Inside plans for new brewery for Pioneer Valley, Mackay

A raft of changes have been approved to encourage investment in the ‘top of the valley’ in eagerness for the mountain bike trail. Read what else could be coming.

If you needed more incentive to hop on your bike for an adventurous descent down the mountainside, a new brewery could be just the thing.

The development could come to fruition after Mackay councillors on Wednesday voted to approve major changes to encourage commercial activity around the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail.

The major amendment to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2007 will affect the Eungella and Finch townships including the Finch Hatton Trailhead site.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it would give businesses confidence to invest and submit development applications for the “top end of the valley”.

“It’s about overlaying a township zone on Finch Hatton and Eungella just so we can formalise some of the zoning there,” Cr Williamson said.

Refurbishment works are under way on the Cattle Creek Mill Administration Building, as a key component of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail trailheads. Picture: Heidi Petith

Strategic planning manager Jaco Ackerman said council had received six development inquiries since hosting a community consultation on November 10.

The changes would create three township zones with scope for a brewery, food and drink outlet, a bar, service industry such as bike repair facility, outdoor sport and recreation and a transport depot to service the Finch Hatton Trail Head precinct.

The township of Finch Hatton as seen from the air. Picture: Heidi Petith

The maximum building height would be raised from two storeys to three in the Finch Hatton Town Centre Precinct on the north side of Eungella Rd with the Finch Hatton railway station and grounds brought into the township zoning fold.

There would also be incentive to create more bed and breakfasts with a proposal to reduce the current 1000sq m minimum lot size as well as minimum frontage lengths to allow smaller sites to offer short term accommodation.

Pioneer Valley could soon have a new brewery if proposals to change zoning rules are approved. Picture: iStock

And other amendments could unlock churches at both Finch Hatton and Eungella and a tennis court and childcare centre at Eungella.

Documents state councillors are recommended to approve the changes which would then be included in a report to be sent to the State Government for its endorsement.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the environmental study for the bike trails was about 75 per cent finished with traditional owners’ approval the other checkpoint to be completed before construction could begin.