November Highlights: Council Working For Our Community

By Cr Peter Sheedy

November has been a productive month for Councillors and our dedicated workforce as we continue delivering outcomes that matter for our community.

Supporting retirement village residents

Council recently addressed concerns around waste and recycling charges for retirement villages. Historically, cottages within villages were treated under the same category as residential ratepayers. However, advice on compliance with the Competitive Neutrality Principle – a key requirement in Local Government law since 2012 – recommended a shift to a commercial category.

While this change aimed to ensure legal compliance, we acknowledge the impact on residents and the complexity of legislation surrounding retirement villages. At our November meeting, council acted decisively:

Rebating $400 of the increased charge for 2025/26.

Committing to further work with retirement villages to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all residents.

We’ve also extended an apology for the way this issue unfolded and reaffirmed our commitment to collaborative solutions.

Planning for emerging technologies

Council considered a Development Application for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in a rural zone. While we support renewable energy initiatives, we listened carefully to community concerns – particularly following the Bouldercombe fire incident in Rockhampton.

Rather than simply approving or rejecting the application, council adopted a balanced approach:

Requesting the Queensland Minister for Planning to call in the application for determination.

Committing to review our Planning Scheme in 2026 to ensure appropriate locations for new technologies.

This proactive stance reflects our focus on community safety, environmental responsibility and future-ready planning, and importantly takes into account the views of many residents who live near the proposed facility who are opposed to it.

New Airport Commercial Precinct – celebrating progress

A milestone was reached at the Mackay Airport with the unveiling of six new street names in the Commercial Precinct. The ceremony, led by Airport CEO Richard Barker, included a Welcome to Country and recognition of Traditional Owners, with two streets named in Yuwi language meaning “sky” and “wind.”

This development strengthens Mackay’s position as a regional hub and highlights our commitment to cultural respect and sustainable growth. It also reminds us of the importance of maintaining effective drainage systems to protect our community during the wet season.

Season’s greetings

As we approach the season of peace and goodwill, Councillors extend warm wishes for a time of reflection, renewal and reconnection with family and friends. Here’s to a prosperous and united 2026 for Mackay.

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