MELANIE Davies is the newest member to the Whitsunday Regional Council, appointed as the very first Economic Development Executive.

The appointment is part of council's mission to drive the region's economy into a new era.

Ms Davies is a former Oracle Energy General Manager and Geraldton Port Authority Commercial manager and will start work next month.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said council was excited to attract such an experienced person to the role, which would assist in the implementation of a new "in-house first point of contact" to improve the facilitation of investment attraction for key regional projects.

"Our economy and lifestyle is the backbone of our wonderful region and investment attraction will be a major focus to realise business and industry development opportunities and improve our region's market competitiveness," he said.

"More than 85% of larger councils consider economic development to be a core function of council and two-thirds of those councils have dedicated staff resources to economic functions.

"The key appointment of Melanie as this council's first ever Economic Development Executive Officer signals our proactive approach to continue economic growth and ensure the Whitsunday Region is ideally placed for a sustainable future."

For its first Economic Development Executive Strategy, council is considering several short listed tenders which, once selected, are aimed at providing a clear framework for the Whitsundays future growth.

Mayor Willcox was also confident it would identify the region's strengths as well as challenges and give a clear pathway to achieve council goals.