Mackay council doubles discounts for developers, Greg Williamson condemns Bluewater Trail firebug

Generous concessions will be offered to developers who build new homes in Mackay, while the firestarter which burnt $100k of council property was condemned in the first meeting of 2025.

Greg Williamson welcomed a unanimous vote on the The Facilitating Development policy

Mackay Regional Council believes doubling discounts for developers will get housing “booming again” as one councillor sees the light on the concession policy.

A motion to broaden the Facilitating Development policy was passed unanimously during the first council meeting of 2025, increasing the maximum concession value from $500,000 to $1m for new housing developments in Mackay.

It comes as support service Orange Sky warns of an increase in demand, including a “hidden demographic” of older people.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the tweaks would help get homes off the ground, and increase housing diversity in Mackay.

“If we didn’t have it we would have far more difficulty in attracting development in our region,” he said.

Councillor Alison Jones had previously raised concerns based off projections of past increases in development proposals saying she didn’t feel the policy was needed.

However, she had a change of heart following amendments which opened up discounts to duplexes and units.

“Seeing the things that are actually covered in that policy now, things like housing diversity... will certainly help with our homelessness problem with the community,” Ms Jones said.

Cartoonist Harry Bruce takes a look at how the housing crisis is affecting teachers in regional areas.

Council also reviewed the budget for 2024, with deputy mayor Karen May claiming the council was in a “fantastic position” towards reducing debt.

“When we’re planning to borrow money for huge infrastructure we have the capability of doing that,” she said.

Infrastructure charges of more than $23,000 were waived for homelessness service Chances House, with Ms Jones noting the organisation’s crucial role in the community.

Council unanimously agreed to refuse a new service station on Holts Rd, Richmond, given there was no need for an additional service station in the area until at least 2031 alluding to other more suitably zoned land which could cater for the development.

Police have confirmed they are investigating whether or not a fire which destroyed part of the Bluewater Trail was deliberately lit. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Councillor George Christensen fired up at the destruction of the Bluewater Trail walkway, calling it a “disgrace” and calling out whoever was responsible.

“It’s not just an insult to council and ratepayers but to all the families that utilise that community asset,” he said.

Council estimated it could cost upwards of $100,000 to fix, noting how difficult the materials will be to restore.

While police investigations are still underway, Mr Williamson said it was “obvious” to him that it was arson.

“Someone’s got to know something about this.”

“People need to be prosecuted,” he said.

Originally published as Mackay council doubles discounts for developers, Greg Williamson condemns Bluewater Trail firebug