Maintaining and renewing ageing assets key part of capital program

The largest capital budget item is $11.7 million for the ongoing development of one of the region’s signature projects – the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

But another big line item in the budget is $9.2 million for culvert rehabilitation projects.

“This is a good example of the costs involved in the continuous renewal and replacement program to address the region’s ageing infrastructure,’’ said Mayor Greg Williamson.

“Much of the capital investment won’t be noticeable to rate payers and residents as a lot of it is underground, but it nevertheless includes extremely important projects,’’ he said.

“For example, there is $7.6 million for drainage projects and $9.3 million for sewerage pump stations.”

“There’s also $5.9 million for the Bloomsbury Water Supply Scheme in the northern part of our region.”

CEO Scott Owen said council had been successful in securing government grant funding for various capital projects, which lessened the burden on rate payers.

He said, for example, the Bloomsbury Water Supply Scheme had $2 million in grant funding.

The Bloomsbury Water Supply Scheme is proudly funded by the Queensland Government's Building our Regions program and Mackay Regional Council

“There is $5 million for completion of the Paradise and Webberley streets intersection signalisation, which is under construction,” Mr Owen said.

“This project received more than $1.96 million in grant funding,’’ he said.

The Paradise and Webberley streets intersection project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS), and Mackay Regional Council

“There’s also $6.7 million for pavement improvement projects, $9.9 million for bridge projects and $5.5 million for flood protection works.”

Learn more about the Budget 2024-2025

Building Our Regions background

Building our Regions (BoR) Round 6 is a $70 million round, now in its third year, supporting regional councils to manage costs associated with crucial maintenance and upgrades of water and sewerage infrastructure.

Building our Regions Round 6 has been highly successful, investing $31 million so far, to 50 local governments, for 99 infrastructure projects, leveraging more than $138.4 million and supporting an estimated 406 jobs during construction.

Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water Glenn Butcher said the Building our Regions program was helpful for councils to ensure that crucial maintenance and upgrade works could proceed.

“These funds are vital for councils and makes sure they can fund necessary upgrades and maintenance to their water and sewerage infrastructure. Mackay Regional Council and the community at Bloomsbury will benefit from $2 million funded through Round 6 of the BoR program.”