R ockhampton's estimated resident population is over 70,000, with the population of nearby Gladstone around 40,000.
Beef production ranks second to coal.
Education and research are also a major presence in the region, with the University of Central Queensland, and the Capricornia Training Institute. T ourism is a major strength of the region, which is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, an internationally appreciated group of islands and resorts which includes South Molle, Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and Lindeman. TEN Rockhampton Email Us Aquatic Place, North Rockhampton, Qld, 4702. PO Box 5920 MC, North Rockhampton, Qld, 4702.