ABOUT MACKAY & REGION
Economic development
The Mackay Regional Council area is one of the fastest growing in Queensland, with a population at June 2008 of over 112,000 & an average annual growth rate of 3.2% (2003-2008). Looking to the future, strong growth is forecast, with a projected regional population reaching 190,000 people by 2031.
The region's growth is fuelled by the boom in the mining industry in the Bowen Basin, resurgence in agribusiness, growth in tourism & an emerging marine sector. The region hosts much of the engineering, manufacturing & mining services industries supporting the regional economy.
Only an hour’s flight from Brisbane, the Mackay region boasts an enviable lifestyle & a buoyant economy with the benefits of a fast-growing coastal city. Its coastal location is complemented by its spectacular natural environment. This includes 31 beautiful beaches, a picturesque blue river & a pristine rainforest hinterland. There are about 25 different nationalities represented in the region, including people from Malta, South Africa, the Netherlands & Germany. The region also boasts the largest Australian South Sea Islander population.
The Mackay region is the gateway to the rich coal deposits in the Bowen basin. It is the largest sugar-producing region in Australia & nearly a third of Queensland’s export goods originate from the Mackay region.
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 & its infrastructure are not caught short with any increased demands,” he said.
The seven key goals identified by council in the action plan & 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 & 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 & Pioneer Valley Tourism:
• $350,000 to begin the process to develop a strategic plan for the region
• Sponsorship of CQ Rescue, Mackay Eisteddfod & 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 & wild dog control
Action 7 – Inter-government advocacy
Budget initiatives:
• $575,000 for ongoing management of marine & beach foreshores
• Review strategic road hierarchy for the region
Credit: The above is an Extract from Mackay Regional Council’s web site
