Media releases
Most recent
New budget strikes balance to maintain services despite rising costs
Council's 2024-2025 budget will balance a rates increase in line with CPI with no reduction in services in a climate of escalating costs.
Published: 26 Jun 2024
Signature projects funding to boost liveability
Signature projects aimed at improving the liveability of the region will receive a boost as part of council’s 2024-2025 Budget.
Published: 25 Jun 2024
Maintaining and renewing ageing assets key part of capital program
Council's new budget includes a capital spend of more than $130 million, including investment in key pieces of new infrastructure, as well as maintain and renewing ageing assets.
Published: 25 Jun 2024
Register your pet in June to save
Time is running out to take advantage of the pet registration discount period.
Published: 21 Jun 2024
Funding approved for innovative NAIDOC exhibition works
Council has approved a $6760 grant to support a local Indigenous artist who creates digital artworks using sand art, drone technology and digital editing software.
Published: 19 Jun 2024
Festival kicks off with fine wine, laughs and mysterious stories
Merrick Watts has cracked the code when it comes to ensuring his audiences have a great time.
Published: 18 Jun 2024
Get the kids outdoors these school holidays
Enjoy the region’s beautiful sunny winter days these school holidays and get the kids outdoors for FREE holiday fun with Strolling Stories at the Seaforth Esplanade and Sarina Field of Dreams, outdoor board games at the Botanic Gardens and kids' activities along the water’s edge at River Wharves.
Make sure to check out all the activities and follow the Facebook pages of the facilities for more information and updates.
Published: 17 Jun 2024
Residents asked to help council shape library services
Mackay Regional Council Libraries are offering residents the chance to win two $250 EFTPOS gift vouchers simply by completing a 10-minute survey.
Published: 17 Jun 2024
Paradise and Webberley streets intersection upgrade
Works on the Paradise and Webberley streets intersection in West Mackay have progressed to stage two.
Published: 17 Jun 2024
City Centre palm tree maintenance
Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre next week.
Published: 14 Jun 2024
The “purrfect” Mackay Show display
Council's Mackay Show display will have something for the whole family this year - even your family’s furry friend.
Published: 11 Jun 2024
Volunteer Expo offers something for everyone
The 2024 Mackay Volunteer Expo proves that volunteering offers “something for everyone”.
Published: 28 May 2024
There’s No Excuse for Abuse campaign launched
An increasing trend of incidents involving verbal and physical threats against its staff has prompted Mackay Regional Council to act.
Published: 24 May 2024
$15M Announced for Northern Beaches Community Hub
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox today announced a $15m funding boost to kickstart the Northern Beaches Community Hub stage 1B.
Published: 15 May 2024
Local charity event hits high note at the MECC
The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball hit a high note on Saturday night, with almost 400 Ball-goers attending the annual event.
Published: 23 May 2024
Council stands united against domestic violence
“Not now, not ever” – this is the very clear pledge taken today by council’s elected members.
Published: 22 May 2024
High performance swim camps choose Mackay ARC
The Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex is playing host to some of Australia’s top Olympic swimming hopefuls, with huge economic benefits for our region.
Published: 21 May 2024
Enjoy a day in the gardens and celebrate all things botanic
To celebrate Botanic Gardens Day, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is hosting a special community event to celebrate all things botanic.
Published: 17 May 2024
Sarina to light candles for Domestic Violence victims
Sarina Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a special candle lighting ceremony to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
Published: 14 May 2024
Funding granted to help young Indigenous drivers
Council has approved a $7500 Community Grant to help fund a program aimed at reducing incidents of road crashes involving Indigenous youth.
Published: 10 May 2024
Council recruits clever canines to sniff out leaks
In a first for the region, council will recruit the help of two very clever canines to detect water leaks.
Published: 09 May 2024
Festival program promises to push boundaries and create memories
About thirty events will combine to make the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts a dynamic showcase of art, culture, cuisine and entertainment.
Published: 30 Apr 2024
Prime Minister officially opens Riverside Revitalisation Project
Mackay's Riverside Revitalisation Project has Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s seal of approval.
Published: 22 Apr 2024
Anzac Day services
There will be 25 Anzac Day services held across the region this Thursday, April 25.
Published: 22 Apr 2024
Bluewater Lagoon to close in late-April for relining works
The Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday, April 29, until early September 2024 for significant upgrade work.
Published: 17 Apr 2024
Mayor’s Charity Ball to celebrate ‘Iconic Mackay’
The theme for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball to be held early next month is “Iconic Mackay”.
Published: 15 Apr 2024
Finch Hatton MTB Trails officially open with family fun day
The Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails will be officially opened with a fun day for the whole community.
Published: 15 Apr 2024
Demolition of 8 River Street building deemed best way forward
A building at 8 River Street, earmarked for a refurbished food and beverage outlet, will be demolished.
Published: 05 Apr 2024
Woodlands District Park’s next phase is on track
The next phase of the exciting Woodlands District Park project in Andergrove is about to begin.
Published: 03 Apr 2024
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
Paying it forward is now easier than ever with Containers for Change Container Exchange Points being installed on public bins around the region.
Published: 03 Apr 2024
Wisely Wine and Food Day steps up to fill art market hiatus
With Artspace Mackay’s annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Art and Design Market taking a hiatus in 2024, Wisely Wine and Food Day is set to welcome an influx of creative exhibitors.
Published: 02 Apr 2024
Easter closures for council facilities
Mackay Regional Council would like to advise residents of the following council facility closures over the Easter weekend.
Published: 25 Mar 2024
Egg-citing school holiday activities for the kids this Easter
There’s something for everyone these Easter school holidays across the region.
Younger kids will enjoy loads of art and craft, mini workshops, an interactive strolling story winding through the botanic gardens as well as facepainting and fun activities at River Wharves and in the city for April’s City Heart Friday.
No excuse for the older kids not to get out of the house with the library team hitting the road with a roadshow just for teens, free yoga sessions, a mini terrarium workshop and a range of activities at the Sarina Youth Centre including baking and making wearable art!
Make sure to check out all the activities and follow the Facebook pages of the facilities for more information and updates.
Published: 20 Mar 2024
BB Print Stadium Mackay lighting upgrades exceed expectations
The lighting component of the Stadium Mackay refurbishment project is now complete and will offer crowds an enhanced viewing experience.
Published: 19 Mar 2024
MECC auditorium closure extended
The MECC has extended its closure of the Auditorium, North Foyer and Lynette Denny Space.
Published: 18 Mar 2024
Council encourages residents to park safe to protect young riders
Council is encouraging residents to be mindful of an influx of riders on the roads and bike paths this Friday (March 22).
Published: 20 Mar 2024
City Centre palm tree maintenance
Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre next week.
Published: 12 Mar 2024
Grey Nomads love Sarina Sugar Shed
Sarina Sugar Shed has been named as the best tour experience in Australia at the Grey Nomad Awards.
Published: 11 Mar 2024
Explore the Pioneer River from city pontoon
Our beautiful blue water river is now more accessible than ever with the opening of the Pioneer River Floating Pontoon.
Published: 06 Mar 2024
Council encourages residents to get to know their neighbours
Neighbour Day began in Melbourne in 2003 after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death.
Published: 05 Mar 2024
Council tops the charts for donating top drop
Council employees have proven that serving the community runs in their veins.
Published: 28 Feb 2024
Taste test our trails from this weekend
Mackay Regional Council is thrilled to announce that more than half the trails at Finch Hatton MTB will be ready to ride this Saturday (February 24).
Published: 23 Feb 2024
Willetts Road playground to receive facelift
Council will be undertaking an upgrade to the Willetts Road playground in North Mackay.
Published: 21 Feb 2024
Event showcases local creative achievements
Council is hosting a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Showcase to highlight some of the amazing talent, vision and creativity we have in our region.
Published: 21 Feb 2024
Works to improve accessibility to bus stops
Mackay bus stops will become more accessible with planned improvement works.
Published: 15 Feb 2024
BMA Kidspace coming to a community near you
Council is offering two great programs for young people to explore their love of art.
Published: 12 Feb 2024
MECC provides update on auditorium closure
The MECC now has a plan of action for works and timeframes required to allow the re-opening of its auditorium, North Foyer, and Lynette Denny Space.
Published: 09 Feb 2024
Maintenance work scheduled at two popular Mackay playgrounds
Contractors will be carrying out maintenance work at two popular playgrounds in Mackay later this month.
Published: 08 Feb 2024
QME opportunities highlighted at business morning tea
The opportunities available for Mackay’s Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) and commercial businesses at Queensland Mining Expo (QME) 2024 were highlighted at a business morning tea today (Tuesday, February 6).
Published: 06 Feb 2024
Investment in Mackay region remains strong
The Mackay region’s economy continues to indicate strong growth, with a significant uptick in demand of development applications recorded recently.
Published: 01 Feb 2024
Floating pontoon construction nears completion
The final piece of the new Pioneer River floating pontoon – a 40 metre gangway – will be lifted into place next week.
Published: 30 Jan 2024
Milton Street road maintenance closes southbound lanes
The southbound lane of Milton Street, between Victoria and Gordon streets, will be closed to traffic for night works on Monday, February 5.
Published: 30 Jan 2024
Botanic Gardens footpath works
Footpath upgrade works are scheduled to take place in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens from Wednesday, January 31, weather permitting.
Published: 30 Jan 2024
Community champions recognised on Australia Day
Peter Reedman is a pillar of the community whose selfless contributions have created a resurgence in junior rugby union in the Mackay region.
Published: 25 Jan 2024
Tender awarded for stage 1A of Northern Beaches Community Hub
One of council’s signature projects, the Northern Beaches Community Hub, will begin taking shape onsite.
Published: 25 Jan 2024
Cancellations and closures in the region
Due to the wet weather around the region as a result of Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, a number of our council supported Aussie Day events have had to be cancelled or postponed.
Published: 25 Jan 2024
Sport and Rec Expo countdown has begun
Mackay's biggest sport and recreation sign-on event is only days away.
Published: 24 Jan 2024
Australia Day Awards Gala cancelled
Mackay Regional Council has made the difficult decision to cancel tomorrow night’s Australia Day Awards Gala.
Published: 24 Jan 2024
Council kicks-starts 2024 by welcoming fresh talent through its doors
Council welcomed five new employees through its doors this morning as part of the Graduate Program.
Published: 22 Jan 2024
Local tourist attraction hits the spot for Grey Nomads
Sarina Sugar Shed is celebrating today after recently being named as a two-time finalist in the national Grey Nomad Awards.
Published: 22 Jan 2024
Academic bursaries set to open doors for local university students
Five lucky university students will have the opportunity to kick start their careers through the academic bursary program when applications open today.
Published: 19 Jan 2024
MECC auditorium to remain closed for extended period
THE MECC’s auditorium, North Foyer and Lynette Denny Space will remain closed for an extended period.
Published: 16 Jan 2024
Arts funding applications closing soon
Applications for round three of Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants, worth about $80,000, close next Wednesday, January 24.
Published: 16 Jan 2024
Clean up around your home to stop the spread
The wet season is upon us and residents are being urged to tidy up the areas around their homes.
Published: 16 Jan 2024
Online Services Outage
Published: 15 Jan 2024
Mackay to host Australian Regional Tourism Convention
Australian Regional Tourism is pleased to announce that Mackay, Queensland will be host to the 2024 Australian Regional Tourism Convention to be held 9 – 11 October 2024. This remarkable achievement is testament to the council's dedication to advancing regional tourism, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the region’s tourism industry.
Published: 10 Jan 2024
Congratulations to our Australia Day Awards nominees
Congratulations to the outstanding nominees for the 2024 Australia Day Awards!
Your remarkable achievements and contributions have not only made a lasting impact on our communities but also exemplify the true essence of Australia.
Your dedication to excellence, service and leadership serves as an inspiration to us all.
Best of luck to each nominee – your recognition is well-deserved and we are proud to have you representing our region!
Published: 08 Jan 2024