90 JOBS: Game-changing Mackay arena project kicks into gear

Local contractors will be preferred to fill 90 jobs up for grabs.

Early construction works on a $24 million Mackay arena upgrade are set to start next month, Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert says.

Mrs Gilbert said local contractors would be the first choice for about 90 jobs on offer in the building of Harrup Park's Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Harrup Park Country Club chief executive Matt Cielens said the arena upgrade was currently in the design development phase and the club was yet to formally appoint a contractor.

"We are hopeful that full construction would commence mid-year 2021 however there may be some early works associated with preparing the site that could commence earlier," Mr Cielens said.

The federal and state governments contributed $10 million each to the facility.

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An economic assessment found the proposed expanded arena facilities could deliver more than 54,000 extra visitor nights per annum, $31.6 million in regional economic output each year of operation and support 90 new ongoing jobs.

A similar number of jobs and $43.2 million in regional economic output was also expected to be generated during construction.

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