SHAPE OUR FUTURE: Time to share your waterfront vision

Waterfront PDA vision released to public to gather feedback from community and investors.

An artist's impression from the Mackay Waterfront's draft masterplan of the Riverfront precinct.

A LONG-TERM vision for liveability and the revitalisation of Mackay's bluewater riverfront are at the heart of the newly released draft masterplan for Mackay's Waterfront Priority Development Area.

The document establishes a concept comprising key principles that will guide the formation of future development of the area; principles such as waterfront connectivity, city centre revitalisation, development and activation of public realm and the creation of our river city's identity and culture.

Mackay Waterfront PDA design manager Kylie Rogers said the purpose of the draft masterplan was to present a cohesive vision of the project to the public.

"We're hoping to open a line of communication with the community to make sure the Mackay Waterfront will reflect the needs and identity of Mackay," Ms Rogers said.

"Key things we have taken into consideration when creating the draft masterplan have been lifestyle and activation of the river.

"But we want to make sure we've got it right and that is why we are releasing the draft for further consultation."

TO READ MORE: OUR FUTURE MACKAY

The draft masterplan can now be found on the Mackay Regional Council's website and there is an option for members of the community to take part in a survey about the document.

The community consultation period will last until November 4, with the finalised Mackay Waterfront masterplan to be presented in December this year.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said a masterplan for the Mackay Waterfront would allow the council to work on 'chunking' down the project.

"We've applied for funding for a project within the Riverside precinct of the PDA and that particular project would open up public access to the river with walkways and lighting," Cr Williamson said.

"The site of the project would be where the old fish market currently stands. It would open up the area and show the community the true potential of our riverfront."

MRC manager of strategic planning Jaco Ackerman said a marketing strategy to attract investor interest to the Mackay Waterfront PDA was in development.

"Releasing the draft masterplan allows us to get feedback from developers as well," Mr Ackerman said.

"We look forward to receiving feedback from developers and industry leaders, no matter how out of the box the ideas may seem."

Cr Williamson said the council was keen to find a catalytic project that could attract State and, or, Federal funding.

"A significant investment in public realm would demonstrate to potential investors that the Mackay Waterfront PDA is a viable project."

To have your say on the Mackay Waterfront draft masterplan visit: connectingmackay.com.au/redeveloping-the-mackay-waterfront

Originally published as