Vision for a Forward-Thinking Future

Year in Review: Mayor Greg Williamson

2024 has been a monumental year for Mackay, marked by major changes, significant projects, and a reinvigorated council. While the year began with a fresh set of faces taking their seats in the Mackay Regional Council chamber, it also saw the completion of several landmark initiatives. For Mayor Greg Williamson, it was a year of both triumph and personal reflection, as his dedication to the region continued to shine through despite personal challenges.

When discussing the year, Mayor Williamson doesn’t shy away from the fact that 2024 has been a transformative one, particularly with the introduction of six new councillors.

"One of the best things about having so many new councillors is the fresh and enthusiastic ideas they bring to the table. They question things and force us to rethink how things are done, which is invaluable," he says.

This influx of new perspectives has helped breathe life into the council, pushing the team to re-evaluate processes and ensure they’re delivering more efficiently to ratepayers, especially in the face of rising costs.

Despite the council entering caretaker mode for the election, this year has seen Mackay steam ahead with several key projects, each a testament to the region's growth and future potential. Mayor Williamson proudly points to the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Track, which officially opened its first stage in April.

"We’re incredibly proud of the numbers we've seen, with over 104,000 visitors in the first three months," he shares. This influx of visitors has firmly established the Pioneer Valley as a top-tier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the mayor especially excited about the success of the National Championships hosted by Rocky Trails.

“The feedback from the riders, most of whom were from out of town, was outstanding.”

The success of the Finch Hatton track has set the stage for Stage 2, a $30 million expansion that will include additional downhill wilderness trails from Eungella to Finch Hatton.

On the urban development front, the Northern Beaches Community Hub has made tremendous strides. After years of anticipation, 2024 saw the Federal Government contribute $15 million toward the project, allowing it to enter its construction phase. After the vital infrastructure was put in place for the project last year, construction has now started on the facility.

"People can finally see this vision for the Northern Beaches coming to life," says Mayor Williamson.

The hub will include meeting rooms, playgrounds, and playing courts in its first stages, with future plans to add a library, aquatic centre, and commercial facilities.

Mackay is also poised to take a leadership role in the future of critical minerals research through Stage 2 of the Resources Centre of Excellence.

"We’ve committed $5 million toward the project, and the state government has matched that," says Mayor Williamson. This strategic move aims to bolster Mackay's role in the critical minerals sector by supporting research initiatives that enhance the understanding and viability of these essential resources, ultimately contributing to the future-proofing of the region’s economy.

While Mackay’s headline-grabbing projects are driving the region's future, Mayor Williamson remains equally focused on local, day-to-day improvements. The council has made significant changes in its parks and garden services, a much-needed response to community feedback from last year's mowing issues.

"We've replaced much of our fleet with state-of-the-art mowers, which need less labour and can cover larger areas," Mayor Williamson explains. And in an innovative move, the council has introduced small mowing contracts for local businesses.

"This is a first for us, and it’s aimed at encouraging more community pride while also addressing last season’s grass concerns."

Despite the challenges, Mayor Williamson reflects on how rewarding it is to lead a team that has embraced change and innovation.

"We're focused on delivering a better return at a cheaper cost for the ratepayer. The cost of living and inflation issues we face are the same as any other business," he says.

2024 has also been a deeply personal one for Mayor Williamson. His re-election campaign was one of his toughest yet, a hard-fought battle that was bittersweet. The joy of being elected was dulled by the loss of his father late last year. Mayor Williamson describes the emotional journey of saying goodbye to his father, who passed away at the age of 93.

His father had lived independently in his home until the age of 92 before spending his final 12 months in aged care at Kerrisdale. After suffering a stroke, doctors gave him just 24 hours to live, but he defied the odds, holding on for five more days.

"Those days were incredibly special," Mayor Williamson reflects, "surrounded by family, sharing memories and celebrating his life while he was still with us.

"We played every one of Frank Sinatra’s songs about 25 times for him.”

As he looks ahead, Mayor Williamson and his wife, Annette, have set their sights on personal goals as well. They hope to explore some of the world’s best walking trails, with iconic routes like the Amalfi Coast and Camino de Santiago on their list of future adventures. These plans serve as a great incentive to stay fit.

What’s a common misconception about being mayor?

"The powers I have! It probably comes from television, where mayors are depicted as all-powerful. It never ceases to amaze me what people think I can do—like coordinate the traffic lights down Nebo Road."

Is it true that Mackay’s mayor has never had regalia?

"That’s right. Since the first municipal council in 1870, no Mackay mayor has ever worn a robe or mayoral chain. Unlike Rockhampton, Cairns, and Townsville, where regalia is a tradition, Mackay has never adopted it. However, the one tradition that’s remained since day one is that our mayors are still addressed as ‘Your Worship,’ which continues to this day."

What advice would you give to aspiring young leaders, like those in Mackay’s youth council?

"You’ve got to be passionate about listening to people. Leadership isn’t about saying, ‘I’m the leader, so you’ll listen to me.’ It’s about being a true representative of people. You also have to be realistic and, most importantly, just have a go. If you want to lead the crowd, you have to stand out from the crowd. That takes guts."

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