Leaders Call For Action Mackay Demands Fair Funding Ahead Of Election

By Amanda Wright

‍
In a bold call to action, Mackay's top business and community leaders gathered last week at Harrup Park, voicing their mounting frustration over the continued lack of substantial funding commitments for the region in the Queensland State Election campaign. With just 15 days left until election day, the message was clear: Mackay has been overlooked for far too long, and it's time for that to change.
Despite the Mackay region's significant contribution to Queensland's economic output, local leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the major parties' failure to address critical infrastructure, economic investment, and community projects that the region desperately needs. Instead, campaign discussions have largely focused on state-wide issues like health, housing, and crime, leaving Mackay to fall through the cracks.
Speaking at the meeting, Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park, highlighted the glaring disparity in sporting infrastructure funding between Mackay and other regional centres like Cairns, Townsville, and Rockhampton. Of nearly $580 million committed or spent in those four regions, Mackay has received a paltry $23.3 million — just 4% of the total.
"The numbers are shocking," Mr Young stated.
"While Townsville secures 54 per cent of the funding at $312 million, Mackay’s share is minuscule. Projects like the Great Barrier Reef Arena Stage 2, which are crucial to Mackay’s growth and legacy, are left unfunded.
“We are an Olympic nation now, and Mackay deserves its place in that future.”
The lack of investment in Mackay’s sporting infrastructure could have long-lasting consequences, especially as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics loom large, potentially offering significant opportunities for regional development. Yet Mackay leaders feel the region is missing out on the chance to build infrastructure that will benefit future generations.
But the issues don’t stop at sport. Scott Owen, CEO of Mackay Regional Council, raised alarms about the broader funding inequalities seen in the state budget.
“Mackay-Whitsunday was allocated just $623.4 million in the 2023-24 state budget," Mr Owen revealed, "a staggering $1.3 billion less than Central Queensland.
“Meanwhile, Far North Queensland received $2 billion, and even North Queensland got over $1.18 billion. This leaves us in a very difficult position to achieve the growth targets we’ve set for our region.”
The funding disparity isn't just limited to major infrastructure, but also affects youth programs, another area where Mackay has been left behind. Greater Whitsunday Communities CEO Carol Norris spoke to the group about the critical need for investment in the younger generation.
"Our youth are our future," Ms Norris said, “But when you look at the funding committed to programs for young people in regions like Central Queensland and Townsville compared to what Mackay gets, the imbalance is startling.

“If we don’t invest in our young people now, we risk losing them to regions that offer better opportunities."
Adrian Miles, Mackay Airport’s Head of Operations, shared further concerns about the region’s aviation infrastructure, which is essential for both economic growth and healthcare. He outlined two major projects that have been identified as vital for the region’s future: a common-user aeromedical facility and a common-user freight facility, estimated to cost $6 million and $14 million, respectively.
"These projects are essential not just for economic development but for safeguarding the health of our region," Mr Miles explained.
"An aeromedical facility would drastically improve response times for critical health emergencies, and the freight facility would unlock more opportunities for export and growth in industries like agriculture and mining."
The meeting also touched on the critical need for road improvements in Mackay, as outlined by Road Accident Action Group President, Rod Erwin, who highlighted the often devastating cost of road accidents in the region. Despite tireless advocacy, many critical road projects remain underfunded, leaving Mackay's residents at continued risk.
"The work we do is not just about fixing roads; it’s about saving lives," Mr Erwin said.
"Every delay in road funding puts more lives at risk. How many more accidents do we need to see before action is taken?"
Mackay’s leaders have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of reinvestment into a region that continues to be an economic powerhouse for Queensland. Recent signature projects like the Resources Centre of Excellence, the Great Barrier Reef Arena, and the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails are proof that Mackay has the vision and capability to turn projects into reality. The question now is: why isn’t the region being supported with the funding it deserves?
In a unified message, the group called on state election candidates and political leaders in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Mirani electorates to commit to addressing the region’s unique priorities before election day, and to ensure that these commitments are carried through in the next four years of government.
"We’re done missing out on our fair share," one business leader declared, summarising the sentiment in the room.
"Mackay has done more than its part for Queensland, and now it’s time for Queensland to do its part for Mackay."
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Mackay’s business and community leaders are ready to hold the state’s political leaders accountable. They are demanding action — not just promises — that will secure the region's future, strengthen its infrastructure, and ensure that Mackay is no longer an afterthought in Queensland’s funding allocations.
With less than two weeks left in the campaign, the message to the candidates was unmistakable: Mackay has waited long enough.
Now, it’s time for those in power to step up and deliver.

‍

Mackay business and community leaders gather at Harrup Park, urging political candidates to address funding inequalities and prioritise the region’s future. Photos supplied

‍