With Mackay often described as the “River City”, the beautiful Pioneer River runs right through the City centre. Its blue waters form a wide estuary running into that part of the Pacific Ocean called the Coral Sea. The River has always been the heart and sole of this Queensland Coastal City, and as such, Council is keen to make the most of its many attributes.
As part of its CBD Revitalisation project, Council is spending $1.2 million enhancing facilities along what will become the Riverwalk. Works include raising of levee banks to protect against up to six metre high tides and flooding of the Pioneer River. Gross pollutant traps will also be installed to enhance water quality and ensure litter does not end up on local beaches or the Great Barrier Reef.
With sections of boardwalk already in place, an observation deck is nearing completion. Additional new pathways, landscaping work and lighting are currently being installed. The Riverwalk will form part of a 21 kilometre network of recreational pathways circling Mackay City.
To complete this project, Council joined with the Commonwealth and State Governments to establish an employment program, including an Indigenous program, under the Community Jobs Plan. This is giving local people an opportunity to develop new skills, and take pride in the fact that they are creating facilities to be enjoyed by many for years to come.
