First step toward $20m Woolworths

THE shovels were shiny and new when they hit the dirt at the corner of Boundary and Broadsound roads.

Woolworths community relations manager Simon Berger (left), Mayor Col Meng and Hutchinson Builders regional manager Levi Corby turn the first sod of the new Woolworths development at Ooralea. Picture: Lee Constable

THE shovels were shiny and new when they hit the dirt at the corner of Boundary and Broadsound roads yesterday.

And they suited the occasion – the official sod turning ceremony for a $20 million Woolworths development at Ooralea.

Woolworths community relations manager Simon Berger and Mackay Mayor Col Meng donned their hard hats to share the task.

Mr Berger said Woolworths was proud to be investing in the future of Mackay through the project, which will include a full-line Woolworths supermarket, Woolworths Petrol, eight to 10 speciality stores, two takeaway restaurants and 278 car parks

“We are looking forward to being open in under a year from now,” he said.

“Growing communities need supermarkets and convenient shopping centres and this is a $20 million investment by Woolworths in Mackay.

“It will deliver a lot of convenience and value for customers as well as hundreds of jobs in the local community.

“It’s a great location in a part of Mackay that will continue to grow... Mackay is growing and we are proud to be growing with it. We love Mackay.

“By the time we open there will be about 400 residents in this area who will be in walking distance of our local shopping centre.

“There is a clear need for this in this part of Mackay and we are only interested in setting up stores where there are customers who need them,” Mr Berger said.

Cr Meng said this development and the Woolworths at the Northern Beaches showed a confidence in the region.

WOOLWORTHS

The Ooralea Woolworths will generate more then 100 construction jobs

There will be 250 to 300 ongoing retail jobs

The $20 million project will be completed next year

In addition to a supermarket and petrol outlet there will be 8-10 speciality stores, two takeaway restaurants and 278 car parks

Originally published as First step toward $20m Woolworths