Mayor hopeful Steve Jackson wants new jobs, infrastructure to help retain Mackay’s next generation

A former Canberra Raiders player turned chicken chain owner and real estate agent has listed the top topics he’s campaigning on in the race to be Mackay’s next mayor.

Mackay mayoral candidate Steve Jackson at the Steve Jackson Gala Day at Abbott Park on September 15, 2023. Photo: Toby Crockford.

The man hoping to become Mackay’s next mayor wants to streamline council spending, aim attract big new business to the region, and look into potentially building a new university.

Steve Jackson is a successful business owner, real estate agent and former footy player.

He will challenge incumbent mayor Greg Williamson come the March 16, 2024 election.

Mackay mayoral candidate Steve Jackson. Photo: Toby Crockford.

Mr Jackson is an ex-Canberra Raiders NRL player, the owner of Lenard’s chicken shops at Mount Pleasant Centre and Caneland Central, as well as a Vision Real Estate agent.

“The big things we need in Mackay – we need jobs, and we need big industries to come here,” the mayoral hopeful said.

“I’ve already made a couple of trips down to Brisbane and talked to a few big companies. Their response has been: ‘If it’s in 4740, then no’.

“But we need more jobs and bigger industries to keep our kids here.

“Our kids are growing up and having kids of their own in another city, then we lose their parents because they move to be with their grandkids.”

Mr Jackson said he does not believe the current Mackay Regional Council is doing a poor job, but he would like to streamline current spending to make the most of ratepayers’ money.

“Everything needs change sometimes. I’ve been quite humbled, the amount of response I’ve got from this (announcing his candidacy) is amazing,” he said.

“I want to build things. The secret to my success at the chicken counter is customer count – how many customers come to my counter and how many return to my counter.

Steve Jackson with junior rugby league players at the Gala Day on Friday. Photo: Toby Crockford.

“The success of Mackay is how many people want to come and live here? How many people want to stay here? We don’t want to lose our kids, so let’s build something for the kids – another university maybe?

“I know we’re talking a lot of money, but we’ve got to find that money. Not through putting rates up all of the time, we want to bring in people with money from outside of Mackay.”

Mr Jackson spent most of his Friday at Abbott Park, the home of the Souths Junior Sharkies, watching 300 children across 20 local teams playing in the Steve Jackson Gala Day.

The day has been running for 18 years, with Mr Jackson watching for the players who display the best attitude and team spirit on the field, who he rewards with Lenard’s vouchers.