The toll of the coronavirus pandemic on Mackay Regional Council is evident in the figures of its 2020-21 budget, which has forecast a $5 million deficit.
Mayor Greg Williamson said revenue losses and the multi-million-dollar job of assisting the region's recovery made a noticeable impact on the $306 million budget.
"We've had revenue streams disappear in waste and the entertainment centre ... those revenue streams have been always there in previous budgets, they're not here now," he said.
As part of council's plan to alleviate financial stress on residents, there will be no rise in general rates but some notices will increase to align with new land valuations by the Department of Natural Resources.
"Our data shows that most residential ratepayers, around 59 per cent, will see no increase or will receive a reduction in their rates in 2020-21," the Mayor said.
He said it was against legislation for council to freeze rates, as they needed to be in line with State Government valuations.
"But the decision by council to adopt no increase in general rates, despite CPI being around 1.8 per cent, will ensure any rises in valuations aren't exacerbated."
Cr Williamson said it was an achievement to keep the deficit to $5 million.
"When we first started on the process three months ago, the red ink was overwhelming.
"[The budget] has been a very, very difficult one to put together, and it will probably be the most difficult in the regional council's history in terms of the bottom line."
The rates decision will cost council about $3.7 million, with other COVID-19 support measures putting the total recovery figure around $7 million.
Council will waive fees and charges for businesses impacted by the pandemic and spend $1.2 million on a special round of community grants.
It has also removed the city centre levy and halved development fees until September.
Council's long-term financial forecasts showed there would be deficits for the next two years and a surplus in the following eight.
Much-anticipated local projects secured funding in the budget, with $113 million allocated to capital works, including:
- $1.8 million towards the design of a mountain biking facility running from Eungella to Finch Hatton
- $3.3 million for designs and initial construction of upgrades to the Mackay riverfront
"We focused on liveability and how we deliver a tourism product for the region," Cr Williamson said.
