future development . Mackay is embracing transformation and preparing the region for future opportunities to ensure it remains relevant and continues to grow and thrive .
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic generating uncertain circumstances , causing disruptions to normal business trade , event postponements and cancelations , and impeding free community movements , the resilience of the Mackay region has allowed it to overcome these obstacles and prosper in a new era . According to data compiled through REMPLAN ( 2021 ), the total employment across all local industry sectors prior to COVID-19 was estimated at 47,975 .
In March 2021 , an increase of 0.73 % was recorded with total employment estimated to now be at 48,324 ( REMPLAN , 2021 ). Further evidence presents that most industries have completely recovered or even surpassed previous employment numbers and the total monthly output across all local industry sectors has increased by 2.16 % ( REMPLAN , 2021 ). These figures combined with a projected population increase of 34,710 people between 2021 and 2041 , highlights the region ’ s strong economic position to support new and expanding industry and development ( Queensland Treasury , 2018 ).
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic generating uncertain circumstances , causing disruptions to normal business trade , event postponements and cancelations , and impeding free community movements , the resilience of the Mackay region has allowed it to overcome these obstacles and prosper in a new era .
Mackay is taking advantage of the prosperous economy , anticipated population growth , low unemployment rates , and liveable tropical climate through adopting a strategic response to further capitalise on opportunities in the investment and economic development space . With the guidance of the Mackay
Waterfront PDA Development Scheme 2019 and Mackay Waterfront Master Plan , Council seeks to encourage private investment through the purchase of key properties , an expression of interest process on council owned sites , a facilitating development policy and delivering improvements to the public realm .
DEVELOPMENT SCHEME The Mackay Waterfront PDA Development Scheme ( the development scheme ) is the regulatory document that assists with planning , promoting , coordinating , and controlling land development within the Mackay Waterfront project area . The development scheme supports public investment by facilitating a range of development and investment opportunities across the Mackay Waterfront under a streamlined assessment process . It consists of a land use plan that regulates development , an infrastructure plan that describes required infrastructure to support achievement of the land use plan and an implementation strategy that prescribes a series of objectives and actions that will support new development and community outcomes . Some of the benefits of the development scheme include :
• Allowing for interim land uses to occur until the ultimate long-term vision can be implemented , this encourages the development industry to diversify their interests and use the land whilst preparing larger development applications , design and staged construction ;
• Outlining Council ’ s role in supporting the development industry through adjacent public realm improvements , placemaking opportunities and activation ; and
• Encouraging the development industry to enter into pre-application meetings to ensure feedback is obtained early in the process and opportunities for innovation and climate responsive design outcomes are considered . Pre-application meetings are designed to ensure once lodged , all issues are already resolved , and development approvals are provided quickly .
Most importantly , the development scheme is centred around delivering quality results for the community and is ultimately outcomes focused .
MASTER PLAN The Mackay Waterfront Masterplan has set the scene for confident development and an ambitious staged transformation across the project area . Encompassing approximately 172 hectares , the Mackay Waterfront involves five key precincts including City Centre , Riverside , Enterprise , Queens Park and Beachside .
The master plan sets out the public realm vision and concepts for the Mackay Waterfront over the next 20 years to inform more detailed design of individual projects and complement the objectives and requirements of the PDA development scheme .
The purpose of the master plan is to establish the overall vision for the Mackay Waterfront through the incorporation of the community ’ s ideas and previous
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