The lure to live by the beach is as strong as ever, evident by the rapidly growing cluster of subdivisions forming Mackay’s Northern Beaches. However, the idyllic lifestyle comes with a catch. There is only one road in and out, which becomes clogged and congested during twice-daily peak hours.
The Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has joined with LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, to launch the Build It for The Beaches – No Delays petition.
Ms Camm said in 2020, the State Government put $750,000 aside for planning works to investigate options to deal with capacity upgrades and duplication for Mackay-Bucasia Road.
“Nothing has happened since this announcement and this planning work is not scheduled to commence until 2023/24,” Ms Camm said.
One in six Mackay region residents currently live in the Northern Beaches, which is more than 16 per cent of the total population. The current approximate population of the Northern Beaches is 21,000 people. By 2036, this is expected to grow by 43 per cent, adding more than 9000 residents.
“The fastest growing population in Mackay needs a faster connection,” Ms Camm said.
“As it stands, there is only one way in and one way out for emergency services. This is unacceptable to adequately respond to the needs of this growing population.
“The impacts are not just being felt by Northern Beaches residents, but the broader Mackay community.
“The Mackay-Bucasia Road has become known for long delays, traffic jams and bottlenecks. This is now a daily part of the city commute for many locals.
“With over 2000 estimated new constituents enrolling in the Northern Beaches since I have been elected to Queensland Parliament, we call on the Minister to upgrade this road immediately,” Ms Camm said.
Andrew Willcox has joined with the Member for Whitsunday on this campaign.
“Travel to and from the Northern Beaches of Mackay should be quicker and safer than what it is,” Mr Willcox said.
“If the State Labor Government has the money put aside for planning on Mackay Bucasia Road, what are we waiting for? Let’s get on with it.”
In response, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the State Government has locked in funding for a business case on an upgrade of Mackay – Bucasia Road, which is due to start next year.
“This forms part of more than $1 billion worth of roads and transport projects we are delivering across the region, including the $120 million Mackay Northern Access Upgrade which will greatly improve access to the Northern Beaches,” Minister Bailey said.
“This petition is clearly just a federal election stunt,” he added.
“No more delays or excuses – let’s Build It for The Beaches,” Ms Camm said.
The Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP (right) has joined with LNP Candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, to launch the Build It for The Beaches - ‘No Delays’ petition for an upgrade to the Mackay Bucasia Road
