Mackay risks zero funding to key projects as election looms

Mackay risks having zero commitments to its key infrastructure projects as neither major party answer local leader’s calls.

None of Mackay’s $13.3 million in election commitments have received bipartisan support.

A federal Dawson candidate has refused commitments to match any of his opposition’s election promises.

With only five days until polls close, Labor candidate Neil Wallace was yet to offer bipartisan support for any of LNP incumbent, Andrew Willcox’s election commitments.

So far, Mackay has been promised $13.3m out of $800m committed to North Queensland this election prompting civic leaders to call for more funding to the region.

MP Andrew Willcox will head to the polls on a margin of 10.4 per cent.

These include $5m towards a health hub at the Illawong RSL facility, $3 million towards the Western Leagues Club expansion and $1.5m to BB Print stadium.

The president of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce has called this election a “significant missed opportunity for the community” labelling the lack of funding committed to the Mackay as “concerning”.

“As the body representing the business community, the lack of investment in these key projects is concerning, especially when we see other regions receiving greater support,” chamber president Geoff O’Connor said.

When asked if he would match any of Mr Willcox’s funding promises, Mr Wallace said cost of living was the biggest issue facing voters in his community.

“Labor will deliver cost of living relief for everyone in Dawson, with a tax cut for every taxpayer, another $150 off your power bill, cutting HECS debt by 20 per cent, capping PBS medications at $25 and cheaper childcare,” he said.

“When I’m talking to people in our community, cost of living is the biggest issue and Labor is taking action.”

But so far, none of Mackay’s big ticket items have been promised any funding this election and civic leaders have expressed their frustration.

Some key projects that have fallen under the radar include the Renew Mackay Retravision Site development, a catalytic project aimed at revitalising the Mackay CBD with new affordable housing.

ReNew Mackay Pty Ltd property developer Craig Percival said while discussions about the project have been had with Mr Willcox, neither party had committed any funding towards the project.

Craig Percival at a think tank to revive Mackay's city centre. Picture: Heidi Petith

“We just have to find a way to bring to the people who make these decisions’ attention that we’re wanting and needing the social and affordable housing as much if not more than some of these other regions,” he said.

“Most people who are trying to get things done in our region realise that you’re not looking at the other person or a level of government or other business, it’s kind of got to be a collective arrangement.

“We’re not expecting a level of government to fund the whole development,it’s just to make a small contribution which is enough to get these projects off the line.”

Asked if any of these projects would be receiving any election commitments before the election, Mr Willcox said he would be “making further announcements as time goes on”.