Mackay primed for development boost
01 June 2018
Queensland Government:
Mackay is set to undergo a job-creating and
lifestyle-boosting revitalisation with the
Queensland Government declaring a priority development area (PDA) on
170 hectares within the CBD and along the Pioneer River and Town Beach.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and
Planning Cameron Dick said the Mackay Waterfront PDA declaration would
enable
Mackay Regional Council to pursue its plan to transform the
city’s waterfronts and CBD.
“This declaration will be a catalyst to stimulate the Mackay region’s
economy, create
jobs, increase investor confidence, and deliver more
community infrastructure and public facilities,” Mr Dick said.
“Mackay Regional Council is to be congratulated on the way it has
approached this important city-shaping project, particularly the way it
has engaged with its ratepayers and brought the community along on this
journey.
“The community consultation drew positive feedback and encouragement,
and along with a rigorous key stakeholder process, Council has really
ensured everyone is on board for this next exciting stage in Mackay’s
growth as a leading regional centre,” Mr Dick said.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the council first approached
the State Government in 2016 with its vision for transforming Mackay’s
waterfronts and CBD.
“Since then, the council has worked closely with our specialist land-use
planning and development unit, Economic Development Queensland, to
fine-tune the PDA so it will deliver the diversity of land uses required
to meet the council’s vision for the city,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“The declaration means the council can accelerate its long-awaited
rejuvenation plans and create a series of vibrant places for the
community that build on Mackay’s exceptional natural, cultural and
heritage assets, and take into account the extreme weather events that
can impact the region.
“It will provide a unique opportunity to invest in and activate prime
CBD and waterfront spaces that have been under-utilised for many years,
and offer opportunities for business, entrepreneurial industry, tourism,
retail, residential and recreational open spaces.
“It’s a great example of the Palaszczuk Government and the Council
working cooperatively to deliver more jobs, better business
opportunities and positive tourist outcomes to the city of Mackay,” she
said.
Mackay’s Mayor Greg Williamson said the PDA declaration was wonderful
news for the city.
“I am very happy that the State Government has been so responsive to the
council’s calls for this PDA,” Cr Williamson said.
“It spans about 172 hectares including the southern side of the Pioneer
River, the CBD, and water frontage along Binnington Esplanade (Town
Beach), and consists of five distinct precincts – Mackay City Centre,
Riverside, Enterprise, Queens Park and Beachside.
“Each precinct offers unique attributes and redevelopment opportunities
specific to their location and will be redeveloped progressively.
“The City Centre precinct contains a significant number of state-listed
and local-listed heritage places which will be preserved and
re-purposed.
“The council’s Facade Improvement Scheme supports the revitalisation of
building facades in the city centre and has been progressively rolled
out in partnership with private property owners.
“Revitalisation of the Riverside precinct will deliver a promenade that
will form part of the Bluewater Trail,” Cr Williamson said.
The community played a significant role in designing the various
precincts within the PDA and will have a further opportunity to comment
once the proposed development scheme is publicly notified in late-2018.
--ENDS--
Source: Queensland Government - www.statements.qld.gov.au
Contact: Media contact: 0424 823 424
External Links: http://www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au/edq/mackay-waterfront.html
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