Bluewater Lagoon a clear success

With its crystal clear waters, tropical landscaping, waterslide and children’s play area, Mackay Regional Council’s $12.7 million Bluewater Lagoon is the envy of many across the nation.

Recently announced by Tourism Queensland and the RACQ as one of 150 top ‘must see’ sites in Queensland, this three tiered aquatic masterpiece has lured more than 370,000 visitors since it opened in August last year.

Manager Recreation Services Onno Van Es managed the project from conception to completion over a five year period. He said the attraction was architecturally designed to symbolise the region’s rainforests and beaches with decadent rockfall formations, stone pathways and lush tropical fernery.

“The lagoon is not just a tropical icon, it also represents another social, recreational and lifestyle opportunity to be enjoyed by our community,” Onno Van Es said.

“The Bluewater Lagoon is a safe alternative to beach swimming and adds another layer to what we already offer to our region’s growing tourism market.”

The lagoon was recently put on the national map by vying for a place in the Australian Property Institute of Queensland 2009 Awards.

“It is the only lagoon in Queensland that is fully fenced for security,” Onno Van Es said. “It is open seven days a week, including school and public holidays, and is always manned by Queensland Surf Life Savers.

“And, it’s not called the Bluewater Lagoon for nothing – it’s state of the art filtration system is designed to save about 90 per cent of backwash water.

“The Neptune Benson regenerative pre-coat filters sourced from the United States also enhance water quality, which means even in peak periods, the water remains clean and crystal clear.”

The lagoon is currently undergoing $500,000 worth of expansion works to further enhance the safety and comfort of users. The end result will be more shading, seating and footpaths and the fence will be raised by an extra half metre.

Construction of the Bluewater Lagoon was a jointly funded project between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council.

The facility is part of Council’s Bluewater Trail masterplan –
a 19 kilometre ring of activity that, when complete, will link recreational precincts around the Mackay CBD. This masterplan also encompasses the Bluewater Quay, a signature project due for completion by the end of the year.

Jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government, it will provide residents with an exciting waterfront lifestyle experience on the banks of the picturesque Pioneer River.