Mackay primed for development boost

Mackay is set to undergo a job-creating and lifestyle-boosting revitalisation with the Queensland Government declaring a priority development area (PDA) on 170 hectares within the CBD and along the Pioneer River and Town Beach.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Mackay Waterfront PDA declaration would enable Mackay Regional Council to pursue its plan to transform the city’s waterfronts and CBD.

“This declaration will be a catalyst to stimulate the Mackay region’s economy, create jobs, increase investor confidence, and deliver more community infrastructure and public facilities,” Mr Dick said.

“Mackay Regional Council is to be congratulated on the way it has approached this important city-shaping project, particularly the way it has engaged with its ratepayers and brought the community along on this journey.

“The community consultation drew positive feedback and encouragement, and along with a rigorous key stakeholder process, Council has really ensured everyone is on board for this next exciting stage in Mackay’s growth as a leading regional centre,” Mr Dick said.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the council first approached the State Government in 2016 with its vision for transforming Mackay’s waterfronts and CBD.

“Since then, the council has worked closely with our specialist land-use planning and development unit, Economic Development Queensland, to fine-tune the PDA so it will deliver the diversity of land uses required to meet the council’s vision for the city,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“The declaration means the council can accelerate its long-awaited rejuvenation plans and create a series of vibrant places for the community that build on Mackay’s exceptional natural, cultural and heritage assets, and take into account the extreme weather events that can impact the region.

“It will provide a unique opportunity to invest in and activate prime CBD and waterfront spaces that have been under-utilised for many years, and offer opportunities for business, entrepreneurial industry, tourism, retail, residential and recreational open spaces.

“It’s a great example of the Palaszczuk Government and the Council working cooperatively to deliver more jobs, better business opportunities and positive tourist outcomes to the city of Mackay,” she said.

Mackay’s Mayor Greg Williamson said the PDA declaration was wonderful news for the city.

“I am very happy that the State Government has been so responsive to the council’s calls for this PDA,” Cr Williamson said.

“It spans about 172 hectares including the southern side of the Pioneer River, the CBD, and water frontage along Binnington Esplanade (Town Beach), and consists of five distinct precincts – Mackay City Centre, Riverside, Enterprise, Queens Park and Beachside.

“Each precinct offers unique attributes and redevelopment opportunities specific to their location and will be redeveloped progressively.

“The City Centre precinct contains a significant number of state-listed and local-listed heritage places which will be preserved and re-purposed.

“The council’s Facade Improvement Scheme supports the revitalisation of building facades in the city centre and has been progressively rolled out in partnership with private property owners.

“Revitalisation of the Riverside precinct will deliver a promenade that will form part of the Bluewater Trail,” Cr Williamson said.

The community played a significant role in designing the various precincts within the PDA and will have a further opportunity to comment once the proposed development scheme is publicly notified in late-2018.

The PDA takes effect from Friday, May 25.

For more information about Mackay Waterfront PDA visit http://www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/edq/mackay-waterfront.html

ENDS

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