Media releases
Most recent
Novel Coronavirus advice
Mackay Regional Council and the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) are closely monitoring the evolving Novel Coronavirus situation.
Published: 14 Jul 2020
Binning your gas bottle could have explosive results
Council is reminding residents to not put barbecue gas bottles into their wheelie bins.
Published: 14 Jul 2020
Council committed to improving the region’s parks
While upgrades to Northview Park and Queens Park have received plenty of attention recently, council is also working hard to improve the region’s smaller parks and playgrounds.
Published: 13 Jul 2020
Selfless Seniors nominations extended
Nominations for the Selfless Seniors photo exhibition project have been extended until July 20.
Published: 10 Jul 2020
COVID Recovery Assistance Grants extended
Not-for-profits in our region that have been impacted by COVID-19 have a little longer to reach out for financial assistance from council.
Published: 10 Jul 2020
Festival Sessions to bring entertainment back
The MECC is bringing entertainment back to the Mackay region in August.
Published: 10 Jul 2020
Libraries lead the way
If you have ever had a question regarding our local indigenous culture then now is your chance to ask it!
Published: 09 Jul 2020
Council awards ‘Incredable’ contract
Council has awarded the contract to operate its Resource Recovery Facility at Paget to Incredable Ltd for a further three years.
Published: 08 Jul 2020
Sarina parks to receive new lease on life
Two parks in Sarina are set for a makeover over the next few months.
Published: 07 Jul 2020
Online services outage
Published: 06 Jul 2020
Council facilities prepare for stage three
Council's facilities are preparing to ease restrictions in line with the Queensland Government’s stage three COVID-19 step-down approach.
Published: 03 Jul 2020
Survey checks ‘pulse’ of Mackay residents during COVID-19
About one-third of Mackay region residents have had their employment negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published: 02 Jul 2020
Park upgrades fit for a Queen
The temporary fencing has started coming down at Queens Park, marking the final stages of an $8.86 million revitalisation program to transform the popular recreation space.
Published: 01 Jul 2020
Character Heritage Advisory Committee calls for nominations
Council is keen to hear from locals who are passionate about our region’s heritage.
Published: 01 Jul 2020
Garbage trucks transformed into moving billboards
Council’s garbage trucks are no longer just picking up the trash – they’re also enticing residents and visitors to Discover Mackay.
Published: 29 Jun 2020
Daily Mercury historic archives to live on
It's a collection that spans more than 70 metres across a room and more than 120 years in time.
Published: 26 Jun 2020
New tours brewing at tourist facility
A local tourism hot spot is increasing their number of tours to full capacity to keep up with demand.
Published: 25 Jun 2020
Mackay region not-for-profits to get $1.2 million
From today (Thursday, June 25), not-for-profits in our region that have been impacted by COVID-19 can reach out for financial assistance from council.
Published: 25 Jun 2020
Council investment to help stimulate economy during recovery
It was important for council to invest in infrastructure and the community, despite the challenges created by COVID-19, Mayor Greg Williamson said.
Published: 24 Jun 2020
Budget includes $7 million in COVID-19 support
Mackay Regional Council’s 2020-2021 Budget includes about $7 million in measures to assist businesses and residents during recovery from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published: 24 Jun 2020
Council to collect no more rates revenue in 2020-2021
Almost 60 per cent of Mackay ratepayers will pay no more rates in 2020-2021 than they did this financial year.
Published: 24 Jun 2020
Selfless seniors to be recognised in exhibition
Whether as volunteers, creatives, mentors, leaders, philanthropists or carers – seniors make an undeniable contribution to the way of life we value in our region.
Published: 24 Jun 2020
Parking permits go digital
The PayStay app and website will soon be able to accommodate parking permit bookings.
Published: 23 Jun 2020
Share your pet photos with council
Council is encouraging residents to share photos of how they practise responsible pet ownership to help raise awareness in the community.
Published: 23 Jun 2020
Restrictions ease at aquatic facilities
Mackay's swimmers can start stretching as restrictions continue to ease at two of the region’s aquatic facilities.
Published: 19 Jun 2020
Council to write COVID-19 stories into regional history
This year will go down in history and council is determined to capture local stories as part of that history.
Published: 19 Jun 2020
Gordon White Library reopens with a new look
When Gordon White Library was being built, the bug of the day was Y2K.
Published: 17 Jun 2020
Gorge Road upgrade on track
Upgrades to Gorge Road are due to start as part of the Gorge Road Rehabilitation project.
Published: 17 Jun 2020
Rugby club’s plans for Cathy Freeman Oval
Slade Point Rugby Union Club plans to fence its field at Cathy Freeman Oval and build a spectator mound.
Published: 16 Jun 2020
Employment opportunities at your fingertips
Mackay Region Joblink currently has more than 1200 local jobs on offer.
Published: 15 Jun 2020
“Sweet” facility reopens in time for school holidays
One of the region’s most popular tourist destinations is about to reopen after being closed for almost 12 weeks
Published: 11 Jun 2020
Finishing touches being put on Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence
Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick has this morning inspected the finishing touches at the $7 million Mackay Resources Centre of Excellence.
Published: 11 Jun 2020
Grant helps cancer patients look and feel better
A program dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side effects caused by treatment received a $7000 boost today.
Published: 10 Jun 2020
Stormwater drains to undergo artistic transformation
Artworks are set to decorate 10 key stormwater drains in our region thanks to a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Green Arts grant approved today.
Published: 10 Jun 2020
Mackay Waterfront EOI process to test appetite for private investment
Six council-owned freehold sites in the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) are earmarked as potential catalysts for exciting inner-city projects.
Published: 10 Jun 2020
Show holiday 2020 date approved
Council’s request to move the 2020 Mackay Show public holiday from Thursday, June 18, to Friday, August 14, has been officially approved.
Published: 05 Jun 2020
Water main realignment works on Hume Street
Council will be undertaking water main realignment works in Hume Street over the next three weeks to replace an aged water main.
Published: 05 Jun 2020
Botanic Gardens’ car park partial closure
The Botanic Gardens’ main entrance car park on Lagoon Street will be partially closed on Monday, June 8, and Tuesday, June 9.
Published: 04 Jun 2020
Ball Bay Road reconstruction
Council has started works on the Ball Bay Road reconstruction project.
Published: 04 Jun 2020
Council facilities open for business
Council's timeline for reopening its public facilities has been accelerated.
Published: 02 Jun 2020
Little Jasper proves to be the “paw-fect” companion
Carol Free spotted Maltese-cross Jasper on council’s Facebook page and fell in love with him instantly.
Published: 29 May 2020
Book your spot in Libraries’ new digital clubs
Have you ever had a passionate conversation with someone over the shared love of a book?
Published: 29 May 2020
Palm cleaning in City Centre
Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the City Centre next Monday (June 1).
Published: 28 May 2020
Dry conditions and high outdoor usage spark large water bills
Council wish to clear up any confusion surrounding the recent water bill notices.
Published: 27 May 2020
Mackay Show holiday on the move
This Mayoral Minute, supported unanimously at an ordinary meeting of council, provides background to the decision.
Published: 27 May 2020
Fees waived to support businesses impacted by COVID-19
Council will waive fees and charges totalling more than $1 million for the 2020-2021 financial year to help support businesses impacted by COVID-19 social restrictions.
Published: 27 May 2020
Council responds to vegetation vandalism at Shoal Point
Nine large trees on the esplanade at Shoal Point have been cut down with a chainsaw.
Published: 27 May 2020
Sydney Street night works to begin
Council will begin night works on Sydney Street, between River and Shakespeare streets, next week to investigate an aged water main that requires replacement.
Published: 22 May 2020
New play equipment on the way
Council will start work installing new play equipment in Corella Way Park from next week.
Published: 22 May 2020
Festivals cancelled for 2020
Council has made the tough decision to cancel two of our region’s most popular festivals in 2020.
Published: 18 May 2020
Enormous 'ragberg' pulled from sewers
Council is once again reminding residents to only flush the three Ps down the toilet: Pee, Poo and (toilet) Paper.
Published: 15 May 2020
Libraries to reopen in stages
Book worms rejoice – residents will once again be able to access our region’s libraries from next Monday (May 18).
Published: 14 May 2020
Pools prepare to reopen
Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) and Pioneer Swim Centre will reopen to the public from Wednesday, May 20.
Published: 14 May 2020
Help keep our region clean
General use of the region’s parks has increased dramatically since the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions and the onset of cooler weather.
Published: 14 May 2020
Survey to assess impacts of COVID-19 pandemic in Mackay
An independent COVID-19 Community Pulse Survey is about to begin to assess the impact of coronavirus and its social distancing restrictions on the Mackay community.
Published: 13 May 2020
myh2o website can save you costly water bills
Water bills will begin trickling into mail boxes from this week.
Published: 12 May 2020
Mackay City Centre footpath resealing
Council will be undertaking footpath resealing during night works in the City Centre.
Published: 11 May 2020
Nursery leads the way in water conservation
The Mackay Natural Environment Centre (MNEC) is leading the way when it comes to sustainable water use.
Published: 07 May 2020
Bluewater Trail partial closure
The Bluewater Trail will be partially closed from early May until mid-June to undertake necessary bridge repair works.
Published: 06 May 2020
Water supply interruption at Blacks Beach
Residents of Pacific Drive and surrounding streets at Blacks Beach will experience an interruption to their water supply next week as council undertakes works on the water main.
Published: 05 May 2020
Emergency news at your fingertips
Residents can now opt-in to receive up-to-date local information during disasters.
Published: 30 Apr 2020
COVID-19 means council meetings not ‘ordinary’
Social distancing requirements mean ordinary meetings of council will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future.
Published: 30 Apr 2020
Libraries provide free one-on-one study help
A Mackay Regional Council Library program that helps students with essays and schoolwork is expected to be a hit with students studying from home.
Published: 21 Apr 2020
Council video honours Anzac veterans
Australian's will be paying their respects on Anzac Day in a very different way this year.
Published: 21 Apr 2020
Social distancing prompts unprecedented council meeting move
Coronavirus social distancing requirements mean the first statutory meeting of the new council will be held in a different setting at the MECC on Wednesday (April 22).
Published: 17 Apr 2020
Leisure Street traffic island installation
Council is installing a traffic island at the Bridge Road and Leisure Street intersection.
Published: 17 Apr 2020
Victor Creek boat ramp upgrades
Upgrade works are scheduled to take place at Victor Creek boat ramp from next week.
Published: 17 Apr 2020
Funding secured for new boat ramp
The State Government has announced a $1 million funding boost for Mackay Regional Council to build a new public boat ramp at Slade Point.
Published: 15 Apr 2020
Platypus Beach closed
Platypus Beach at Mirani is being closed from today due to Coronavirus social distancing requirements.
Published: 09 Apr 2020
Anzac Day has gone digital
Residents are being asked to pay their respects from the comfort of their own home this Anzac Day.
Published: 08 Apr 2020
Ever-changing libraries go digital
Mackay Regional Council Libraries are enacting their ever-changing philosophy by producing digital episodes of their First 5 Forever programs.
Published: 03 Apr 2020
Council dives into digital engagement
Council staff are becoming stars of the small screen as the organisation moves to engage with residents in the digital realm.
Published: 03 Apr 2020
Don’t “rum” out – Sugar Shed delivers
The Sarina Sugar Shed might be closed to the public, but customers don’t need to worry about “rumming” out of their favourite products.
Published: 03 Apr 2020
Local Produce is essential to the community in COVID-19 crisis
The Greater Whitsunday Food Network (GWFN) continue to operate the Farmers’ Market held at Bluewater Quay in Mackay every Wednesday morning providing an essential food shopping service for local farmers to sell produce grown, raised and caught in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.
Published: 02 Apr 2020
Illegal dumping spiked in January
This year council recorded the highest January on record for illegal dumping in the region.
Published: 01 Apr 2020
Outdoor recreation facilities temporarily closed
Following the latest Australian Government COVID-19 directive, council wishes to advise the closure of all skate parks, outdoor gyms and playgrounds across the region until further notice.
Published: 30 Mar 2020
Stage one of Coronavirus business support measures announced
Mackay Regional Council has detailed stage one of business support measures to help assist those impacted by the escalating Coronavirus crisis.
Published: 27 Mar 2020
Pioneer River’s new fishing pier complete
The Hospital Bridge fishing pier is now open to the public.
Published: 26 Mar 2020
Operations suspended at council facilities
Operations are being suspended at council’s regional libraries, pools and Bluewater
Lagoon to meet the latest social distancing directive relating to gatherings.
Published: 25 Mar 2020
#wepledgelocal campaign to support local business in Mackay Isaac Whitsunday
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has launched a community activation campaign #wepledgelocal designed to encourage the community of Mackay Isaac Whitsunday to love their local business and keep supporting them however they can.
Published: 23 Mar 2020
Wild dog sightings on the rise
Reports of wild dog sightings have increased as mating season begins.
Published: 20 Mar 2020
Council facilities suspend public programs
All public programs at Mackay Regional Council’s facilities have been temporarily suspended until April 30.
Published: 19 Mar 2020
MECC suspends operations after inside gatherings directive
Operations at the MECC have been suspended following today’s government Coronavirus directive relating to inside gatherings.
Published: 18 Mar 2020
Encouraging residents to drive under the radar
A speed monitoring device will be set up to slow down traffic following safety concerns along a street with a school zone.
Published: 17 Mar 2020
Volunteer Expo stallholder EOIs open
Does your volunteer organisation want to increase its people power?
Published: 13 Mar 2020
Round three grants now open for arts and cultural activities
The final round of this financial years’ Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grants is now open with $58,000 up for grabs.
Published: 12 Mar 2020
Gordon White refurbishment project
As part of the Gordon White Library refurbishment project, works will cause minor disruption to residents during the next month.
Published: 09 Mar 2020
Champion of country women recognised
For more than 30 years Lyn Hackett has volunteered at trivia nights, sausage sizzles, cent sales and raffles.
Published: 09 Mar 2020
Libraries sell off excess books for a dollar
Residents will be able buy a bag of books for less than the price of a large coffee at Mackay Regional Council Libraries’ mega book sale.
Published: 09 Mar 2020
Emerging young artist awarded bursary
A PROUD Yuwibara man of the Mackay region, who has twice been a featured mural artist at the Queensland State Library, is this years’ “Hands On” Bursary recipient.
Published: 06 Mar 2020
Libraries launch lightning author talks
Mackay Regional Council Libraries are connecting authors with readers in a series of lightning meet and greets coming to local branches.
Published: 05 Mar 2020
Top 10 things to do around the region
There’s plenty to do around the region this week.
Published: 04 Mar 2020
Women share inspirational stories
Would you like to be inspired on your lunch break tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4)?
Published: 03 Mar 2020
Palm cleaning in City Centre
Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the City Centre this Saturday (March 7).
Published: 03 Mar 2020
Art meets science in new exhibition
Catherine Truman’s art is often inspired by what she sees through her microscope.
Published: 03 Mar 2020
Top 10 things to do around the region
There’s plenty to do around the region…
Published: 26 Feb 2020
Water interruption, North Mackay
Council wishes to remind residents and businesses of an interruption to water supply tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26).
Published: 25 Feb 2020
Mackay water wins international silver
Just one vote was all that separated Mackay and the winner of the best tasting tap water in the world title.
Published: 24 Feb 2020
Target shooting returns to Mt Vince Rifle Range
The first shots since 2017 will be fired at Mt Vince Rifle Range this Sunday (February 23).
Published: 21 Feb 2020
Our top drop vies for international prize
All eyes will be on the small West Virginian town of Berkeley Springs this weekend, as our top drop vies for an international prize.
Published: 20 Feb 2020
Top 10 things to do around the region
There’s plenty to do around the region this week…
Published: 19 Feb 2020
Fast thinkin’ girls go the distance
Meet the Mackay team who have developed a miniature F1 cable car capable of travelling 0-80km/h in under a second.
Published: 19 Feb 2020
Car battery ignites fire in garbage truck
A car battery incorrectly disposed of in a household rubbish bin has ignited a fire in a JJ Richards garbage truck.
Published: 13 Feb 2020
The dance of a lifetime for a young performer
Emmalese Dunn has been performing on stage since she was four years old.
Published: 12 Feb 2020
Free native plant program returns
It's official, residents living in Andergrove, North Mackay and West Mackay love their plants.
Published: 11 Feb 2020
Grants to create iconic attractions
Council's Activate My Place (AMP) placemaking grant program is back for another year, with $30,000 up for grabs.
Published: 10 Feb 2020
Libraries have you covered this Valentine’s Day
Find your perfect match between the sheets (of paper) with Mackay Regional Council Libraries.
Published: 07 Feb 2020
Stay safe online this Library Lovers’ Week
A growing number of Australians are being lured into fake online romances every day.
Published: 07 Feb 2020
Young ambassadors wanted for Japanese sister city tour
Council is offering a chance to visit an Olympic city as part of a scholarship program.
Published: 07 Feb 2020
Super Sarina women to be recognised
Council is looking to recognise amazing women from Sarina, like Dianne Barnett.
Published: 07 Feb 2020
Heritage champions recognised with accolades
The restoration and adaptive re-use of part of an historical building occupied by Gold Empire Tattoo Barber in Wood Street has struck heritage awards gold.
Published: 06 Feb 2020
Sports Expo expands to be biggest yet
This Sunday’s 2020 Optus Sports Expo and Sign-on Day is set to kick goals as the biggest in the popular event’s 10-year history.
Published: 06 Feb 2020
Top 10 things to do around the region
There’s plenty to do around the region…
Published: 05 Feb 2020
Our top drop is set to travel
Australia's best tasting water is on its way to the USA.
Published: 04 Feb 2020
Top 10 things to do around the region
There’s plenty to do around the region…
Published: 29 Jan 2020
Australia Day Award winners honoured
Mackay's Citizen of the Year is a familiar face around the Seaforth community.
Published: 24 Jan 2020
Unearthing the gems that are our female forebears
A Mackay Regional Council Libraries project is unearthing a treasure trove of history about our community’s female ancestors.
Published: 24 Jan 2020
$4000 arts bursary extended
Applications for the $4000 Artspace Mackay Foundation 2020 Hands-On Bursary have been extended until Monday, February 10.
Published: 23 Jan 2020
Library team “appy” about latest development
A new Mackay Regional Council Library service will allow residents to save money with their mobile devices.
Published: 23 Jan 2020
Graeme Connors inspired musical receives funding
A local author, producer and music star are teaming up for Heading North.
Published: 22 Jan 2020
Reusing residents’ waste for local road project
Mackay residents’ recycled glass bottles and jars are not going to waste!
Published: 22 Jan 2020
Top 10 things to do around the region
There is plenty to do around the region this week… Celebrate Australia Day at one of 11 council supported events across the region, from lamington and pie eating competitions to water slides and sailing, drop into Artspace Mackay for the last days of their summer holiday art program and book a seat for a half-day workshop to get your 2020 business digital marketing right.
Published: 22 Jan 2020
Marine debris sculptures explore environmental anxieties
Research by an Australian team of scientists has found that discarded plastics now contaminate the diets of 90 per cent of marine bird species.
Published: 22 Jan 2020
Prevent dengue by cleaning up around the house
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region councils are urging residents to protect themselves against dengue after 13 cases were confirmed in Rockhampton last year.
Published: 21 Jan 2020
New play equipment towers high above Northview Park
Council is looking forward to installing some exciting new play equipment at Northview Park in Glenella next month.
Published: 17 Jan 2020
Memorial pool community reference group being formed
Expressions of interest are being sought for a new community reference group to help inform council on redevelopment of facilities at Mackay’s Memorial Swimming Centre.
Published: 10 Jan 2020
Learn the art of filmmaking
Dudley Denny City Library is looking for 10 young people with an interest in filmmaking.
Published: 03 Jan 2020
New pathway to connect City Centre to Mackay Harbour
From Monday (January 6) it’s full steam ahead on construction work for the shared bike and pedestrian pathway that will link Mackay Harbour to the Mackay City Centre.
Published: 02 Jan 2020
Relaxation is the name of the game for Spring Picnic
Nothing says spring like a relaxing picnic on the grass under the shade of a majestic fig tree.
Published: 08 Oct 2019