Caneland Shopping Centre bus stop expanded, moved to Mangrove Road

The busiest shopping centre in the Mackay region is getting a new bus stop as city leaders promise increased accessibility and better connectivity. Read how the $5.4m upgrade will help ‘grow the bus network in the future’.

The new proposed bus interchange at Canelands Shopping Centre on Mangrove Road. Photo: Contributed

The bus interchange at Mackay’s busiest shopping centre is being relocated, with night works to commence mid-October.

Caneland Shopping Centre is the city’s most visited retail outlet with its current bus stop near Victoria Street.

Government advocates say a new interchange will be built at the front of the centre on Mangrove Road, across from Peel Street.

Mackay mayor Greg Williamson said the $5.4 million project, going to tender this year, would allow for three more buses at a time than the current site.

“The old exchange could cater for two buses at a time, while this new facility will allow for five,” he said.

The new proposed bus interchange at Canelands Shopping Centre on Mangrove Road. Photo: Contributed

“The new interchange will replace the existing one at the back of Caneland Central and will increase accessibility while catering for an increasing number of commuters.”

Works are to be carried out by RoadTek in two stages: first being the replacement of a pedestrian crossing on the Mangrove and Peel streets intersection with a signalled crossing, and the second to be the construction of the bus interchange itself.

The Peel Street exit onto Mangrove Road will therefore be closed to accommodate the new signalled pedestrian crossing.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert said the bus stop move would “improve accessibility for bus customers and network operations on the wider bus network”.

Caneland Shopping Centre.

“People tell me they want better connectivity and accessibility on our public transport network, and now we’re delivering just that,” Ms Gilbert said.

“I look forward to seeing construction get underway shortly to the benefit of locals and bus users alike.”

The proposal follows fare and zoning reforms to Mackay’s urban bus network in September, with base fares at $2.40 for an adult ($1.20 concession tickets) with $0.60 ($0.30 concession) added per zone travelled.

Construction is expected to continue from mid-month until December 2022.