Projects highlight Mackay region’s potential
Several projects to create new tourism opportunities, improve livability and livelihood for residents and local businesses in the Mackay region are being delivered.
From the highly anticipated Mackay Waterfront redevelopment to the Northern Beaches Community Hub, the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, Mackay Stadium, Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment and Woodlands District Park.
Mackay Waterfront riverside artist impression. Photo: Mackay Regional Council (Facebook).
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Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mackay region has so much potential and these projects will create new tourism opportunities while also improving liveability and livelihood for residents and local businesses.
“One of the projects that is attracting a lot of attention in the community is the continuation of the Mackay Waterfront redevelopment.
“We’ve allocated $8.1 million to this project as part of the 2023-2024 budget. The next stage of this project will involve installing a $3.05 million floating pontoon at the end of Brisbane Street, near Bluewater Quay, which will enable centralised access to the river for commercial and non-motorised watercraft.”
Mayor Williamson said improving pedestrian access to the Mackay Waterfront is another key focus of this project and upgrades to the Sydney and River streets pedestrian crossing will make accessing the area more convenient for the public.
“The project will also involve the expansion of the River Wharves precinct through the design and refurbishment of the former Maria’s Donkey building at 8 River Street.
“Once the $4.54 million upgrades are complete, the new building will be one of the most sought-after commercial real estate opportunities in the region, offering unspoiled views of the Pioneer River.
“The new building is being designed to accommodate a variety of hospitality uses and will have the capacity to be used as a café, restaurant, bar as well as hosting events and functions.”
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($4.1 million) and Mackay Regional Council.
A 3.7-hectare site between Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road, opposite Northern Beaches High School, was purchased for the Northern Beaches Community Hub. Photo: Mackay Regional Council (Facebook).
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Mayor Williamson said another highly anticipated project was the Northern Beaches Community Hub.
“Council is contributing $10.3 million as part of the 2023-2024 budget to complete Stage 1A of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.
“This is our largest community infrastructure project in more than 20 years and this stage will include the construction of a new road off Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road and a multi-purpose undercover area featuring a nature play area, a multi-purpose court with line marking for various ball sports and a picnic area.”
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($6.5 million) and Mackay Regional Council.
Council is also contributing $4.9 million as part of the 2023-2024 budget to complete stage one of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, which will include 16 trails measuring 13.5 kilometres in length and trailhead infrastructure in Finch Hatton such as picnic areas with shelters, amenity blocks, a bike wash, open recreational space and a statement entrance.
The Mackay Stadium refurbishment and master planning for future development is a project proudly funded by the Queensland Government in association with Mackay Regional Council, which is contributing $3.1 million as part of the 2023-2024 budget.
Seaforth Esplanade. Photo: Mackay Regional Council (Facebook).
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Work on the $8.6 million Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment, which includes the installation of new play equipment, an all-abilities water play area, sun lounges and barbecue and picnic areas, is set to wrap up in late September, weather permitting.
Council is contributing $2.8m as part of the 2023-2024 budget to complete the project, which is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.
Council is contributing $1.1 million as part of the 2023-2024 budget to complete stage one of the $5.9 million Woodlands District Park, which will be put towards the construction of a multi-purpose active track, new paths and barbecue and picnic facilities.
This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.
Mackay Regional Council’s 2023-2024 total expenditure budget is $420 million, of which $128 million will be spent on capital projects.
