Major Projects, Growth Strategies & Government Plans
Mackay is entering 2026 with significant momentum driven by large‑scale development approvals, regional planning schemes, multi‑level government investment, and emerging industry precincts. From council‑approved projects reshaping the skyline to state and federal funding improving key infrastructure, Mackay is firmly positioned for accelerated growth.
Below is a detailed look at the most important developments shaping Mackay in 2026.
🏙️ 1. Mackay Regional Council Development Plans (2025–2026 & Beyond)
Mackay Region Planning Scheme & Major Precinct Development
Mackay Regional Council continues to guide local growth through its
Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2017 (Version 4.1), updated in December 2024 to shape sustainable development into 2026 and beyond. The scheme includes amendments on flood hazard mapping, bushfire planning, recreation, and open space planning.
[mackay.qld.gov.au] Key Strategic Areas:
Mackay Waterfront PDA Development Scheme – Amended and approved in March 2024, this Precinct Development Area is driving urban renewal along the Pioneer River and Binnington Esplanade.
[mackay.qld.gov.au] Mackay State Development Area (SDA) – Approved in September 2024, this 907‑hectare SDA supports new industries such as renewable energy, biomanufacturing, and sustainable aviation fuel, leveraging Mackay’s agricultural and industrial strengths.
[coordinato…qld.gov.au] Council’s 2025–2026 Operational Plan
The Operational Plan 2025–2026 supports an exciting growth period with over $45 billion in planned or active projects across the region. It focuses on:
Capital project delivery
Managing development demand
Supporting liveability and economic resilience
[mackay.qld.gov.au] Major Development Approvals
In 2025, Council approved $117.8 million worth of development under the “Facilitating Development” policy, enabling construction to continue strongly into 2026. Projects include:
Horizons Mackay: A 14‑storey, $35M residential tower delivering 108 apartments and ground-floor retail (completion expected 2028).
Residential expansions in Beaconsfield
Aged care expansion in Mirani
Industrial and warehouse upgrades
[mackayandw…aylife.com] These approvals highlight Mackay’s push toward diversified housing, mixed‑use development, and infrastructure‑intensive projects.
🏢 2. Queensland Government Development Plans for Mackay (2025–2026)
The Queensland Government’s 2025–2026 Regional Delivery Plan invests heavily in Mackay Whitsundays, targeting safety, healthcare, housing, and key infrastructure — all supporting broader development activity.
Key State Government Investments:
Mackay Hospital Expansion At least
128 new overnight beds will be delivered as part of the statewide Hospital Rescue Plan.
[budget.qld.gov.au],
[budget.qld.gov.au] Social & Community Housing $44.1 million allocated to expand and improve housing, with
110 new social homes under contract or construction (in partnership with the Australian Government).
[budget.qld.gov.au],
[budget.qld.gov.au] Mackay Police Facility Upgrade $9.3 million to upgrade the Mackay police precinct, supporting community safety as the region grows.
[budget.qld.gov.au] Great Barrier Reef Arena (Harrup Park) — Stage 2 Upgrade $23.5 million invested as part of the 2032 Olympics “Games On!” infrastructure plan, boosting sports tourism and entertainment.
[budget.qld.gov.au] Whitsunday Skyway Tourism Project $5 million toward the new Skyway attraction, enhancing regional tourism appeal.
[budget.qld.gov.au] Industrial Precinct Investment $9.8 million committed to support development of the Salisbury Plains Industrial Precinct — reinforcing economic diversification.
[statements…qld.gov.au] Combined, these initiatives strengthen hospitals, public safety, tourism, industry, and housing — all crucial pillars for sustained development.
3. Australian Government Development Support in Mackay (2025–2026)
While there is no standalone federal “Mackay development plan,” the Australian Government works jointly with Queensland on key regional priorities. Federal involvement is confirmed primarily in:
Social & Community Housing Partnership
The federal government partners with Queensland on the delivery of
53,500 social homes by 2044, with Mackay’s 110 homes (currently being built or contracted) forming part of this national housing pipeline.
[budget.qld.gov.au],
[budget.qld.gov.au] Economic Development Alignment
The Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025–2030 includes federal engagement in:
Advocacy for national-level investment
Infrastructure funding support
Workforce and industry development
[connecting…kay.com.au]
✨ Conclusion: A Transformative Year for Mackay
The combined influence of local, state, and federal plans makes 2026 one of Mackay’s most significant development years in decades.
In Summary:
Council is driving urban renewal, residential growth, and industrial expansion through planning schemes, SDA/PDA frameworks, and major development approvals.
Queensland Government investment is strengthening hospitals, police, tourism, sports infrastructure, housing, and industrial precincts.
Australian Government partnerships support housing delivery and broader economic planning.
Market confidence remains strong across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.
Mackay is not just growing — it's evolving strategically, sustainably, and with long‑term resilience in mind.
