What’s happening?
Mackay Regional Council endorsed a new Small Business Action Plan at its ordinary meeting on 22 April 2026.
The plan aims to make it easier for small businesses to operate, grow and thrive across the region.
It was developed with the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and local industry partners.
Council said the plan sets out practical and achievable actions to support Mackay’s diverse small business sector.
The plan includes 26 action items across seven key pillars.
Those pillars cover access to information, regulatory guidance, business capability, procurement, networking, youth and startup support, and ongoing promotion.
The endorsement clears the way for targeted implementation from July 2026 to June 2027.
Outcomes will be monitored with the Chamber and industry partners.
Why it matters?
The plan builds on the council’s Small Business Friendly Commitment, which it re-signed on 18 June 2025.
That commitment reaffirmed the council’s focus on cutting red tape and improving conditions for small and family businesses.
Co-Chair of council’s Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Belinda Hassan, said small businesses play a central role in the region.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Mackay region, and this action plan is about making it easier for them to do business with council and succeed locally,” Cr Hassan said.
She said the council needed to keep listening to business owners and respond to their challenges.
“With that in mind, it’s critical that the council continues to listen, collaborate and respond to the real challenges faced by business owners,” she said.
Local Impact
The plan was shaped through local consultation across Mackay and nearby communities.
That process included an online survey, four community sessions in Andergrove, Sarina and Mackay, plus one online session.
A leadership workshop was held at the end of 2025.
Council said the process helped identify what local business owners needed most.
Cr Hassan said the final plan balances clear structure with room to adapt.
“This plan focuses on practical actions that improve regulatory navigation, strengthen business capability and foster collaboration with industry and delivery partners,” she said.
“Importantly, it also allows flexibility so the council can respond to emerging opportunities and challenges.”
By the numbers
- More than 800 new businesses were established across the Mackay region over the last few years, showing continued growth in local enterprise.
- More than 12,500 businesses are currently operating across the region, underlining the scale of Mackay’s small business community.
- The action plan includes 26 action items across seven key pillars, giving council a defined framework for delivery.
Zoom In
The plan is meant to turn consultation into practical support.
Its seven pillars focus on areas that can affect day-to-day business operations.
These include better access to small business information and clearer help with regulatory processes.
It also includes practical capability-building support and stronger procurement pathways.
Other areas cover networking, collaboration, youth and startup support, and continued engagement with the sector.
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce President Geoff O’Connor of SBB Partners said the plan came from direct business input.
“This action plan is a direct result of meaningful engagement with local businesses,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By working together, council and the Chamber can deliver practical initiatives that reduce barriers, build capability and create real opportunities for small businesses, with a strong focus on accountability and outcomes.”
Zoom Out
The endorsed plan gives council an evidence-based framework to act on the priorities raised by the local business community.
It also strengthens the link between council policy and the region’s wider economic goals.
By tying the plan to the Small Business Friendly Commitment, the council is placing this work within a longer-term approach.
The plan is also a sign of closer coordination between the council, the Chamber and delivery partners.
What To Look For Next?
The full Small Business Action Plan is available through Connecting Mackay.
