COUNCIL APPROVES RATES RISE IN FINELY TUNED BUDGET

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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