Mackay Adventure Lodge plans at Andergrove ski park

The developers have applied for more than $500,000 in concessions for a tourism project poised to snatch backpackers away from Airlie Beach

Plans for Mackay Adventure Lodge and Apartments in Andergrove. Picture: Supplied

Developers are hoping they can lure backpackers from Airlie Beach by building budget accommodation next to Mackay's cable water ski park.

A consortium of businesses have asked Mackay Regional Council to approve $539.761 of concessions on infrastructure charges towards two proposed developments, six months after lodging the initial application.

These include 10 two-bedroom units which would be built and then sold to fund the construction of Mackay Adventures Lodge and Apartments along Beaconsfield Road in Andergrove.

"The Lodge incorporates five dormitories (sleeping a total of 30 persons) and 16 double rooms (32 persons) targeting budget two-three star accommodation," council documents stated.

Amanda Pelagalli from the WakeHouse Cable Park in Andergrove. Corey Seach, 7, is riding in the background. Picture: Tony Martin

"These facilities will be integrated with the water-based activities on Lake Poco.

"The applicant intends to promote this style of accommodation to the backpacker market and will provide a range of additional offerings such as activities, tours and transport."

Design plans for Mackay Adventure Lodge and Apartments in Andergrove. Picture: Supplied

The parties in the application include Andergrove Lakes, Wake House Australia, Mackay Cable Park, Kinneally Miley Law, Mackay Adventure Tours and Transfers and town planning consultants RPS Group.

Documents stated the combined $4.6m development would inject $10.91m back into Mackay's economy and generate 23 jobs during construction.

Once the lodge opens, it is expected to support between 30 to 40 jobs at the Cable Ski Park, plus up to eight employees for tour bus operations.

Mackay Adventure Lodge and Apartments will provide backpacker accommodation to 52-travellers and build 12 two-bedroom serviced apartments in Andergrove.

Documents stated the lodge would also support the ski park's cafe and bar and increase the amount of time people stayed in the Mackay region.

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Councillors are recommended to approve the concessions at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday, dependent on the developer opening the lodge by April 28, 2023.

Other conditions include the council incurring no further infrastructure costs and for local contractors and suppliers to be used in the construction.

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Originally published as Mackay Adventure Lodge plans at Andergrove ski park