Council delivers a strong budget for our region
Published: 22 Jun 2022
Council's new $302 million budget will ensure the Mackay region remains on track to become the best region for liveability and livelihood.
Mackay Greg Williamson said the 2022-2023 budget delivered the essential services while planning for the region’s future.
“Council adopted a 2.5 per cent increase in rates revenue across all categories for 2022-2023,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This is lower than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which for March was six per cent,” he said.
“The average residential ratepayer in Mackay will pay about $3048 for the 12 months.
“That is up from about $2967, so is an extra $81 for the year, or about $1.55 a week.”
Mayor Williamson said council has had to respond to some unique and challenging economic conditions in recent years.
“Council continues to face the same challenges as many businesses, including cost pressures, supply chain issues and labour shortages,” he said.
“This budget has been prepared with these challenges in mind to ensure that we have the adequate revenue to fund the expenditure that meets the needs of the community today and in the future.
“As a council, of course, it is important that we do not lose sight of delivering essential services such as roads, rubbish and service infrastructure like water and sewerage.
“But we also plan for the liveability projects that create opportunities for everyone in our region to thrive.”
Mayor Greg Williamson said this council was one of only a handful of local governments in Queensland which is in a financially strong position for the future.
“The long-term financial forecast indicates that council’s budget will remain in surplus with nominal budget surpluses forecasted every year over the next 10 years.”