Bluewater Quay Activation & Revitalisation

Nigel Dalton Champions Mackay’s Riverfront Renewal

Efforts are underway to revitalise Mackay’s beloved Bluewater Quay, with local leaders and community organisations working together to create a welcoming space for families, residents, and visitors along the Pioneer River.

Mackay Regional Council, alongside Member for Mackay Mr Nigel Dalton, has taken a compassionate approach to support those sleeping rough, ensuring access to local housing and support services. Mr Dalton further noted that the focus is on assistance, rather than displacement, helping people navigate financial, health, or substance-related challenges.

Mr Dalton highlighted the collaborative work that’s already unfolded in the revitalisation.

“We’ve been working with housing, we’ve been working with health, we’ve been working with council, and we’ve been working with community organisations around here to make sure that we can help everybody who needed help,” he said.

“This was not a matter of going into an area and arresting people, or getting rid of them. They all had complex needs and we came down here with a compassionate heart to make sure that everybody who wanted some help could get it.”

The improvements are part of a broader plan to activate the waterfront and create a vibrant community hub. Mr Dalton praised the council staff, saying, “I want to congratulate Mackay Regional Council because they have done a huge amount of work… what they’re doing is amazingly good for all of our community.”

The revitalisation of Mackay’s Bluewater Quay is underway, with Mr Nigel Dalton and local leaders working together over the past few months to create a welcoming waterfront space that supports those in need while bringing the community together. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The River Reimagined

Mackay’s Voices Reimagined In Public Art

A new public art project is inviting locals and visitors to share their stories, memories, and reflections of the Pioneer River – contributions that will be transformed into an eye-catching installation hanging in one of the river side pavilions on the Blue Water trail, adjacent to the Pioneer Promenade parkland.

Titled The River Reimagined, the project will feature handwritten “Story Strips” suspended from the roof of a river side pavilion, creating a canopy of voices contributed by the Mackay Community. Each strip will carry a short reflection submitted through an online survey or at in-person writing sessions, capturing the spirit, history and personal connections that define our region.

In a vibrant collaboration with Mackay’s Yarn Bombers, the installation will also be adorned with textile elements, adding colour, texture and warmth to the final display.

“This is about more than art – it’s about storytelling, identity, and place,” said project artist Bonnie McCarthy.

“We want to reflect the heart of Mackay through the voices of those who live here and those who pass through.”

The installation will be unveiled as part of the upcoming River of Life Festival in 2026, celebrating the cultural and environmental significance of the Pioneer River. Community members are encouraged to participate by submitting a short story and optional image via the online form or QR code.

An indicative image of what the complete Installation will look like. Image supplied

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