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We are over half way through this financial year and into the second month of 2020 already, so it’s a good time to review the exciting projects we have underway.
Council has adopted the Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2020-2025 which gives us a focus on growing our economy in a more diversified and sustainable way. Our goal is to ensure the Mackay region is able to attract investment, and to capitalise on economic growth opportunities.
Late last year, Council approved the preparation of an independent report on current and future industrial land supply. The report, to be completed this year, will help us be proactive in meeting market demands.
We hit another milestone with Council endorsement of the Mackay Waterfront Master Plan in January. This document is the guide for the development of the Mackay Waterfront, and another important step in bringing this pivotal project to fruition.
Over the last year we welcomed more than 1.1 M visitors to our beautiful Mackay region. The recent adoption of a major amendment to the planning scheme now offers new opportunities to boost RV tourism. Responding to the increased demand for tourism services in the City Centre, Mackay Tourism will be moving from their current premises on Nebo Road to a new tourism kiosk at the popular Bluewater Lagoon.
The Mackay region is the best region in Australia to invest in at the moment. There are opportunities abound and our Council is here to facilitate them if we can.
Mayor Greg Williamson,
Mackay Regional Council
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New opportunity for RV tourism
On December 11, 2019 Council adopted a major amendment to the planning scheme which provides opportunities for small-scale self-contained recreational vehicle grounds to establish in appropriate locations as new facilities or within existing tourist parks.
Version 3.0 of the Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2017 commenced on February 3, 2020.
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Grant to create iconic attractions
Calling all placemakers, artists, musicians or anyone with a creative idea who is wanting to activate the Mackay region. Council's Activate My Place placemaking grant program is back for another year, with $30,000 up for grabs.
Round two of the AMP placemaking grant program is now open and will close on March 30, 2020.
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Additional funding splashed out
Council approved an extra $177,651 for a Mackay Tourism kiosk to be built. The additional funding will allow the project to proceed as planned. Once completed, Mackay Tourism will move from the current premises on Nebo Road to the new tourism kiosk at the popular Bluewater Lagoon.
Mackay Tourism also operates a new Visitor Information Centre south of the new Mackay Ring Road at Sarina’s Field of Dreams Parklands.
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Connecting Mackay business people
Business Beacon is an online platform where you can discover all of the workshops, conferences, networking events and general business happenings in our region – in just the one place.
If you are a business professional, entrepreneur or just starting out in your career and you want to upskill, grow your business or connect with others check out businessbeacon.com.au, discover all the events in your area and sign up to get alerts on new events.
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Find the right grant for your business case
Finding and accessing funding often seems a complicated and difficult process. Council's Funding Finder tool is offering businesses, community groups and individuals free access to a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities. The online search engine allows you to search over 984 relevant grants worth $35.8 B.
Don't miss out on funding and get updates delivered to your inbox.
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PDA Master Plan endorsed
On January 22, 2020 Council endorsed the Mackay Waterfront Master Plan. The master plan sets out the public realm vision and concepts for the Mackay Waterfront over the next 20 years to inform more detailed design of individual projects in the future and complement the objectives and requirements of the PDA development scheme.
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Accelerate your export success
MIW METS Export Hub, in partnership with Trade and Investment Queensland and Mackay Regional Council, has engaged the Export Council of Australia to deliver the Export Ready Program for businesses within the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
Over a 4-week period, businesses wanting to enter new export markets will receive training on a range of topics presented by a team of leading international trade specialists.
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Challenge the Mining Industry
Dare to disrupt at MackHack 2020, an event where participants come together to solve industry challenges. Throughout the weekend from March 6 - 8, 2020 participants will learn skills to turn ideas into reality, prototypes into production and connect with like minded people, industry experts and mentors.
This event is for innovative thinkers, makers, tech-heads, entrepreneurs, students, engineers, designers and unique individuals to create, test, build, discover and hack mining and METS industry challenges.
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International Education Study open for consultation
Trade and Investment Queensland is currently seeking feedback on the refreshed Start Here. Go Anywhere. Queensland’s International Education and Training Strategy to Advance Queensland 2016-2026.
The IET Strategy provides a framework for industry and government to work together to grow the industry and enhance the state’s reputation as a leading global provider of international education and training services.
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For more business event details head to www.businessbeacon.com.au
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Business events
- Waste Levy Information Session
February 14, 10am - 11am, Split Spaces
- Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews
February 18, 8am - 9am, The Dispensary
- Small Business Google My Business Workshop
February 19, 8am - 12.30pm, Jubilee Community Centre
- 2020 - What's your business plan?
February 20, 8am - 12pm, Souths Leagues Club
- Business Capability Digital Workshop
February 26, 9am - 1pm, Quest on Gordon
- The Great HR Debate - Freedom of speech and work
February 27, 5.30pm - 7pm, Magpies Sporting Club
- Customer Service Champions Workshop
March 5, 8.30am - 1pm, Harrup Park Country Club
- RIN International Women's Day business lunch
March 6, 11.45am - 2.30pm, MECC
- Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews
March 17, 8am - 9am
- Mailchimp Marketing & Business - How to generate sales via email marketing
March 18, 8am - 10am, Jubilee Community Centre
- Applying Facebook to Your Business
March 19, 9am - 12pm, Ibis Mackay
- RIN Safety Conference
March 26 - 27, MECC
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Keep up to date with what's on at the MECC.
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