With a massive capital works program, city revitalisation program and various lifestyle projects under way, Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Ken Gouldthorp, has no doubt that Mackay is “a City on the move”.
Major infrastructure and environmental projects include Stage One of the Mackay Water Resource Project valued at $76 million and a $18 million regional waste management facility, while city revitalisation and lifestyle projects include Artspace, the Botanic Gardens, Riverwalk and the Riverfront Development.
“With an annual growth rate of 1.5 per cent, meeting increasing community needs and expectations requires long term financial planning,” Ken Gouldthrop said. “Our Ten Year Financial Plan is vital for a major capital expansion of $40 million per annum for the next few years.
“Council will need to borrow to achieve all this, but with good project management and astute financial planning, it will be affordable and sustainable. This includes factoring in lifecycle costs for the running and ongoing maintenance of our new facilities.”
In addition to meeting community needs in regard to the built and natural environment, Council is committed to Total Quality Management ensuring optimum delivery of relevant, on time and cost effective services and programs.
Undertaking extensive community consultation; making the most of the City’s strong volunteering ethos; celebrating Mackay’s rich and diverse multicultural heritage; promoting vibrant agricultural, light industry, retail, fishing and tourism sectors; and advancing the arts, sport and educational pursuits are all key priorities in Council’s Strategic Planning.
At a recent seminar in Brisbane, Mackay was singled out as being the optimum location in regional Queensland for returns on property investment. Red Hill was identified as being the best for metropolitan investment.
“Council is well placed to make the most of all opportunities this growth will bring to the local community,” Ken Gouldthorp said.
