The Shire of McKinlay is a local government area in outback north-western Queensland, Australia, covering an area of 40,737 square kilometres. Established in 1891, the shire's economy is primarily based on beef production and mining. BHP operates the Cannington Mine within the shire, extracting silver, lead, and zinc. The area is home to the Wanamarra Aboriginal language.
The McKinlay council area has a notable presence of families, with couples with children being the predominant family composition. The population distribution skews towards older residents, with over a third aged above 50. The local economy is supported by key industries such as agriculture, construction, and real estate services.
