Project update: October 11, 2021

Australian Government invests $4.1 million in Mackay Waterfront transformation

Australian Government funding of $4.1 million will kickstart a Mackay Regional Council $9 million transformational project that will re-orient the city to its beautiful blue Pioneer River and beachfront.

The funding through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund was announced on Friday, October 8, and will open up a new tourism industry and create tourism jobs.

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen joined Mayor Greg Williamson at Bluewater Quay to announce the funding for stage one of the Mackay Waterfront PDA - Riverfront Revitalisation Project.

“I am very pleased to announce that more than $4.1 million in funding under this tourism focused round of the Building Better Regions Fund will go to Mackay’s Riverfront Revitalisation Project,” Mr Christensen said.

“This is a component of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) and it will deliver the first stage of revitalisation works within the riverside project area,’’ he said.

“I am a strong supporter of Mackay Regional Council’s vision for the Waterfront PDA and I have repeatedly advocated for the project in Canberra.

“This is about re-orienting the city to the water – the river and the sea – and in the process building on our tourism offering and liveability.

“It was one of the final things I wanted to leave the city with, to finish off my time as the Federal MP – a final gift if you like – to help diversify our economy by boosting our tourism offering.”

Mayor Williamson said it was a very exciting day for Mackay, with the Federal Government’s $4.1 million the key to starting the $9 million project.

“We’re putting in about $5 million to kickstart this whole Waterfront project,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“We’re hoping we’ll get the tenders out by the end of this month, which means we’ll hopefully see a start on this project in early in 2022,’’ he said.

“The area in front of the Fish Market, right back to Paxton's, will become a huge public realm component as part of this project.”

“What that means is from about the area in front of the Fish Market right back to Paxton’s becomes a huge public realm component.”

The former Don Daniels and Marias Donkey restaurant and bar building over the river will also be upgraded and made safe.

A $2 million pontoon will also be built as part of the project.

“We are now delivering on what we’ve been saying for years – we need to celebrate this fantastic river we’ve got,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s great for our community and great for tourism,’’ he said.