Help shape the future of small business in our region

Project update

Between September and October 2025, 19 people attended four consultation sessions and 25 people completed our online survey to develop the Mackay Region Small Business Action Plan.

The input from this consultation has provided valuable insights into the challenges that small businesses in our region face and the opportunities to better support them.

Across the consultation sessions and survey, businesses highlighted the need for clearer council processes, easier access to information, practical support to build business capability, improved procurement pathways and stronger collaboration between council and business partners. These themes were also echoed in a leadership workshop with representatives from council and the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, indicating a strong alignment on the priorities from all stakeholders.

Read the consultation summary for more findings from the survey.

Feedback is now being used to finalise the Small Business Action Plan. Once the plan is complete, it will be distributed to stakeholders and put into action.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the plan’s release, subscribe to this project’s update emails by clicking the ‘Stay Informed’ button on the top, right side of the project page.

Thank you to all the local business owners and representatives who contributed to this consultation. Your time and effort have been instrumental in shaping an Action Plan that reflects the priorities of our region’s small businesses.

In June 2025, Mackay Regional Council and the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce re-signed the Small Business Friendly Councils commitment. The Small Business Friendly Program initiative was established to recognise and support local council's that actively support local businesses. The program acknowledges a commitment to being mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community.

As a part of the commitment, council, in collaboration with the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, is developing a Small Business Action Plan that will guide future support tailored to the needs of the small business community.

As part of this process, we are seeking feedback from small business owners about their experiences, challenges, opportunities and ideas.

How to be involved:

• Take our short survey - it only takes a few minutes.
• Join an in-person or online group session to help council understand what matters most to you. The sessions are designed to be short, impactful and informal. Register to join a small business consultation session near you.

Consultation closes on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 11.59pm.

Click here for more information on the Small Business Friendly Program.

Stay updated on this project by subscribing to its project update emails. Click the Stay Informed button on this page. You will receive an email afterwards asking you to confirm your subscription.