Mackay Regional Council’s 2021-22 budget includes a general rates increase of 1.5 per cent

‘This is a financially responsible budget for our ratepayers that will also ensure we continue to deliver on liveability for our residents’: Mayor Greg Williamson

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says the general rates increase is ‘modest’ compared to the Consumer Price Index. Picture: Heidi Petith

Mackay council has passed what is expected to be one of the lowest general rates increases in Queensland in its 2021-22 budget.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the “financially responsible” 1.5 per cent general rates increase would help return the budget to a $683,000 surplus in 2021-2022 following Covid-19 driving it into deficit.

“(The rise) is lower than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which for March was 1.7 per cent,’’ Cr Williamson said.

“The average residential ratepayer in Mackay will pay about $2967 for the 12 months.

“That is up from about $2924, so is an extra $43 for the year, or about 84 cents a week.”

Cr Williamson said the “moderate” rate rise would ensure the council could continue delivering “vital” infrastructure projects and maintain its growing assets including roads, water, sewerage, parks and gardens.

“Due to the cost of sourcing contractors and materials for projects increasing, because of competition for resources in the current market, a small increase in rates is needed,” he said.

Budget documents forecast a “healthy cash balance” of $122 million in 2021-22 with an expected continued operational surplus every year over the next decade.

ReNew Mackay’s plans for a proposed development in the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. Picture: Supplied.

It states this would fund about $1.3 billion in capital expenditure including “significant provision” for Mackay’s Waterfront Priority Development Area, Pioneer Valley’s mountain bike project and the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

“This budget is presented in a period of continued uncertainty due to Covid-19 that will have an effect on our region and also a profound financial and social impact nationally and internationally,” Cr Williamson said.

Compared to other Queensland regional councils, Mackay’s 1.5 per cent rate rise is slightly more than Noosa where rates are expected to increase by 1.4 per cent.

The Logan City Council passed a 2.5 per cent general rates increase while Brisbane City Council slugged its ratepayers with a 3.75 per cent rates increase.

Bucking the trend was Gladstone Regional Council which froze rates and charges for rural, residential, commercial and light industrial land ratepayers.

Its budget includes $73.4 million for capital works projects compared to Mackay’s $110 million.