What pollies had to say about Mackay Waterfront project

Mackay candidates throw their support behind game-changing project >>>

MACKAY candidates have had their say on the game-changing Mackay Waterfront, voted by our readers as one of the top projects they want our pollies to deliver, ahead of the state election.

The Daily Mercury recently ran a poll asking our readers to have their say on the top projects and initiatives they were keen to see realised.

The Mackay project that received the most votes was the waterfront, with 13 per cent of the vote, or 86 votes.

Thanks to your votes, the Daily Mercury will advocate for our politicians and political hopefuls to deliver this important project.

Here’s what they had to say about it:

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert (ALP):

“I’m very enthusiastic about this project and as a State Government we have already approved this as a priority development area, and invested $8.86 million for Queens Park for the first stage,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“On top of that commitment, we’ve invested $28 million to upgrade power in the CBD to give businesses and potential new developments operating in the waterfront area the infrastructure they need for the next 50 years.

“We are keen to continue to support this project and we’ll be watching the Federal Government budget with interest for their matched commitment.”

More stories:

Letters to the editor: Climate change not my top priority for Whitsunday election

Qld election 2020: Jobs and crime to dominate campaign

Results: The state election issues that matter to Mackay

Chris Bonanno (LNP):

“Maximising the potential of our beautiful blue river and linking the City Centre to the river has been my focus for many years, even prior to being elected to council in 2012,” Mr Bonanno said.

“This is one of only two blue water rivers on the Eastern Seaboard that passes through a populated area, and it’s a given that it is an attraction which should be used.

“Over the years I’ve been involved in organising a number of events on, or adjacent to, the river for that very reason.

“These include Rotary’s fundraising Duck Derby, the Italian Street Party, Christmas Carols at the Bluewater Quay and the Fire in the Sky event held last year which attracted more than 20,000 people.

“I pushed hard while I was on council for a floating pontoon to increase water access to the river for tourism opportunities and public use.

“I am fully aware, and supportive of, council’s plans for the Waterfront.

“My passion for activating the river hasn’t changed, and I will always advocate for projects that achieve this aim.”

Subscriber benefits:

Your daily dose of Harry Bruce cartoons

Five ways to get more from your digital subscription

WATCH: Your guide to reading the Daily Mercury online

Christine Keys (ONP)

“If I am elected and One Nation has the balance of power I would most certainly be fighting for this project to go ahead,” Ms Keys said.

“I have long said that Mackay does not make the most of its beautiful waterfront and this project will most definitely have a positive effect on the economy and the tourism appeal of our city.

“It would also increase the aesthetic appeal for Mackay residents.”

Originally published as