The new City Centre task force have thrown their support behind the Mackay Regional Council’s $18.6 million City Centre Public Realm improvement project and the council’s bid for $8.8 million in Regional Development Australia funding to ‘revitalise’ the city centre.
Councillors Greg Martin and Chris Bonanno, Chamber of Commerce president Tim Miles, Ricky Dhaliwal from Spice and Flavor, and Mackay Grande Suites’ Mark Laffin comprise the new City Centre Task Force.
“Local businesses and members of the City Centre Taskforce are telling us they want to see the streets and public spaces improved to transform the City Centre into a diverse, vibrant and dynamic place,” Tourism and Economic Development portfolio councillor Greg Martin said.
“If our application is successful, the project will see both sides of Victoria Street from Sydney Street to Gregory Streets refurbished along with the historic Pioneer Shire Building and adjoining parkland.”
If this improvement project is given the green light, it could potentially provide opportunities for apprenticeships in Mackay.
Mr Martin said that it was important to invest in Mackay’s principal centre, with the city centre providing an “extensive range of services” including retail, entertainment, business and administration services to the wider communities of the Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday region.
“The improvements will result in a more pedestrian friendly and attractive CBD with enhanced liveability [sic] and business vitality.”
