investigations completed by Council for areas within the PDA . It will be a living , evolving document to inform further design and respond to opportunities and constraints that emerge . Ultimately , the long-term project aims to achieve economic and community outcomes , attract new industries and investment to the region , create jobs , improve liveability and enhance tourism , while connecting Mackay and its visitors to the water .
PURCHASE OF KEY PROPERTIES AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCESS To protect the vision for the Mackay Waterfront , Council made a strategic purchase of two riverside properties . The sites were subject to existing approved development that had not been acted upon by the developer . Following extensive community consultation between 2017 and 2019 it became abundantly clear that the community intent for this area was to create accessible , low-scale and community focussed areas where they could see and interact with the Pioneer River .
Since Council maintained ownership , it is Council ’ s intent that any future development in these “ flagship ” project
areas will include new community open spaces , improved community facilities , places for placemaking and pop-up activations and tourism .
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 .
To further capitalise on the momentum of the Mackay Waterfront , Council commenced an expression of interest ( EOI ) process in 2020 to test interest from the development industry . The EOI included the two riverside properties along with four other council owned free-hold sites situated in key locations across the city centre . The EOI was the first step in a two-stage process which aims to facilitate property and business investment within the Mackay Waterfront . Respondents were encouraged to include innovative and / or creative development pursuits and ensure concepts reflected the requirements of the development scheme .
Furthermore , the EOI criteria welcomed the inclusion of :
• Commercial activities including diversified opportunities for business , administration , and professional service providers ;
• Accommodation activities including a range of short and long-term residential offerings ;
• Hospitality activities including craft brewery or distillery , function centre or restaurant and entertainment precinct overlooking the Pioneer River ;
• Health care and community support services ;
• Mixed use tourist and recreation activities or unique regional attraction , supporting both land and water-based tourism opportunities ; or
• a combination of any of the above .
VOL 14 NO 2 2021 42 www . edaustralia . com . au