Mackay Northern Beaches: Next steps for $25m community hub masterplan

The major development including library and aquatic facilities will cater for a population forecast to grow to 30,000 by the year 2030.

The initial round of feedback on a proposed $25m community development in the Northern Beaches will be publicly known within days.

Minutes from the community reference group’s first two meetings including one this week will be tabled at Mackay Regional Council’s next ordinary meeting on April 14.

The group was formed in late 2020 alongside Deputy Mayor Karen May as chair, councillors Michelle Green and Belinda Hassan and other council staff to help guide the development of the 3.7-hectare site between Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road.

The Northern Beaches population — which includes the suburbs of Rural View, Eimeo, Blacks Beach, Dolphin Heads, Bucasia and Shoal Point — is forecast to grow from 20,000 people in 2018 to 30,000 by 2036.

The reference group had the opportunity to discuss various building concepts from Stage 1 of the hub’s master plan with wider public consultation expected to follow in the second half of this year.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said in July last year the first stage would likely include community meeting spaces, library facilities and other services with Stage 2 including aquatic facilities.

“We received $6.5m in funding from the federal government as an election commitment and will also be seeking state funding, with the balance to be covered by council,” Cr Williamson said.

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Originally published as Mackay Northern Beaches: Next steps for $25m community hub masterplan