Jacko's Team To Deliver Rates Cut

With a 10.5% increase in Mackay Regional Council’s rates and charges looming, Mayoral candidate Steve “Jacko” Jackson and his ‘Jacko’s Team - Mackay First’ candidates have made a bold pledge to reduce residential rates.

Council's 2023/24 budget document "Statement of Income and Expenses", endorsed by current Mayor Greg Williamson and incumbent councillors, shows a planned spike in rates and charges from $240.5 million this financial year to an eye-watering $266.1 million by 2025/26, a hike of more than 10.5%. 

In stark contrast, Jacko’s Team has an action plan which prioritises relief for ratepayers. 

By initiating a rigorous audit of the council's sprawling $420 million budget, Mr Jackson and his team aim to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, thereby directly contributing to a reduction in residential rates across the region.

Along with lowering residential rates, Jacko’s Team has committed to freezing rural rates and working with local cane farming industry leaders to address recent rate rises which saw some local family-owned cane farms suffer 90 percent increases in their rates bills.

They have also pledged to phase out rates on properties owned by local community groups, sporting groups, and charities that do not receive income from pokies.

While the commitment to lower rates sits at the core of their campaign, Jacko's Team - Mackay First is not stopping there. 

The team's action plan encompasses a holistic approach to revitalising the entire Mackay region and addressing key areas of concern for residents, including:

   • Fixing local roads: Jacko’s Team has committed to an extensive assessment and repair strategy for the local road network, targeting the perennial issue of potholes and ensuring safer, more durable roadways.

   • Improving waste management: By doubling the number of dump vouchers for households and removing voucher expiry dates, Jacko’s Team hopes to make excess rubbish removal easier for locals and reduce illegal dumping at the same time. This initiative is coupled with the reinstatement of the annual pre-cyclone clean-up service, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

   • Growing our region: Jacko’s Team will work on a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering local businesses and attracting skilled workers to address labor shortages, fostering economic growth and stability for our entire region.

   • Providing more to do: With plans to inject life into community spaces, from revitalising the Pioneer Riverfront to fast-tracking the Northern Beaches community hub to getting more family-friendly community infrastructure in the Sarina district and the Pioneer Valley, Jacko’s Team aims to enrich the cultural and social fabric of the region.

Born and raised in Mackay, Mr Jackson's deep roots, professional rugby league background, and successful small business management position him as a Mayoral candidate deeply attuned to the needs and aspirations of the community. 

The candidates from Jacko’s Team - Mackay First also have a wealth of experience in small business, farming, government, and community.

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Authorised by Jeff Keioskie, 5 Downing Street, Ooralea

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