The Post-Footy Journey Of Steve Jackson

By Sam Gillespie

He’s known for scoring one of the most famous grand final tries in rugby league history and after almost three decades of owning Lenard’s franchise's post-footy career, Steve Jackson has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Mackay.

Jackson was born in Mackay in 1965, growing up in a sporty family where weekends were spent playing rugby league, soccer, basketball and Australian rules, before he made the decision to pursue rugby league at the age of 14.

Playing representative football throughout his junior years, he made his first-grade debut for Magpies in 1985 before getting the opportunity to sign with the Canberra Raiders in 1986.

Playing a series of reserve grade games under Wayne Bennett led him to achieving his lifelong dream of playing in a grand final.

“I used to watch grand finals since I was five years old in Mackay … here I was playing in the top league in the country in a grand final, so I wanted to give it everything I had,” he said.

Coming off the bench in the 1989 decider against the Balmain Tigers, Jackson scored a match-sealing try that has become a part of rugby league history.

With a 15-14 lead with mere minutes to go, Mal Meninga collected a desperate Balmain grubber and promoted the ball to Jackson who barged his way off defender after defender.

“All I can remember thinking was, ‘I can score a try in a grand final here,’ and I reached out, popped the ball down with my left hand, looked up and saw a young Bill Harrigan pointing his arm and blowing the whistle,” he recollected.

“I remember putting my head down, it was right on the try line, and I remember saying, ‘I made it, I made it, I made it.’

“It was a dream come true.”

Jackson’s career took him to Western Suburbs Magpies, Gold Coast Seagulls and State of Origin before injury forced him to retire in 1994.

He returned to Mackay in 1995, taking on a coaching position at Magpies, but faced a dilemma often experienced by footy players at the end of their careers.

“When I retired, I not only lost the game, I lost my wife, I lost my job, so I went from the penthouse to the outhouse in 12 months and it was a dark place for me,” he said.

“The resilience I learnt in rugby league got me through.”

At 32, Jackson remarried before opening Lenard’s Mount Pleasant in 1997 and purchasing Lenard’s Caneland Central in 2018.

“The business then saved me because there was a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“What I’ve put in place from football is the same principles and discipline in my business.”

After 27 years in business, both poultry and real estate, Jackson welcomes his next challenge: running for Mayor of Mackay.

“Greg Williamson’s doing a fantastic job, but sometimes change might be needed and I believe Mackay is a sleeping giant,” he said.

Going from challenge to challenge and strength to strength, Jackson’s advice from someone who’s experienced it all is to always have a dream.

“If I’d have told people when I was 15 years old listening to State of Origin on the radio that I was going to play nine games for Queensland and play in a grand final they would’ve laughed at me,” he said.

“But look what happened.”

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Rugby League Legend, Lenard’s Franchisee and Mayoral Candidate Steve Jackson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Mackay Festival of Arts has begun and the first week will be packed with the soulful Jazz Brunch, awe-inspiring circus Le Coup, the hilarious High Tea with Booff and plenty more.

The first official festival event will transform the MECC into a high-energy spandex romp on Saturday, July 1.  Werk It by Circus Trick Tease is an adults-only circus event that is known for its sass, swagger, colour and acrobatic feats.  

The Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch, on Sunday, July 2, is a much more relaxed affair.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year a sensational collaboration between Conjazz, the exceptional Australian jazz vocalist Gregg Arthur and renowned jazz pianist Peter Locke would have the crowd enthralled.

“And, of course, the array of delicious brunch delicacies never disappoints!” he said.

However, the Mayor said the hero event for the first week of the festival was the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub.

“The Civic Centre Precinct will transform into a hub of street food, craft beer and sensational entertainment from Monday, July 3, through to Sunday, July 9,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The shows at the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub are unlike anything we’ve had before,” he said.

“There’s a lot of excitement around having Le Coup in the Japanese-inspired Ukiyo tent.

“This is a show with a lot of really intense, death-defying stunts – they are swallowing swords, cracking whips and breathing fire.  

“It’s billed as ‘fight night at the circus’ and with the intimate atmosphere of the Ukiyo tent, audiences really will be ringside for the action.”

Festival and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said High Tea with Booff was also an intimate show – one that promised front row seats to every attendee.

“Each show has just 10 tickets; you are literally at a tea party with this eccentric, charming, larger-than-life character named Booff,” Ms Porter said.

“No two shows are the same – he goes off script, improvises and interacts with his audience in a way that is really original and hilarious,” she said.

“Grab your friends and come along, because High Tea with Booff is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.”

Also on show at the Civic Precinct is a captivating digital animation projection.

Crossroad Arts and local new media artist Donna Maree Robinson facilitated a series of workshops with students and community members from all walks of life to create an animated artwork called ‘Time of our Lives’ that will be projected onto the façade of Artspace Mackay.

The artworks are the participant’s interpretation of how they mark time and special occasions and features original artworks by local botanical artist Kate Brunner.

Time of our Lives will be projected from 6pm to 8pm every evening from July 3 to July 9.

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Le Coup will be performing death-defying stunts in the Japanese-inspired Ukiyo tent as part of the Festival of Arts

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Inclement weather wasn’t going to get in the way of a successful Whitsunday STEM Challenge held in Mackay recently.

Seventeen teams had travelled from Goondiwindi, Bundaberg, Emerald, Sarina, Calen and Townsville to participate in the annual Pedal Prix race, which was called off on day two due to bad weather.

CQUniversity campus coordinator and secretary for Whitsunday STEM Challenge, Leanne Williams said 10 hours of racing at the Mackay Kart Track had been completed before the race had to be cancelled.

“That was sufficient time of racing for us to be able to finalise the winners,” Ms Williams said.

“There were over 200 people at the track to cheer on the students and the vibe was fantastic,” she said.  

“There was amazing teamwork from the students. One school lost a vehicle due to their steering snapping and another school had a lot of vehicles in the race and invited the team to join them!”  

Mackay Northern Beaches took out the senior boys’ trophy for the third year and Emerald took home three trophies including best school-built vehicle.  

The event formed part of the annual Festival of STEM (FoS) Challenge which is now in its fifth year.

General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, Linda Murry said BMA was proud to support the Festival of STEM, which encourages the next generation to consider STEM careers.

“During the festival students were exposed to STEM in a fun environment and learnt new skills from the various competitions,” Ms Murray said.  

“Programs like the Festival of STEM provide excellent insights into STEM career pathways for future generation of school leavers.”

More than 400 students registered to compete in the F1 in schools, drones and robotics competitions held later in the week.

Teams travelled from as far as Bowen and Townsville along with many students travelling from Sarina and the local high schools.

“This year the Whitsunday STEM committee has gifted robotic equipment to three different pioneer valley primary schools so they can learn new coding skills and compete in the Mackay competition,” Ms Williams said.

“Local sponsors joined CQUniversity to share career pathways with the students who attended.”

By CQUniversity

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Hundreds of students participated in the 2023 Whitsunday STEM Challenge and Pedal Prix

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By Amanda Wright

State Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick visited Mackay last week, to break down where an infrastructure spend of $623.4 million for the Mackay-Whitsunday region would happen, on top of the 2023-24 State Budget $613.1 million for the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

After announcing the $75M provision in the budget to cover Mackay Base Hospital’s multi-level car parking building (as covered on page three), Treasurer Dick also visited the Resources Centre of Excellence to view plans for the Stage 2 development. He also spoke at the MECC as part of the Queensland Budget and Economic Outlook event co-hosted by the Greater Whitsunday Alliance and the Queensland Treasury and Trade and Investment Queensland before visiting council chambers to speak briefly at the start of the Mackay Regional Council’s annual budget meeting.

The lunch event held at the MECC was attended by more than 80 Mackay and Whitsunday government, industry and community leaders to hear from the Treasurer about the regional action plan for the Greater Whitsunday region after the 2023-2024 Queensland Budget announcement earlier in the month.

The Mackay event was one of a series of six visits by the Treasurer where he briefed attendees on the Queensland Budget and the Economic Outlook for the 2023-2024.

Speaking at council’s budget meeting, Treasurer Dick said that his presence at council and the councillor’s attendance at the economic outlook event at the MECC is an indication of the great partnership that exists between state government and local government.

“Our state government can not work without those effective and productive relationships,” the Treasurer said.

He wished the councillors well with their deliberations for the budget as he emphasised that when it comes to public entities, it is the people’s money that is being spent.

“The truth is, it’s not our money,” he said.

“I have a sign in my office, it’s a saying that my old father who has now passed used to say, ‘It’s other people’s money’, and you always have to remember that, to use it in a disciplined way for our people.”

The Treasurer said we can all take confidence in the great future that exists for Queensland and for Mackay, coming out of COVID better than anywhere else in the country.

“Record surplus, low debt profile and now giving back to the people with the biggest capital works program in our state’s history, $89B which is $30B more than our budget last year over the next four years.

“The future is bright in Queensland.”

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L-R Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall, Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick and Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen look over Stage 2 plans for the Resources Centre of Excellence

Mayor Greg Williamson speaks with the Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick and Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen at the MECC during the Queensland Budget and Economic Outlook event

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Heats Up Mackay

If you think you can handle your spice, Burger Urge is inviting you to put it to the test.

The gourmet burger chain launched the new Nashville Death Wish burger across its Mackay stores last month, featuring the sweat-inducing, tear-generating Aged Moruga Scorpion chilli which is considered one of the hottest chilies in the world, with a heat of 2 million Scoville heat units.

The hot new burger boasts a southern twist with hot fried chicken breast, jalapenos, pickles and crunchy slaw, covered in lashings of Nashville death sauce which Burger Urge executive chef, Joel Chrystal said transforms the burger into a beast.

“This is our fourth attempt at Australia’s hottest burger and over those five years, we’ve only ever seen a few crazy souls finish the whole thing so we’re excited to see which brave Aussies can tackle our hottest burger ever,” he said.

“It features what we’ve coined as Death Wish Sauce, made in collaboration with award winning local legends 13 Angry Scorpions; filled with aged Moruga Scorpion chillies which are a whopping 400 times hotter than the average jalapeno and more than 500 times than most tabasco sauce.”

While Burger Urge Mackay Back of House Crewmember Thja Gilbert hasn’t tried the burger, she said the sauce is very spicy.

“I like spice, but that level is ridiculous,” she said.

“Just the slightest bit … I tried it with a toothpick, put it on my tongue and it was instant.”

Claimed to be Australia’s most unfinishable burger, brave tasters of the new Death Wish are required to wear gloves, safety glasses, protective gear, and sign a safety waiver before tasting.

“If the customer can’t handle the spice, they can ask for a free glass of milk and milk is the only thing that will help,” Ms Gilbert said.

The hot new burger is available at Burger Urge Mackay and Andergrove until July 27.

The first 20 Bite Club members in each store to complete the burger will also receive an exclusive Death Wish keychain.

Ms Gilbert’s last words of encouragement?

“Good luck.”

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Burger Urge Mackay Back of House Crewmember says “good luck” to anyone trying the Nashville Death Wish burger. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Nashville Death Wish burger is claimed as Australia’s most unfinishable burger. Photo supplied

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A significant breakthrough has been made in the investigation into an alleged robbery incident that occurred on Parkland near Barnes Creek Road, just outside of Mackay, during the early morning hours of June 25. Two 14-year-old boys, who were camping at the site, were victims of the disturbing incident.

Mackay police reported that the boys were abruptly awakened from their sleep inside a tent by two men who were banging on the tent. Allegedly, one of the men threatened the boys with a knife, while the other physically assaulted one of them. The assailants then proceeded to steal belongings from inside the tent. The boys did not sustain any major injuries requiring medical attention.

As a significant development, a 29-year-old Beaconsfield man has been arrested in connection with the robbery. He has been charged with the following offenses:

Two counts of armed robbery

Unlawful possession of a drug utensil (waterpipe)

Unlawful possession of a dangerous drug (cannabis sativa)

At the time of print the alleged suspect was scheduled to appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court, where charges will be formally presented.

When assisting police with information regarding this incident, quote this reference number: QP2301046020.

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By Amanda Wright

For the sixth time in the past five years, foreshore plants at MacCarthy Street, Hay Point have been killed by what Mackay Regional Council has labelled as a “selfish act of vegetation vandalism”.

This time, 10 plants, ranging from previously replanted vegetation to mature she-oaks, have been killed, with the council saying there is clear evidence that granular herbicide was used. Vegetation vandalism has occurred at this site in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

This is the sixth occurrence and is an extremely significant act of tree and vegetation vandalism, so council said it will be bringing the full weight of its Vegetation Vandalism Policy to bear.

Mayor Greg Williamson said serial vandalism of this nature was extremely disappointing.

“Council’s environmental ranger has investigated the site and conducted soil testing near the old boat ramp in front of 25 MacCarthy Street,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Two soil samples taken at the site, in 2022 and 2020, both tested positive for the same type of herbicide,” he said.

Mayor Williamson said that it was reckless behaviour causing environmental damage.

“When the coastal plants are removed, the soil and sand start to disappear, so when you get a cyclone or a large tidal influence on that piece that has nothing to hold the sand together, we’re going to get serious problems, as we’ve seen at Lamberts and McEwen’s beaches,” he said.

“These are the issues we’re dealing with and it’s ratepayers who are having to foot the bill.”

In accordance with the policy, council will be rebadging the current 1.8m x 3.6m billboard sign with a new design that states ‘These trees have been deliberately damaged by a selfish act of vandalism’ and that sign will remain in place for five years.

“We will also be placing a second billboard at the site and, once soil tests come back safe from the herbicide, we will be replanting three plants for every one vandalised,” Mayor Williamson added.

Mayor Williamson said that there was not enough evidence available to prove the identity of the person responsible for this act of vegetation vandalism.

“This incident alone is costing rate payers almost $6500, which is why we’re saying to the community, please get on board with this, come and tell us who these perpetrators are so we can speak with them.

“It’s about protecting a beach environment that the community wants to use and love, yet someone is sacrificing this just to get a view.

“This is just not on.”

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Mackay Regional Council will be reskinning the sign in the vandalised location in Hay Point and, once the soil is safe, three plants will be replanted for every one killed

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The streets of Mackay are set to become a magical, fairy light-filled wonderland.

FireFly Lighting, on behalf of council, will be installing fairy lights in the centre median gardens along Wood and Victoria streets over the next few weeks.

15 palm trees and three street trees will be illuminated as part of the project, said Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson.

“We have received a number of requests from local businesses to increase the number of illuminated trees in the City Centre,” Mr Williamson said.

“The fairy lights will help create an inviting and ambient atmosphere for residents and visitors supporting City Centre restaurants and businesses and they will improve safety in the area.

“The lights will also complement the recent public realm work completed as part of the Mackay Waterfront project and will improve the street appeal of the CBD as a whole.”

Due to safety requirements and machinery movements, the installation of the fairy lights will require road closures.

Pedestrian access will not be affected and laneways will be accessible via traffic controllers onsite.

The works will be completed in four stages to reduce impacts to businesses in the area between the hours of 7am and 5pm and road closures will be in place during working hours only.

The taxi rank in Wood Street will also be temporarily moved to the overflow taxi rank in the centre median strip on Wood Street during the works.

Visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/city-centre-fairy-light-installation for further information.

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FireFly Lighting has completed light installation projects across Queensland. Photo supplied: FireFly Lighting

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Take the Free Bowel Screen Test Today

Leigh Stoodley knows just how important it is to complete a bowel screen test.

The 59-year-old Koumala resident had a section of her bowel removed in 2015 and was back for an endoscopy procedure last year for investigation following positive bowel screen results.

On both occasions she experienced no symptoms or abnormalities prior to screening.

June was Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and Leigh is urging people not to ignore their free Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) bowel screening home test kit when it arrives in the mail from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

“I was 50 when I received my first test kit and I didn’t do it. I put it away thinking I would do it another day and then forgot about it,” she said.

“During a visit to my doctor I was asked if I had completed my test and I said I had received it but no I hadn’t done it.

“He said it was very important and that I needed to do the test. I completed a test and not long after I was notified with a positive result that required a colonoscopy for further investigation.”

All eligible Australians between the ages of 50 and 74 are invited by the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program every two years to do the screening test.

Leigh said after undergoing surgery on her bowel in 2015 she was nervous about what the colonoscopy in 2022 would reveal.

“Going into theatre and being in recovery was quite traumatic as I was afraid what the result would be,” she said.

“Receiving the news that some polyps were found but were non-cancerous was a huge relief for me and my family.

“I am now on five-year colonoscopy checks to keep on top of any changes.”

Gastroenterology nurse coordinator Tania Mattinson said the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to reduce deaths from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease.

“Screening using a FOBT can detect blood from pre-cancerous polyps in the early stages of bowel cancer and when identified early, 90% of cases can be successfully treated,” she said.

“Regular screening is important, so take the free bowel cancer test – it could save your life.”

Leigh now encourages people to complete the test and monitor their health for any symptoms.

“It is a free service that’s not hard to do and, importantly, it provides early detection, please use it,” Leigh said.

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Tania Mattinson with Leigh Stoodley

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By Amanda Wright

Imagine zooming through the vibrant streets of Mackay, wind rushing through your hair as you effortlessly glide on a sleek purple e-scooter. Well, it seems that many locals and visitors to this coastal city have turned this exhilarating fantasy into a reality, as they have collectively travelled over a staggering 410,000 kilometers during the first year of Beam's shared e-scooter operations.

The most sought-after spots for e-scooter pick up and drop off are at key shopping and recreation hubs, including Parkside Plaza, the picturesque Mackay Harbour, Caneland Central, and the intersection of Wood and Victoria Streets. E-scooter fever peaks on weekends from 12pm to 9pm and weekdays from 12pm to 5pm, when the city comes alive with eager riders exploring its wonders.

Embarking on a Beam adventure in Mackay is not just a means of transportation but a brief escape from the ordinary. On average, riders take a 12-minute journey, covering 2.2 kilometers. The popularity of these electrifying rides has resulted in an extension of Beam's operations in Mackay for another 12 months.

Ashan Sanjeeva, the Head of Operations at Beam, shared his enthusiasm for the overwhelming response from the Mackay community.

"We're really pleased with the first year of shared micromobility being available in Mackay, and with how the community has embraced this new mode of transport,” he said.

Sanjeeva believes that the potential of shared micromobility in Mackay is boundless, as it offers a transformative solution for both residents and visitors alike, replacing car journeys with a more sustainable alternative for shorter trips under 5 kilometers.

“We see a huge potential for shared micromobility to provide transport connections to residents and visitors in Mackay, and replace trips that would otherwise be taken in a car,” he added.

“As we head into our second year of operations in Mackay, we’ll be looking to accelerate modal shift away from cars for those shorter trips under 5 kms, where e-scooters provide a great alternative.

“We’re also committed to investing in safety and rider education and enforcement, bringing new technology to the city to assist in enforcing safe riding and parking.”

At the forefront of their efforts lies the Beam Safe Academy, a groundbreaking rider education and enforcement program available 24/7. This comprehensive initiative equips every rider with a pre-trip in-app safety briefing, ensuring they are well-versed in safe riding and parking practices. Additionally, an engaging Beam Safety Quiz has been integrated into the app, rewarding participants with free credits and empowering them with a thorough understanding of riding rules.

For novice riders venturing into this electrifying realm, Beam has introduced Half Beam mode, offering reduced acceleration to ensure a smooth and comfortable learning experience. However, riders should be mindful of their actions, as a three-strikes policy will be strictly enforced. Repeated instances of reckless riding or parking offenses may result in temporary suspension, while severe violations or lawbreaking will incur permanent bans.

With Beam's unwavering commitment to safety, rider education, and the pursuit of sustainable transportation, Mackay's streets are destined to become a playground of thrilling adventures and greener journeys.

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In a significant move aimed at securing the region's sustainable growth and maintaining crucial services, Mackay Regional Council has given its seal of approval to keep this year’s rates rise below the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a practice it has successfully adhered to over the past five years.

Mayor Greg Williamson expressed his satisfaction with the budget, stating, "When you look across Queensland, we've done very well. I'm very proud of our council and team for being able to produce an average rate increase of 3.8 percent." Mayor Williamson underscored the council's efforts to balance rising costs with the community's financial well-being, affirming, "We understand you get a bill from us every six months, and it's a big bill. The federal government collects around 80 percent of taxes in Australia, we only collect around 3 percent, but we send a bill out. That's the difference in the way we have to raise our funds."

The approved rate rise equates to an average residential ratepayer in Mackay paying approximately $116 more per year, or an additional $2.23 per week. With the revised rates, the average residential rate for the year will amount to $3,164.

A breakdown of the rates reveals that $942 will be allocated towards depreciation and finance costs, while $707 will cover water, sewerage, and waste services. Additionally, $400 will be used for footpaths, roads, bridges, and stormwater maintenance, with $328 designated for property upkeep, parks, cemeteries, and environmental initiatives. Community activities and facilities will receive $315 in funding.

Mayor Williamson highlighted the need for these funds to ensure essential services and stated, "Council receives around 82 percent of all the money we need to operate via our general rate base, and there are 53,400 rateable properties in Mackay. We're not here to make money; we're here to divide the region's costs as best we can into the 53,400 rateable properties we have here in the Mackay region."

The council's commitment to economic development is evident in the allocation of $1.1 million towards the Invest Mackay Events and Conferences Attraction Program. Launched in 2015, this program has already generated over $235 million for the local economy. In addition, $2 million has been set aside for community funding support, sponsorship, and grants programs.

Mayor Williamson acknowledged the challenges faced by households but stressed the necessity of the rate increase to maintain essential services. He explained, "Having your water treated, your sewage treated, your rubbish collected, and having parks for your children to play in comes at a cost of around $291 million this year.

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

He emphasised the council's efforts to address rising costs, stating, "Like all businesses, we continue to face the same challenges, 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."

The approved rate rise aims to strike a balance between the community's ability to bear the financial burden and the council's responsibility to deliver vital infrastructure and services.

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Mayor Greg Williamson addresses media at a post-budget press conference to summarise the 2023-2024 budget. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Signature projects and cautious financial considerations took centre stage at the Mackay Regional Council's 2023-2024 budget meeting. While exciting initiatives, including the Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment and Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, generated anticipation, some councillors raised concerns about the potential burden of debt and its impact on future rate rises.

Mayor Greg Williamson expressed enthusiasm for the transformative projects, highlighting their potential to boost tourism and improve the region's quality of life for residents and local businesses. However, the cautious voices emphasised the importance of comprehensive financial planning and cost analysis for sustainable decision-making.

Mayor Greg Williamson said he was thrilled to see so many exciting projects being delivered.

“Our region has so much potential, and these projects will create new tourism opportunities while also improving liveability and livelihood for residents and local businesses,” Mayor Williamson said.

Cr Marty Bella voiced his concern over project spending, saying it’s the ‘proverbial honey trap’.

“For the chance to cut a ribbon or a photo opportunity, we’re saddled with continually increasing maintenance and depreciation debt, which we have seen increase rapidly in the past 12 months,” he said.

“Unless the whole life costs of capital projects are provided, the decisions we make are based on less-than-optimum knowledge.”

Council’s Long-Term Financial Forecast (LTFF) provides a 10-year view that demonstrates council’s ability to manage the wide range of services and infrastructure it provides to the community over the long term. It’s based on current and known activity at the time of writing and is a living plan which is continuously reviewed and updated to reflect prevailing economic conditions, updated asset management plans and community requirements.

Presented during the budget meeting, council’s LTFF showed a forecast debt balance from around $50M rising to around $220M by 2033. Cr Laurence Bonaventura questioned why this forecast had changed dramatically from the $120M anticipated last year for the same time period and why it wasn’t anticipated 12 months ago.

The Director clarified that this budget assumes more growth in the capital expenditure program over that 10-year period as well as more indexation with higher inflation and higher costs factored into the forecast that the cash reserves are anticipated to be insufficient to cover that long-term plan.

Cr Bonaventura called the rapid rise in debt “sobering” and “cause for concern”.

“It should not only be of concern to us as councillors, but to all ratepayers who will be responsible for paying back that debt over the next 20 years,” he said.

Cr Alison Jones said that council simply cannot keep undertaking new projects because of the historical projects which keep incurring maintenance costs.

“We must look after what we already have on our books,” Cr Jones said.

“Just remember what happens with continuous project escalations, overspends now and into the future.”

Cr Bella added, “While we look at our own financial position as a council, it has impacts on the financial position of the people within our region.

“While we are considering our debt and what we are building, we need to consider the financial situation of our mum and dad ratepayers and their kids, and whether the increased burden we place upon them becomes onerous, such that, it comes to a point of this place being great for liveability and livelihood is no longer, not because of a lack of facilities but because of an inability to pay dues.”

Cr Justin Englert said that this budget focuses on growth.

“Without growth there’s no investment in the region. Without investment in the region the region stagnates. A stagnated region doesn’t grow its rate base and when you don’t grow your rate base you pay more rates,” he said.

“We’ve just delivered a budget under CPI, we could have delivered a budget over CPI and the people of today can pay above CPI, or we can take out some debt and pay it off over a period of time so people of today and their kids can pay under CPI,” he added.

“Council has paid back $130M of debt over the past 8 years and now council is looking at taking on more over the next 10 years, it’s called spreading the load over multiple generations and it has allowed this council to keep rate rises under CPI for at least the last 8 years straight.”

Deputy Mayor Cr Karen May agreed with Cr Englert and said the budget focuses on the whole of council operations and spreading the load over a number of years.

“There wouldn’t be a person that sits around this table that doesn’t want to leave the assets in a better place than what they are today when we depart,” she said.

“We’re delivering and planning for the future.

“If we do not have growth in this region, we will become obsolete.

“The plan is a strong one for this region and for the ratepayers now and in the future. The door is open, we’re planning for you to come.”

Mayor Williamson wrapped up the budget by saying that the LTFF needed to be sustainable, with reasonable rate increases that the community can live with.

“It’s up to the councils of the future to deliver on. This is a forecast and the best forecast position we need to be in if we want to achieve the growth and sustainability we want to achieve as a council, this is where we need to be.”

The 2023-2024 total expenditure budget is $420 million, of which $128 million will be spent on capital projects.

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$8.1 million has been allocated to the continuation of the Mackay Waterfront redevelopment in the 2023-2024 budget

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Business improvement and change management are some of the focus areas in Mackay Regional Council’s proposed new organisational structure.

The new structure, if adopted at next month’s ordinary council meeting, will begin in October and is set to create the council of tomorrow by simplifying its operations today.

CEO Scott Owen said since taking on the role seven months ago he’d been able to see firsthand the challenges the organisation faced, but also the opportunity for positive change.

“I’ve used my own experience and coupled that with employee and customer feedback to shape the direction of council into the future,” Mr Owen said.

“The changes we are making will ensure that every employee feels empowered to take ownership of their work, be accountable for their actions and exhibit leadership at all levels.

“It will also position us as an organisation to be simpler, faster and more transparent with our community and stakeholders.”

The realignment has two phases – the realignment of the executive and senior leadership roles to ensure end-to-end flow of accountability and a review and realignment of processes and procedures.

The structure includes the establishment of a new Organisational Capability and Risk directorate which will focus on capturing business needs and changing the way council operates to move forward.

Another key change is the merging of two current directorates – Engineering and Commercial Infrastructure and Capital Works – to Infrastructure and Operations to provide clear strategic direction and focus on delivery.

Mayor Greg Williamson said that instead of being discouraged by the challenges council faced, they were being used to improve operations and provide more value to the community.

“Our employees are passionate about the work they do in striving to make our region one of the best places for liveability and livelihood,” Mayor Williamson said.

As part of the realignment, there will be no overall reductions in salaried staff and all appointments to new executive leadership roles will be handled through a fair and equitable merit-based recruitment process.

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Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen

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Budget special feature by Amanda Wright

In a decisive move towards securing the future of the Mackay region, the Mackay Regional Council has revealed its ambitious $420 million budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. With an unwavering focus on long-term financial sustainability and fostering economic prosperity, this budget sets the stage for transformative initiatives that will enhance the region's liveability and drive its growth.

Mayor Greg Williamson proudly declared that the budget aligns with the council's Corporate Plan objectives, ensuring that rate rises are kept at or below the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Despite rising costs, the 3.8 per cent rate increase remains significantly below the CPI's 7.4 per cent, demonstrating a prudent approach to financial management.

The budget allocates substantial funding to the capital delivery program, underscoring the council's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and amenities. The $128 million investment will primarily focus on vital areas such as roads, drainage, and the improvement of regional water quality.

A focus on growth has led to funding for projects that will shape the region's future and elevate its appeal to both residents and tourists alike. The continuation of the Mackay Waterfront redevelopment, with an $8.1 million allocation, promises enhanced river access, improved pedestrian connectivity, and an expanded River Wharves precinct. Additionally, the Northern Beaches Community Hub, Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Mackay Stadium refurbishment, Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment, and Woodlands District Park construction are set to redefine the region's recreational and social landscape.

With rates concessions for pensioners and not-for-profit organisations, as well as a range of incentives and discounts, the council aims to support the community while ensuring long-term financial stability. The 10 per cent early payment discount will remain in place, an incentive which has been reduced or removed by many other councils across the country. Mackay Regional Council has one of the lowest rates arrears figures in Queensland which could be partly attributed to this payment incentive remaining.

The message from this budget was clear. By investing in crucial infrastructure, supporting local events, and fostering community development, this council intends to pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable Mackay.

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Mayor Greg Williamson addresses councillors at the 2023-2024 budget meeting. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Bendigo Bank is celebrating 25 years of its unique model of community owned and operated banking in Australia.

The internationally acclaimed Community Banking model, originally designed to empower communities at risk of losing face-to-face banking services, has grown to a network of more than 300 branches nationally with $20 billion in loans and $31.3 billion in deposits.

Founded in 1998 with branches in Rupanyup and Minyip, the profit-with-a-purpose model sees a majority of the profits generated by each independently owned and operated Community Bank directed back into the community.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May thanked the Bank’s customers for their support, its team members for delivering quality service, local shareholders for backing their community and all the passionate locally based directors for their hard work and dedication.

“We would like to congratulate Bendigo Bank and Community Bank Rupanyup and Minyip on their 25th anniversary,” she said.

“The important steps they took made it possible for communities like ours and many others to take charge of our future.”

Community Bank Sarina opened in 2005, building on the success of the model.

“Community Bank Sarina has returned $3.4 million in sponsorships and grants to the community,” Ms May said.

“These contributions have supported initiatives such as the Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run, QCWA Sarina and the Sarina Cricket Association.”

Bendigo Bank and its community partners will mark the anniversary with celebrations at Community Banks around Australia.

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Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Runis one of many local initiatives supported by Community Bank Sarina. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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