Mackay Council Explores New Chapter For Gordon White Library

Mackay Regional Council is reviewing plans to repurpose the Gordon White Library into a community facility as library services are consolidated at the new Northern Beaches Community Hub opening in 2027. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council  

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The future of the Gordon White Library is under review, with Mackay Regional Council considering plans to transform the building into a community-focused council facility once the new Northern Beaches library opens.

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The change is linked to the development of the $21 million stage 1B expansion of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, which will feature a brand-new library and is expected to open in early 2027.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been reviewing how to best deliver library services across the region while ensuring responsible use of ratepayer funds.

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“Council has considered our options when we open our brand new $21 million facility in the Northern Beaches Community Hub, which will feature a brand-new library,” Mayor Williamson said.

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“With Gordon White Library already operating on the northern side of the river, the option we are considering is consolidating our library services into the new hub when the library opens.”

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Under the proposal, the Gordon White Library building would be repurposed as the Gordon White Community Centre, similar to the transformation of the former Mackay City Library into the Jubilee Community Centre after the opening of the Dudley Denny City Library.

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Mayor Williamson said the decision was largely driven by the need to manage future operational costs.

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“The new Northern Beaches Community Hub will add ongoing annual operational costs of about $2 million,” he said.

“It wouldn’t be fair to just pass that onto ratepayers without looking at different service delivery models to offset that increase.

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“Re-purposing the Gordon White Library building for meeting rooms and staff offices would, in turn, reduce other staff accommodation costs for council.”

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Mackay Council is also exploring ways to maintain limited library access at the existing Gordon White site. Plans under consideration include using the building for community meeting rooms, council staff offices and potentially continuing services such as a reserved book collection point.

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Mayor Williamson acknowledged that some residents who regularly use the current library may find the change difficult.

“We understand that it may become an issue for some people who are used to using the Gordon White Library as it is right now, and we’ll work through that with our staff,” he said.

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Council staff are currently working through options and planning the transition ahead of the new hub’s opening.

Mayor Williamson said the broader review comes at a time when council budgets are under increasing pressure.

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“Even before the war in the Middle East, the 2026-2027 budget was shaping up as one of the most difficult in recent times for Mackay Regional Council,’’ he said.  

“Council must make some tough decisions to ensure it remains financially sustainable while delivering quality services and infrastructure for the community against a difficult backdrop of escalating costs, without burdening rate payers.”

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Council has also advised community hall users that the freehold Northern Beaches Community Hall site will be up for sale once the Northern Beaches Community Hub opens.

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Feedback can be provided until June 16, 2026 at 11.59pm via connectingmackay.com.au

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