The council covers an area of 10,484 square kilometres (4,048 sq mi), and has an estimated operating budget of A$84 million.

[1] Gladstone Region came into being on 15 March 2008 as a result of the report of the Local Government Reform Commission released in July 2007.

GPC is unique among Australian port authorities because it acts as a 'landlord' as well as owning and operating cargo handling facilities.

The GPC provides 35 hectares of recreational waterfront facilities at the marina and Spinnaker Park, which includes barbecues, shade shelters, 250 mooring berths, playground equipment, walking trails and a man-made beach.

As a shareholder in other local industry operations including Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun, Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) and the Gladstone Power Station, RTA maintains significant contributions of A$3.34 billion into the region‟s economy annually.

The smelter underwent a A$1 billion expansion in 1997 introducing a third reduction line which increased aluminium production from 260,000 to more than 558,000 tonnes per annum.

A 2008 Socio-economic study found that Rio Tinto Alcan contributed A$3.34 billion annually into the region‟s economy.

[12] The Gladstone Region is the gateway to Great Barrier Reef islands and lagoons, including Heron, Lady Musgrave, North West and Wilson, among others.

[13] The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, with its associated harbour celebrations, and other destination events are held in the region.