Council Commits $127M To Infrastructure In New Budget

Mackay Regional Council adopted its 2026–27 Budget at a Special Budget Meeting last week, approving a 7.16 per cent average residential rates increase alongside more than $127 million in infrastructure investment. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Mackay Regional Council has adopted its 2026–27 Budget following a Special Budget Meeting, with residents set to see an average residential rates increase of 7.16 per cent as council invests more than $127 million in infrastructure and essential services across the region.

The budget was adopted in a 7-3 vote after extensive deliberations, with Mayor Greg Williamson describing it as "one of the most difficult budgets" during his time in office. Mayor Williamson said councillors had participated in 21 meetings before reaching the final budget.

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Councillors Peter Sheedy, Ash-Lee Johnson and Nathenea McNamara voted against the budget. It was noted that days prior to the meeting, Cr Sheedy proposed an amendment to reduce the average residential rates increase to six per cent, however the amendment was not carried through.

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For the average residential ratepayer, the adopted budget represents an increase of approximately $5.26 per week. Council has also consolidated levies into the general rate, a move it says will return an average of $27 to residential ratepayers, while rates concessions will continue to be available for eligible residents.

Council says the rate increase will support the delivery and maintenance of essential services including roads, footpaths, drinking water, drainage, parks, playgrounds, waste services, libraries and customer service, while continuing to invest in infrastructure to support the region's future growth.

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More than $127.4 million has been allocated towards renewing and upgrading infrastructure across the Mackay region, with almost 60 per cent of that funding dedicated to the renewal of existing critical infrastructure.

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Among the largest investments is more than $32 million for parks, playgrounds and community facilities, alongside $27.1 million for roads, footpaths, bridges and transport infrastructure.

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The budget also includes $15.1 million to maintain safe and reliable drinking water infrastructure and more than $12 million for the renewal of wastewater infrastructure, including works at the Mackay North and Mackay South Water Recycling Facilities.

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Council has allocated funding towards a range of major community projects, including $20.422 million for Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, which will deliver a new library, community rooms, customer service facilities, a town square, café space and undercover parking.

Other significant projects include $7.954 million for the Reed Street Connection between Rural View and Beaconsfield, $5.5 million for regional bridge upgrades, $3.6 million for regional footpath projects and $2.373 million for the next stage of Woodlands District Park in Andergrove.

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Flood resilience also remains a key focus, with $16.93 million allocated towards the Pioneer River Shakespeare Street Levee project. In addition, council has committed funding for new, renewed and upgraded drainage infrastructure aimed at improving stormwater management and reducing flood impacts across the region.

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2026-27 Mackay Regional Council Budget At A Glance

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What residents can expect:

• Average residential rates increase: 7.16%

• Average increase per household: $5.26 per week

• Levies consolidated into general rates, with Council stating this will return an average of $27 to residential ratepayers.

• Rates concessions will continue for eligible residents.

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Where the money is going:

• $127.4 million invested in infrastructure across the region.

• Almost 60% of infrastructure funding dedicated to renewing existing essential assets.

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Major investments:

• More than $32 million – Parks, playgrounds and community facilities.

• $27.1 million – Roads, footpaths, bridges and transport infrastructure.

• $25.8 million – Drainage infrastructure and stormwater improvements.

• $15.1 million – Drinking water infrastructure.

• More than $12 million – Wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

• $800,000 – Waste management infrastructure.

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Key projects:

• $20.422 million – Northern Beaches Community Hub Stage 1B.

• $16.93 million – Pioneer River Shakespeare Street Levee.

• $7.954 million – Reed Street Connection (Rural View to Beaconsfield).

• $5.5 million – Regional bridge upgrades.

• $3.6 million – Regional footpath projects.

• $2.373 million – Woodlands District Park Stage 1 Phase 3.

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More information on the Mackay Regional Council 2026-2027 Budget can be found at:  mackay.qld.gov.au/budget 

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