Budget 2023-2024

A $420 million budget reaffirms council’s commitment to steering the Mackay region towards liveability and economic prosperity.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2023-2024 budget focuses on advancing the initiatives set forth in council’s Corporate Plan.

“In the past five years council’s budgets have focussed on keeping rate rises at or below CPI,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Despite rising costs, today’s budget maintains that approach,” he said.

“We are allocating more money to our capital delivery program with the 3.8 per cent rate increase being well below CPI of 7.4 per cent.

“The average residential ratepayer in Mackay will pay about $3164 for the 12 months.

“That is up from about $3048, so is an extra $116 for the year, or about $2.23 per week.”

Council has allocated $1.1 million towards the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program which to date has generated more than $235 million for the local economy since its implementation in 2015.

Community funding support, sponsorship and grants program will also continue to the value of $2 million.

Mayor Williamson said rates concessions for pensioners and not-for-profit organisations remain in effect.

“Council offers a range of concessions, discounts and payment incentives which are expected to reach $22.4 million for the 2023-2024 budget,” he said.

“This budget has been carefully planned to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

“Like all businesses, we continue to face the same challenge including cost pressures, supply chain issues and labour shortages.

“To mitigate these risks, we will be considering alternative delivery methods, bundling capital projects and investing in training programs.”