Engineering feat required to lift proposed Mackay childcare out of flood zone

Plans for a new Mackay CBD childcare centre reveal an engineering feat is required to lift the building almost 1m off the ground to meet flood safety requirements.

Location (in red) of a proposed single-storey childcare centre at 41 Macalister Street, Mackay. Photo: Supplied

A proposed childcare facility located in Mackay’s central business district would need to be elevated nearly 1m off the ground, according to new plans lodged with the Mackay Regional Council this month.

The proposed single-storey childcare centre would be built on vacant land adjacent to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre at 41 Macalister Street, located within the Pioneer River catchment of the CBD area.

The planning assessment report submitted to council states the facility would accommodate up to 83 children across the baby, toddler, kindergarten and senior kindergarten age groups, and would need to be built above 6.89m AHD to comply with strict flood safety codes.

The proposed childcare centre would be built on vacant land at 41 Macalister Street, Mackay. Photo: Supplied

The facility would be elevated through extensive filling to achieve flood-free floor levels, ensuring the safety of children and staff during severe weather events.

The report submitted by River City Property Investments stated that the development might cause minor effects to existing flood characteristics of the city centre.

“The proposed filling works will cause a minor diversion of existing flow paths around the site,” the report stated.

“However, a minor internal stormwater network will handle nuisance flows but was not modelled due to negligible impact.

“The proposed works will result in a negligible change in the flood risk profile surrounding the subject site.

“A flood emergency management plan is potentially not required for the proposed childcare centre use given the very low flood risk to the site.”

An architect's impression of the proposed single-storey childcare centre at 41 Macalister Street, Mackay. Photo: Supplied

The report, designed by DTS Group QLD, highlighted how the proposed building design would reinforce the strong urban edge typical of the locality.

“The inclusion of articulated awnings along both street frontages further strengthens the building’s engagement with the public realm, providing weather protection, pedestrian comfort, and a strong streetscape presence that aligns with the established character of the area,” the report stated.

“The built form and site layout have been carefully considered to integrate seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric, contributing positively to the existing community character and reinforcing the vibrancy of the city centre.”

The childcare centre would incorporate five indoor activity rooms and a large outdoor play area, amenities, staff facilities, on-site parking, and landscaping, all designed to meet growing community demand for centrally located childcare services.