Planning for the future

Mackay Regional Council’s budget has been formulated taking into careful consideration the current economic climate.

Key projects addressed by this financial year’s budget are in line with council’s Seven-Point Action Plan, a document that details council’s response to the economic downturn.

Mayor Col Meng said there were positive signs that the economic downturn may be reversing.

“Consequently, we need to ensure that council and its infrastructure are not caught short with any increased demands,” he said.

The seven key goals identified by council in the action plan and the budget strategies that relate to them are as follows:

Action 1 – Sound financial management

Budget initiatives:

• Develop a 10-year Strategic Financial Plan to act as a blueprint for future council decisions
• Responsible borrowing to better plan for projected growth

Action 2 – Invest in infrastructure

Budget initiatives:

• $119 million capital works program
• $10.6 million for Nebo Road Water Treatment Plant
• $8.3 million for a water pipeline from Sarina to Mackay
• $4.2 million trunk drainage upgrades
• $2.7 million widening of Farrellys Road

Action 3 – Support housing needs

Budget initiatives:

• Deliver $150,000 worth of affordable housing initiatives
• Upgrade Holmes Drive community housing units
• Maintain 87 houses and units

Action 4 – Maximise employment opportunities

Budget initiatives:

• Offer opportunities for 81 apprentices across council
• Support 27 trainee positions
• Engage contractors to carry out $36 million worth of flood damage work

Action 5 – Support industry

Budget initiatives:

• $4 million to improve transport access to Paget industrial estate
• $590,000 for sponsorship of REDC, Mackay Tourism, Sarina Tourism and Pioneer Valley Tourism
• $350,000 to begin the process to develop a strategic plan for the region
• Sponsorship of CQ Rescue, Mackay Eisteddfod and community events

Action 6 – Improve service delivery

Budget initiatives:

• $14 million to begin construction of a new council depot to meet expanding service delivery needs
• $450,000 to better equip SES units across the region 
• Increased funding for pest management and wild dog control

Action 7 – Inter-government advocacy

Budget initiatives:

• $575,000 for ongoing management of marine and beach foreshores
• Review strategic road hierarchy for the region