Project update #5: September 29, 2022

Northern Beaches hub takes a step forward

Mackay Regional Council has today appointed a tender for design consultancy services to CA Architects for the first stages of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

The tender comes after the Master Plan for the 3.7-hectare site, located between Mackay/Eimeo Road and Rosewood Drive, opposite Northern Beaches State High School, was endorsed by council in December last year.

The Northern Beaches Community Hub will be council’s largest infrastructure project in more than 20 years.

Deputy Mayor Karen May, who chairs a Northern Beaches Community Reference Group, said the design phase will continue to be influenced by community feedback.

“The reference group is made up of community members and agencies and was integral to the design of the Master Plan. We will reconvene in the coming months to continue to provide feedback throughout the design phase,” Cr May said.

Cr May said stage 1A would include a multi-purpose undercover area, netball court line marking, nature play and associated infrastructure.

“This stage will also include ‘Changing Places’ – an adult changing facility for the disabled community – parking area, nature play spaces, picnic area, landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads.

“Design and construction of stage 1A is estimated to cost around $10.75 million, with funding of $6.5 million secured from the Australian Government, and council contributing $4.25 million in funds,” she said.

Stage 1B will consist of a library and various meeting, program and activity rooms, café, town square and landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads.

It is expected to cost between $20 - $30 million. Funding is yet to be finalised.

Design of early civil works, including a road from Eimeo Road to Rosewood Drive, as well as drainage and earthworks for stage 1 projects is almost complete.

Future works (stages 2 and 3) will include an aquatics centre and office building with car parking.

The Northern Beaches Community Hub will be a welcoming local meeting place with access to a range of community facilities in the heart of the fastest growing area in Mackay.

The Northern Beaches population catchment had a population of 20,000 in 2018 and is projected to attract 30% of future population growth in the Mackay region, growing to over 30,000 by 2041.

Residents who would like to view the master plan for this project can visit www.connectingmackay.com.au to find more information and subscribe to project update emails.

This project is funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.