Your quick two-minute guide to Mackay Regional Council’s 2021-22 budget

From rates, fees and charges increases to more than $100 million for capital infrastructure projects, we break down the 2021-2022 budget for you.

Mackay Regional Council delivered its 2021-22 budget on Wednesday, June 23.

Today’s $298 million Mackay Regional Council budget delivers a 1.5 per cent general rates rise and with it $109.5 million for capital projects.

There is also $700,000 up for grabs under the community grants program.

Here’s a two-minute guide to what’s in it for you.

RATES

After the council froze any increase on rates last year to soften the blow of Covid-19, residential rates will rise by 1.5 per cent.

The average residential ratepayer will fork out $2967 per year, an increase of $43 or 84 cents per week.

Rates and charges account for 84 per cent of council’s operating revenue.

DEBT/BORROWINGS

Debt is forecast to drop to just more than $100 million in the 2021-22 financial year, achieved via the council reducing $15.9 million of loans.

It follows a $54.2 million debt reduction over the past five years.

A 10-year forecast shows the debt gradually climbing to more than $150,000 by the 2030-31 financial year.

OPERATIONAL SURPLUS

The council is forecast to return to an operational surplus in the 2021-22 financial year with a “healthy cash balance” of about $122 million.

The surplus is expected to continue over the next decade.

FEES/CHARGES

From July 1, residents will pay about 2 per cent extra for council fees and charges ranging from pet registrations to cemetery costs.

There are some exceptions, for example the costs to dispose of vehicle tyres with the rims attached will more than double.

Fees and charges account for 7 per cent of council’s operating revenue, with development fees contributing about $1.6 million and the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre ticket sales and catering revenue providing about $2.2 million per year.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The council will spend about $109.5 million on capital infrastructure projects throughout 2021-22, and $1.3 billion over the next decade.

Major spending in the upcoming financial year includes:

$1.8 million towards designing the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trail project

$2.5 million for continued development of the Northern Beaches Community Hub

$3.1 million towards designing and the initial construction of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area

$2.3 million towards the new Animal Management Facility

$5.4 million to continue upgrade of intersection at Milton and Archibald St

$8.2 million to renew existing fleet assets

$10.7 million to widen shoulders and rehabilitate roads on pavement improvement projects

$1.5 million of projects under the state’s Works for Queensland program

$3.7 million of projects under the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program

COMMUNITY
The council’s budget provides $700,000 in grants including Covid-19 hardship grants offering up to $2000 for community and not-for-profit sporting groups.

There is also a small equipment grant for not-for-profits to buy items up to $1500.

EVENTS

The council is injecting about $1 million into its Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program to attract state, national and international visitors.