Facts published by | Mackay Regional Council | © 2019

Julieanne Gilbert MP, Mayor Greg Williamson and Major General Richard Wilson (QRA) turn the first sod at Queens Park.

Palmetum• Pedestrian and bikeway

connectivity• Lighting• Yarning circle with cultural

heritage design elements• A dog park, additional picnic

shelters, barbecues and bench seating.

This project is expected to be completed by June 2020.

The $8.8 million Queens Park revitalisation project is funded by the Queensland Government.

Mackay WaterfrontPDA taking shapeThe Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA) has taken another major step forward.

Last month the State Government approved council’s proposed development scheme for the Mackay Waterfront PDA. We now have the green light to meet with parties interested in developing and investing within the PDA, which will improve the region’s liveability, create jobs and boost investment confidence. The PDA includes the southern side of the Pioneer River, the CBD and the water frontage along Binnington Esplanade.

Queens Park’s major makeover beginsThe Queens Park Revitalisation is under way.

The first sod was turned last month and work has started to transform the area into a diverse urban parkland. Some of the key features of the new design include:

• Renovating the existing cricket change rooms

• New public toilets• Improved car parking facilities• Protection and enhancement

of the historical Arboretum and

Delivering for our communityMountain biking plan on trackMountain biking is tipped to reach new heights in the Mackay region.

Council is developing a business case and feasibility study for a mountain bike park in the upper Pioneer Valley, with an estimate of up to 18,000 extra visitors per year and more than $6 million in economic benefit.

The feasibility study work has entered the detailed investigation phase, and council-appointed consultants, World Trail and Otium Planning Group, have been on site looking at trail options.

As part of this, councillors along with the consultants met with a number of stakeholders to update on the progress of the feasibility study. More detailed workshops will be held with stakeholders when planning has progressed on trail locations and network details.

Solar power offers huge savingsCouncil’s renewable energy solar project is rolling out. The project, installing solar power on council facilities, is expected to save nearly $17 million in electricity costs over the next two decades. Panels have been installed at the likes of Artspace, Bluewater Lagoon and Dudley Denny City Library. In coming months, they will be installed at Gordon White Library, Sydney Street pump station, Wellington Street, Pioneer Pool, the MECC and council’s administration building.

Project cost: $2.2 million Expected completion: This financial year.

Facts published by | Mackay Regional Council | © 2019

Council in Community - Southern Region

Brewers Road Reserve upgradeBrewers Road Reserve walk along Plane Creek in Sarina is about to undergo an exciting transformation!

A new shared path connecting Sarina Field of Dreams Parkland to Brewers Road has been carefully designed to complement the area.

The all abilities shared path consisting of fibre composite decking, mesh boardwalk and concrete will improve pedestrian connectivity and livability for residents and visitors to the region.

This project consists of four stages:

Stage 1: Pedestrian path

Stage 2: Shared path in Field of Dreams parkland

Stage 3: Shared path and access road to complete circuit

Stage 4: Boardwalk connectivity - pending future funding.

Tenders are currently being sought for the construction of this project and site works for stages 1, 2 and 3, are planned to start in August, weather permitting.

This project has been funded by council and the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

New water lab nearing completionFergus Builders is currently building council a new Water and Waste Services Laboratory at Paget.

Council’s current laboratory at Nebo Road performed more than 350,000 water tests last year and they need room to continue to grow. The team not only tests our water but neighbouring councils, local and Queensland businesses’ water and individuals who own water tanks, bores and swimming pools. The laboratory is on track for completion in June.

Footpath improves safetyA new footpath has been constructed in Sarina, along Hoey and East streets to improve safety for pedestrians.

It replaced the existing path, which was in poor condition and has a steep cross fall. The new path is wider, with provision for all-abilities access to Sarina Village Shopping Centre from the adjacent retirement village.

This project has been funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland program.

Water main worksA package of water mains is being installed in Sarina and Hay Point.

In Sarina, almost one kilometre of water mains, across five locations, are being installed. In Hay Point 2.5 kilometres of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) reticulation water main is being installed. Work is expected to be completed by early July.

Your locality councillors are:

Cr Martin Bella Phone: 0419 793 479 Email: martin.bella @mackay.qld.gov.au

Cr Karen May Phone: 0419 669 134 Email: karen.may@ mackay.qld.gov.au