Diana Kupke Writes
Mackay Growth
Mackay suffered a major flood in 2008, and has born the brunt of some minor cyclones over years but was very lucky in early 2015, to totally escape the wrath of Cyclone Marcia. The economy has a broad base and includes mining, sugar, cattle, and tourism. Sugar was in the doldrums due to massive rainfalls however this sector has since picked up. Tourism was hit hard because of Covid but by this year 2025 it had definitely picked up. For the year ending June 2024, Mackay received a total of 1.2 million overnight visitors who spend $803.1 million.
Fountain at the Mackay Regional Council
My favourite big number has been 147 for many years so it was no surprise to read 14,700 people moved to our general area during the 2011-2012 period. That is an old figure but I kept it in because of my love for the number. Mackay had the second fastest growth of all regional areas. Population of the area (2024) is 126,907 people who represent 25 nationalities.
Redevelopment of Mackay Base Hospital
Mackay Base Hospital underwent a huge redevelopment, worth $334 million, which includes four buildings and external works. While the end result is of great benefit to the residents of Mackay and district, the work has caused havoc for people seeking medical help and for visitors. Parking is at a premium and elderly people and those who are sick are seen many times each day making a long walk from the end of Streeter Avenue, in the heat of summer, to the hospital - and then back again. A very good way to get even sicker.
One of the shopping centres, Canelands, has completed the stage two extension plus a multi level car park worth $157 million. Another shopping centre at Northern Beaches cost $5 million for 17 specialty shops and construction of a supermarket.
Stadium and other construction
The cost of the new stadium was $8 million, Ergon spent $32 million on new offices, and a workshop and a diesel storage tank at the harbour cost $6.6 million.
Education spending included $5 million at Mackay Christian College and $8 million for student accommodation at CQU.
Please note this page is in dire need of a rewrite. One day.