Build Qld: 10 projects to kick start the Mackay Whitsunday economy
From arena upgrades, to a training academy and a visionary project to transform the city – Here are 10 projects set to shape the region’s future.
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With the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine under way, economies around the world are beginning to rebuild and recover.
Here are 10 projects set to kickstart the Mackay Whitsunday economy again, in no particular order:
The Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area was declared in 2018 to kick start a visionary project to transform the city and unlock the true value of the Bluewater edge.
It is hoped the redevelopment of the city’s waterfront areas will set the scene for a significant urban transformation for the city.
2. Qantas Pilot Training Academy (Currently on hold)
In July 2019, the airline named Mackay as the second site for a proposed pilot training academy after opening a facility in Toowoomba.
The Mackay location was pegged to be up and operating during 2020, but those plans were put on ice in March last year because of COVID-19’s impact on the travel and aviation industry.
3. Mackay Biocommodities Pilot Plant
This project involves an upgrade of the Mackay Biocommodities Pilot Plant to support the Queensland University of Technology’s development of regional bio‑manufacturing industries in synthetic biology, green chemicals and future foods.
The upgrade is tipped to enhance the region’s capability in biomass processing, fermentation, separation and product development technologies.
4. Harrup Park Country Club Greater Barrier Reef Arena upgrade
In January last year, Harrup Park unveiled its vision for the upgraded Great Barrier Reef Arena precinct, which would boast new community leisure facilities and green spaces capable of hosting a variety of community events.
Other new amenities flagged in the plans included international standard media and players facilities, food and beverage outlets, female change rooms and 2000 extra permanent arena seats.
The bypass is tipped to support about 207 direct jobs over the project’s life.
The first 2.6km of the Walkerston Bypass has already been built as part of the Mackay Ring Road, which officially opened in September.
It will remove through traffic from Walkerston and create a safer, less congested road network by providing a 10.6km link between the Bruce and Peak Downs Highway.
6. Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails
The project would involve a 100km network of single direction mountain bike trail spanning from Eungella to Finch Hatton in the Pioneer Valley.
Its 27 trails would navigate through Australia‘s longest stretch of lush subtropical rainforest of the Eungella National Park and Crediton State Forest and offer visitors more than three days of world-class riding experiences.
7. Northern Beaches Community Hub
Mackay Regional Council is seeking State Government funding of $15 million towards the $25 million project.
The Federal Government has already committed $6.5 million.
The vision is for the hub to be based around community facilities such as a library, workshop space and meeting rooms.
8. Whitsunday Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub
This project would deliver ag-tech programs and training to boost the sugar cane, beef, aquaculture and horticulture industries.
A $1.5m contribution to the hub will connect local SMEs, industry and researchers to regional producers and processors to help increase the rate of technology adoption to boost on-farm productivity and workforce capability.
9. Stage 2 of the Clermont Saleyards and Showgrounds Revitalisation
This project would deliver improved infrastructure and technology upgrades including a new entrance and carparking to improve cattle movements, new spelling yards to bolster saleyard efficiencies, replacing the ageing rodeo ring and refurbishing the show pavilion.
10. Sarina’s new $30 million hospital
The Brewers Rd hospital will deliver 16 beds for the Sarina region with the game-changing development touted to create 90 jobs over the centre’s lifetime.
It is expected to be completed by 2022.
Across Queensland, there are billions of dollars worth of investment and many thousands of jobs across the construction, tourism, resources and transport sector that are being delayed because of red tape and a lack of urgency.
This story is part of the Courier Mail and Daily Mercury’s Build Queensland Campaign – which will shine a light on these projects and what needs to be done to get them moving.
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