$481,000 tourism hub to unlock Mackay’s city heart
Tourism centre officially opens, but concerns remain for Nebo Rd businesses cut off by Mackay Ring Road
Mackay
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THE new heart of Mackay's tourism industry could access thousands of visitors as the Bluewater Lagoon Visitor Information Kiosk is officially opened.
Mackay Tourism chief executive officer Tas Webber said the new Matsuura Dr headquarters would target Mackay's three tourism markets, corporate visitors, event-based travellers and visiting friends and relatives.
He said the new centre, which overlooks the Bluewater Lagoon and was down the road from Caneland Central, would connect with more travellers than the former Nebo Rd office.
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"(They) are among the region's most visited attractions, each welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year," Mr Webber said.
"Relocating the Mackay Visitor Information Centre to Bluewater Lagoon will greatly increase the exposure of the region's tourism businesses and attractions to visitors."
A Mackay Regional Council report said the Mackay Tourism Kiosk was completed in July with a $177,000 cost blow out.
It was reported the $481,285 centre was over budget due to higher than expected tenders.
Mackay Tourism left the Nebo Rd office earlier this year as concerns about impacts of the Mackay Ring Road grew among the highway tourism businesses.
"Obviously there is a degree of concern as to what impact the Mackay Ring Road will have on northbound visitation to Mackay," Mr Webber said.
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He said the Sarina office meant information would be provided to visitors heading north before they hit the Ring Road.
Mr Webber said the Sarina centre has already proven its worth, as it was diverting tourists into Mackay.
"This centre features large parking bays for caravans and is strategically located south of the Mackay Ring Road," he said.
Mr Webber said the kiosk would cater for Mackay tourists, while the Sarina Field of Dreams centre would help the northbound drive market.
The grand opening of the new centre will occur on Tuesday morning, August 25.
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