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Published on 29 June 2026
Council’s 2026-2027 Budget delivers a strong “back-to-basics” focus, with more than $127 million in capital works targeting the essential infrastructure and services residents rely on every day.
The budget will also continue to support our regional economy, community wellbeing and regional liveability.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the capital works program prioritised the fundamentals – roads, footpaths, parks, water and waste – while also delivering key projects to support growth across the region.
“Council understands that households are doing it tough, and this budget reflects that same discipline by focusing on renewing, upgrading and expanding the essential infrastructure our community relies on every day,” Mayor Williamson said.
The 2026-2027 capital works program includes:
$52.3. million for roads and drainage infrastructure.
$11.9 million for parks, gardens, coastal areas and waste infrastructure, including $8.8 million for park infrastructure, like playgrounds.
$15.1 million for water infrastructure to maintain and upgrade essential supply networks.
$12.7 million for sewerage services, ensuring reliable and safe wastewater management.
$23.7 million for buildings and community facilities.
$3.6 million for footpaths and active transport connections, improving accessibility across the region.
Mayor Williamson said these investments ensured Mackay remained a well-maintained, liveable and connected region.
“This is about making sure our roads are safe, our parks have playgrounds that are fit for purpose, our water network is reliable and our waste services are efficient,” he said.
The Mayor said council had also prioritised upgrades to footpaths and shared paths in the budget following the 2025 Australian Liveability Census results.
“Residents especially named footpaths in the Census as a high priority and the results showed a clear gap locally, with many residents feeling that our current active transport network fell short of their expectations.
“That’s great feedback and something we aim to rectify.”
The capital program also includes major projects that will support growth and community connection, including:
$20.4 million for the Northern Beaches Community Hub, delivering vital facilities in our region’s fastest growing area.
$7.9 million for water main renewals and $4.7 million for sewerage pump stations.
$5.5 million for bridges, especially the renewals and reconstruction of aging timber bridges in our rural communities.
Continued investment in drainage and flood resilience, including $16.93 million for the Pioneer River Training Wall Levee and $3 million in Sarina.
Council is also continuing to invest in programs that enhance regional liveability and drive economic activity.
Mayor Williamson said the operational budget included $2.1 million in community funding support, sponsorships and grants.
“In 2025-26 council supported about 90 community organisations and groups to purchase vital equipment, complete significant upgrades to their facilities and deliver initiatives that benefit our community, and this budget will allow us to continue this grassroots support,” he said.
“There is also $1 million for the Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program.
“This program pays huge dividends for our region, with tremendous economic and liveability benefits.
“This financial year, we’ve approved funding for more than 38 events to come to our region, generating more than 106,000 bed nights from more than 31,000 visitors and injecting more than $40 million into the economy, so that’s a fantastic return on investment.
“These initiatives play a crucial role in supporting our local economy, activating our community spaces and reinforcing Mackay as a great place to live, work and visit,” Mayor Williamson said.
Mayor Williamson said despite rising costs and economic pressures, council had worked hard to strike the right balance.
“This budget is about delivering value for money, maintaining the services people depend on and continuing to build a region we can all be proud of,” he said.
For more information on council’s 2026-2027 Budget, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/budget