infrastructure and all levels of community and business. These sectors are essential to our region’s future, and are what attracts people to live, work, play and invest in the region.

We connect

Our strength lies in connecting sectors and the region with all levels of Government to secure funding, deliver projects, advocate for change and influence policy.

We engage to support our members, but also to ensure greater outcomes for our industries, communities and people.

Farm Stay Guide

GSD’s new Farm Stay Guide designed for farmers in the Gulf region who are considering planning for and setting up a farm stay on their property.

 

The guide will talk you through what a farm stay is, the market opportunity, what the benefits are to you, setting up your business, other considerations such as regulations and local laws, and marketing your business. 

 

View the guide

Our Latest Projects

GSD’s projects contribute to the ongoing economic development of the Gulf Region

Explore Our Regions

  • Burke
  • Carpentaria
  • Croydon
  • Doomadgee
  • Etheridge
  • Mornington

Burke

The Shire of Burke, located in the Gulf region of Queensland, is a vast and sparsely populated area covering 40,127 square kilometers.

It is known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and economic significance in northern Australia. The main towns in the shire are Burketown, the administrative center, and Gregory. These small but resilient communities serve as hubs for the surrounding pastoral and tourism industries.

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Carpentaria

The Gulf of Carpentaria Shire, located in Queensland, Australia, encompasses an area along the coast and hinterland of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Major towns include Normanton, the Shire’s administrative center, and Karumba, a small fishing and tourism town. The Shire is known for its unique landscape of wetlands, savannas, and coastline, attracting visitors interested in fishing, bird-watching, and exploring remote natural areas.

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Croydon Gulf Savannah

The Shire of Croydon, located in the Gulf region of Queensland, Australia, is a remote and historically significant area known for its rich cultural heritage, striking landscapes, and unique charm

Spanning 29,538 square kilometers, the shire is centered around its main town, Croydon, which has a population of approximately 300 residents.

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Doomadgee

Doomadgee is a remote town in northwest Queensland, Australia, located in the Gulf of Carpentaria region.

It is part of the Doomadgee Shire and lies approximately 140 kilometers from the regional center of Burketown. The area is traditionally home to the Gangalidda and Waanyi peoples, who are its Traditional Custodians and have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the land, waterways, and surrounding environment.

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Etheridge

Etheridge Shire is located in the Gulf Savannah region of north Queensland, Australia, encompassing a vast area of about 39,000 square kilometers.

The region’s Traditional Custodians include the Ewamian, Tagalaka, and other Aboriginal peoples, whose rich cultural heritage is evident in the landscape through rock art, ceremonial sites, and stories passed down through generations. These groups maintain a deep spiritual connection to the land and waterways, which remain integral to their identity.

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Mornington

Mornington Island is the largest island in the Wellesley Islands group, located in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Queensland, about 125 kilometers north of Karumba.

The island is part of the Mornington Shire, with Gununa as its main settlement. It is traditionally home to the Lardil people, who are its primary Traditional Custodians. The Kaiadilt and Yangkaal peoples also have connections to the region, and their cultural heritage is reflected in the island’s art, ceremonies, and way of life.

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Our Latest News

Keep up to date with all the latest news from the Gulf.

Gulf Savannah Development is proud to launch our new Farm Stay Guide for primary producers in the Gulf region providing an easy to follow 6-step process for primary producers to understand the requirements of planning for and setting up a farm stay. This is part of GSD’s commitment to members, key stakeholders and partners to […]

Download our 2025/2026 Membership Prospectus