Prime Minister Albanese has officially opened Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project which has transformed the former industrial precinct into a destination locals and visitors alike can explore and enjoy.
The Prime Minister visited Mackay earlier this week on Monday to cut the ribbon of the Pioneer River’s new pontoon, using the opportunity to speak about the potential of waterfront activations to increase liveability and tourism opportunities. He joined Mayor Greg Williamson, Councillors, council CEO Scott Owen and other stakeholders for the official opening.
“I am delighted to be in Mackay to open this important revitalisation of the riverside,” the Prime Minister said.
“Parents with their kids, locals enjoying their beautiful river and tourists visiting this great part of the world will benefit from this revitalisation for so many years to come.”
The $9.7 million project was jointly funded with the Australian Government investing $4.1 million and the Mackay Regional Council investing $5.6 million.
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said, “The Mackay Riverside Revitalisation is a great example of the Australian Government working in partnership to deliver critical local community infrastructure.
“This facility provides a new leisure, commercial and tourism offering to support the Mackay Waterfront project and bring fresh life to a former industrial precinct.”
The revitalisation includes the recently completed Pioneer River Pontoon at Bluewater Quay and the nearby River Wharves public area.
The opening included a ribbon cutting at the pontoon, where a Wildcat boat was moored, and a tour of River Wharves.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said that both projects have provided improved public access to the wonderful Pioneer River and were part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA).
“These projects will be catalysts for future projects, including private investment, along the riverfront,” he added.
“For example, Renew Mackay has recently unveiled plans for a major commercial and residential development on the Brisbane Street car park site adjacent to Bluewater Quay.
“The council-owned building at 8 River Street is also currently being demolished. It will be a prime site for redevelopment and in the interim will also be able to be activated for the community.”
Members from the public who were aware of the Prime Minister’s visit used the opportunity to question the PM about the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project as he walked past representatives from the ‘Save Eungella’ group. In his press conference Prime Minister Albanese addressed the issue, saying no application had been made to the Federal Government for the project as yet, and once it did, then community consultation would be held, however he did not engage with questions from locals as he left the Bluewater Quay.
Prime Minister Albanese and Senator Nita Green were joined by Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and council CEO Scott Owen to officially open Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
