Media releases
Most recent
Top 10 things to do around the region
Check out the wide range of activities on offer across the region, featuring council facilities and programs. Enjoy singing and dancing with the kids at Libraries’ Baby Bounce, discover how to set financial goals and don’t forget the Anzac Day services around the region!
Published: 19 Apr 2021
Children’s book teaches 3Ps lesson
“I’m a toilet so I only eat toilet paper, pee and poo,” is the refrain of Harold the Hungry Toilet in a new illustrated children’s book.
Published: 16 Apr 2021
Heritage Festival helps us step back in time
Mackay residents can take a step back in time over the next month as part of a national Heritage Festival.
Published: 15 Apr 2021
New Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group under way
A key to the success of a planned Northern Beaches Community Hub will be the ownership residents feel about the exciting facility.
Published: 14 Apr 2021
New name adopted for northern section of Grendon Park
Council adopted a proposal to rename the northern section of Grendon Park to Half Tide Beach Memorial Park at today’s ordinary meeting.
Published: 14 Apr 2021
Libraries hit major milestone
Four out of every 10 Mackay residents are now members of Mackay Regional Council Libraries.
Published: 14 Apr 2021
Last chance to secure Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball tickets
Mackay people have shown they’re hanging out for a party to shake off the COVID-19 blues.
Published: 14 Apr 2021
Anzac Day services return
ANZAC Day services across the region will return “as normal” this year after residents commemorated from their driveways in 2020.
Published: 13 Apr 2021
Water supply interruption at Marian
Council wishes to advise Marian residents and businesses of an interruption to water supply.
Published: 12 Apr 2021
Top 10 things to do around the region
Check out the wide range of activities on offer across the region, featuring council facilities and programs. Enjoy art, singing and dancing with the kids at the BMA Kidspace, discover how to set financial goals or learn how to play the ukulele.
Published: 12 Apr 2021
MECC to host next week’s council meeting due to COVID restrictions
Next week’s ordinary meeting of council has been moved from Council Chambers to the MECC due to current COVID restrictions.
Published: 09 Apr 2021
Start your new garden at the click of a button
Council's popular Free Native Plant Program is returning this month with more opportunities for ratepayers to collect their plants.
Published: 09 Apr 2021
Weekly tests help residents swim with peace of mind
Council has created a webpage to make it easier for residents to make informed decisions about whether they should swim at Platypus Beach or not.
Published: 09 Apr 2021
Draft Corporate Plan open for community comment
Mackay residents are being invited to have their say on council’s new draft Corporate Plan 2021-2026.
Published: 08 Apr 2021
Volunteer Expo offers unmissable recruitment opportunity
The popular Mackay Volunteer Expo is back this year and council is calling for organisations to step up and show off their volunteer opportunities.
Published: 08 Apr 2021
Top 10 things to do in the region
There’s lots to do around the region next week, with plenty of school holiday activities continuing to keep the kids entertained.
Published: 06 Apr 2021
Vandals continue to target popular lookout
Lamberts Lookout is the latest target of vandalism with three instances over the past six months.
Published: 01 Apr 2021
Council catching illegal dumpers red handed
Council is cracking down on illegal dumping and is warning offenders that large fines apply for those caught breaking the law.
Published: 01 Apr 2021
Bag a bargain at Gordon White Library
Book into the Gordon White Library book sale and you can score a bag of books for the price of a cup of coffee.
Published: 01 Apr 2021
Proposed rename for northern section of Grendon Park
Council is looking to support an application to rename the northern section of Grendon Park to Half Tide Beach Memorial Park.
Published: 31 Mar 2021
MECC postpones Easter weekend events
Following the Premier’s announcement that Greater Brisbane is in lockdown for three days from 5pm Monday, April 29, the MECC have been forced to postpone their Easter weekend event, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show.
Published: 30 Mar 2021
COVID-19 update – Greater Brisbane three-day lockdown
Queensland Health has issued a state-wide directive that all Queenslanders must wear masks in indoor spaces such as shopping centres from tonight (March 29, 5pm).
Published: 29 Mar 2021
Council facilities Easter closures
Mackay Regional Council would like to advise residents of the following council facility closures over the Easter break.
Published: 29 Mar 2021
School holiday activities
Entertain the kids these school holidays with the following great activities across the region.
Published: 29 Mar 2021
Mackay’s Legendary Neighbours recognised
When the Mallet family’s European holiday was cancelled due to COVID-19, their amazing neighbours stepped up and brought Europe to them.
Published: 26 Mar 2021
Palm tree removal at Seaforth
Council will be removing 13 coconut palms along Seaforth Esplanade Reserve next week due to safety concerns.
Published: 26 Mar 2021
Splashpad getting ready for Easter fun
The Bluewater Lagoon splashpad will be closed for two days from Monday, March 29 to Tuesday, March 30.
Published: 26 Mar 2021
Council keen to support fitness programs in rural areas
Subsidised fitness classes in rural locations are the focus of a new Active in the Regions program.
Published: 25 Mar 2021
Creative ideas wanted for our public spaces
Residents have the power to reinvent and reimagine some of our public places around the Mackay region, thanks to council’s Activate My Place! (AMP!) placemaking grants.
Published: 25 Mar 2021
Top 10 things to do around the region
Top 10 things to do in the region
Published: 22 Mar 2021
Mayor’s Charity Ball back and ready to shake off COVID blues
Dust off your frocks and suits and shake away the COVID blues – the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball is back.
Published: 19 Mar 2021
Online consultation open for Finch Hatton Trailhead master plan
A trailhead is a place where you start and finish your mountain bike adventures which contains facilities that support riders.
Published: 18 Mar 2021
Champion of disadvantaged Sarina youth recognised with award
Teresa McNaughton’s selfless work provides something priceless to students in the Sarina area – confidence.
Published: 18 Mar 2021
Apply now to be part of one-of-a-kind curated market
Artspace is putting the call out to artists, designers, makers, foodies, musicians and craftspeople to get involved in a market with a difference.
Published: 17 Mar 2021
Mackay’s earliest art acquisitions tell of a changing ecology
An exciting exhibition that contrasts European anthropological depictions with the works of contemporary Indigenous artists is on show now at Artspace Mackay.
Published: 17 Mar 2021
Have your say on master planning
Finch Hatton community members are being encouraged to attend workshops happening this Thursday (March 18) to discuss master planning for the Finch Hatton trailhead.
Published: 16 Mar 2021
Council community grants provide life-saving support
Having a defibrillator at hand can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Published: 16 Mar 2021
Top 10 things to do in the region
Find out what's available around the Mackay region.
Published: 15 Mar 2021
Three Pioneer River reefs to help anglers get hooked on Mackay
Getting anglers from all over the world “hooked on Mackay” is one step closer due to an exciting artificial reef project.
Published: 11 Mar 2021
Mackay Regional Council commits to Small Business Friendly Councils initiative
Small businesses in the Mackay region will receive added support from a new Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) commitment made by Mackay Regional Council today.
Published: 10 Mar 2021
Memorial pool community reference group dissolved
Council has today voted to formally dissolve a community reference group set up to inform plans for redevelopment of the Mackay Memorial Swimming Centre.
Published: 10 Mar 2021
Top 10 things to do around the region
Top 10 things to do...Find out what's available around the Mackay region.
Published: 08 Mar 2021
Drainage works to reduce flooding on Sarina Beach Road
A drainage project totalling $2.3 million is set to start in Sarina on Monday (March 8).
Published: 05 Mar 2021
New Regional Queensland Council of Mayors calls for SES report release
Regional mayors are calling on the State Government to release a report on a review of the State Emergency Service (SES) as a matter of urgency.
Published: 04 Mar 2021
Mackay to host under 20 Australian junior and Ivor Burge Championships
Mackay will host the Under 20 Australian Junior and Ivor Burge Basketball Championships for the first time in both 2021 and 2022, as part of a two-year agreement between Basketball Australia (BA), Tourism and Events Queensland and Mackay Regional Council.
Published: 04 Mar 2021
City Centre palm tree maintenance
Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the City Centre this Saturday (March 6).
Published: 02 Mar 2021
Sarina Women’s Week nominations close Friday
There are just a few days left to nominate women who work hard for the Sarina community.
Published: 02 Mar 2021
Top 10 things to do
Top 10 things to do...Find out what's available around the Mackay region.
Published: 01 Mar 2021
Platypus Beach latest results show little change
Ongoing water testing at Platypus Beach shows little change to initial results.
Published: 26 Feb 2021
Rural culvert replacement works about to begin
Council will be replacing aged culverts on Munbura Road in Sarina and Tedfords Road in Victoria Plains.
Published: 26 Feb 2021
Reduced camping fees to increase demand
Council is reducing the cost to camp at Ball Bay and St Helen’s Beach camping reserves.
Published: 24 Feb 2021
Mackay environment shines in four new Artspace exhibitions
The Leap, Cape Hillsborough, Eungella, North Eton, Kinchant Dam, the Kommo Toera Trail and dozens of other iconic local locations feature in Artspace Mackay’s latest exhibitions.
Published: 24 Feb 2021
$188,000 on offer for community groups
Council has $188,000 up-for-grabs to boost our region’s community and not-for-profit groups.
Published: 23 Feb 2021
Platypus Beach remains closed
Platypus Beach will remain closed to the public this weekend and until further notice.
Published: 19 Feb 2021
Cone Street Park improvements set to begin
Cone Street Park at Shoal Point is getting an upgrade this month thanks to council works.
Published: 19 Feb 2021
Council shines light on legendary neighbours
Do you have the kind of neighbour who will feed your pets while you’re on holiday or lend you a roll of loo paper during lockdown?
Published: 17 Feb 2021
Sarina puts the call out to recognise exceptional women
Past winners of the Mary Malone Perpetual Award have included tireless volunteers Colleen Burt and Dianne Barnett and Queensland Country Women’s Association stalwart Lyn Hackett.
Published: 17 Feb 2021
Platypus Beach to remain closed to public users
Water sample collection and testing at Platypus Beach has been completed following public health concerns raised on Monday (February 15).
Published: 16 Feb 2021
Platypus Beach closed
As of this afternoon (February 15), Mackay Regional Council has closed Platypus Beach.
Published: 15 Feb 2021
Aged water main replacement works in Marian
An aged water main in Anzac Avenue in Marian is being replaced over the next four months.
Published: 15 Feb 2021
Online Sports Expo kicking goals for local clubs
The Online Sports Expo is helping local clubs and sporting groups sign up new members.
Published: 12 Feb 2021
Fifth Lane pavement revitalisation works
Mackay City Centre’s Fifth Lane pavement will soon complement the bright, creative murals that line the laneway.
Published: 12 Feb 2021
Tip Shop visit inspires exciting community project
When Clancy Morgan spotted an old, worn piano at the Incredable Tip Shop it proved to be the catalyst for an exciting community project.
Published: 10 Feb 2021
Creative talent boosted thanks to bursary presentations
Three talented locals received cheques totalling $5000 at a council morning tea today.
Published: 10 Feb 2021
Emotional short film captures local bush fire stories
Experience first-hand accounts of the 2018 Eungella Bushfires through an emotional short film that encapsulates the events, as they occurred.
Published: 09 Feb 2021
Reckless waste disposal causes another truck fire
Another fire has caused a close call in a council waste truck.
Published: 09 Feb 2021
Seaforth welcomes new shared pathway
A beachside town is counting the days until a new shared pathway is accessible for their community.
Published: 09 Feb 2021
Platypus Beach closed for railway repairs
A small section of Platypus Beach will be closed to the public from Monday, February 8, until Friday, April 30.
Published: 03 Feb 2021
New plant to improve Koumala’s water supply
Council is moving ahead with plans to improve Koumala’s potable water supply.
Published: 01 Feb 2021
Online Sports Expo goes live on website
The 2021 Online Sports Expo and Sign-on is now live on council’s website.
Published: 29 Jan 2021
Works accelerated on Midge Point Water Network
Mackay Regional Council is prioritising works to address ongoing dirty water issues in the Midge Point Water Supply System.
Published: 29 Jan 2021
Community Grants of $188,000 close next week
Community groups have until midnight next Friday (February 5) to tap into $188,000 on offer through council’s community grants.
Published: 29 Jan 2021
New crossing to improve pedestrian safety in Mackay City Centre
A scramble crossing will be installed at the intersection of Milton and Alfred streets to improve pedestrian safety to the Mackay Showgrounds.
Published: 28 Jan 2021
Outstanding community members recognised with Australia Day honours
Mackay's 2021 Citizen of the Year Mabel Quakawoot has been many things to many people – an active citizen, an educator, a mentor and volunteer.
Published: 25 Jan 2021
Mackay lookout upgrades enhance must-see million views
More than $1.42 million in upgrades to enhance views from the North Mackay Rotary Lookout have been completed thanks to an investment by the Palaszczuk Government.
Published: 22 Jan 2021
Council meetings move back to Chambers
The first ordinary meeting of 2021 next week will also mark a return to the Council Chambers after COVID-19 forced a relocation to the MECC for much of 2020.
Published: 22 Jan 2021
Mystery trio has Mackay thinking
What makes someone important to you?
Published: 21 Jan 2021
Midge Point Water Network flushing works
Council has recently conducted water flushing in the Midge Point Water Network.
Published: 20 Jan 2021
Test your dengue knowledge to win
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional councils are calling on residents to test their dengue knowledge by completing an online quiz as part of an annual awareness campaign.
Published: 20 Jan 2021
Mackay ARC hosts elite Australian swim team
A team of 22 elite swimmers are in Mackay this week training ahead of this year’s Olympic trials.
Published: 19 Jan 2021
Traffic management for garden maintenance
Council will be carrying out garden bed maintenance on the Bruce Highway on Saturday, January 23.
Published: 19 Jan 2021
Water supply interruption at Finch Hatton
Council wishes to remind Finch Hatton residents and businesses of an interruption to water supply on Wednesday (January 20).
Published: 18 Jan 2021
Meet the design team behind Seaforth Esplanade’s upgrades
Residents are being invited to learn more about the Seaforth Esplanade Park later this month.
Published: 18 Jan 2021
Artspace explores climate change with kids in pop-up venue
Artspace Mackay will be hosting art activities inspired by environmental and social issues in a special pop-up venue this month.
Published: 14 Jan 2021
Proposed changes to local laws
Council has proposed amendments to six local laws and the public is being invited to leave their feedback.
Published: 08 Jan 2021
Full steam ahead on upgrades to Ooralea playground
Residents living on the southern side of town can look forward to some exciting new playground upgrades that are “on track” for delivery in early 2021.
Published: 07 Jan 2021
Libraries take up the fight against fake news
Mackay Regional Council Libraries have two programs starting in the new year aimed at helping young adults become more social media savvy.
Published: 24 Dec 2020
North Mackay Rotary Lookout opens in time for Christmas
Christmas has come early for Mackay residents with the final touches of the North Mackay Rotary Lookout complete.
Published: 24 Dec 2020
Don’t miss your chance to acknowledge our local heroes
Time is running out to recognise incredible individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond in 2020.
Published: 23 Dec 2020
Council to send 2020 out with a bang
It hasn’t been the best year for partying, but council is determined 2020 will go out with a bang!
Published: 23 Dec 2020
New sand stockpile site for the region
Seaforth now has an emergency sand stockpile on Elizabeth Street.
Published: 23 Dec 2020