Input needed to help develop regional communities

However, our communities are resilient and adaptable, and always rise to the challenges presented.

Council is working on a strategy to ensure resources are appropriately invested to support our communities from 2022 to 2027.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had a Community Lifestyle team that worked constantly to nurture, facilitate and champion the many communities of our region.

“Like any team, they work with a set of clear strategic goals – and those strategic goals are very much dictated by the needs of the community,” Mayor Williamson said. “And, obviously, community needs change overtime,” he said.

“Last time we updated the Community Development Strategy, in 2017, the region was just recovering from an economic downturn, and now we are dealing with COVID-19.

“Now is a good time to do a health check and find out what our communities’ priorities are today and into the foreseeable future.

“We will be rolling out a survey to gauge residents’ feelings around areas of accessibility, volunteering, sports and recreation, culture and arts, disaster resilience and community safety as well as a number of other areas.”

Mayor Williamson said the goal of the survey was to shape a strategy that would strengthen and connect our communities while reducing inequality and disadvantage.

“So, if you are an active community member with constructive feedback that will benefit our community, and the region as a whole, we want to hear from you,” he said.

“This is your chance to tell us what you love about living here and also what needs to change to make our community better.”

You can give your feedback at Connecting Mackay from today until Sunday, April 3, at 11.59pm. Anyone who completes the survey can go into the draw for a $100 Caneland Central gift card.

Should you need any assistance taking the survey, head to a Mackay Regional Council Library branch and ask a staff member for assistance.