Enjoying life in the outdoors

Afternoon sea breezes, idyllic temperatures and a tropical climate make for an attractive outdoor lifestyle in the Mackay region. So it’s no surprise that enhancing outdoor amenities is high on the radar of Mackay Regional Council.

The fledgling Bluewater Trail is a 19 kilometre dedicated pedestrian bicycle pathway. It circumnavigates the CBD, acting as a catalyst for retail, residential and green space development along Mackay’s bluewater river – the Pioneer River.

The Trail, which is about half completed, links the city’s popular tourist spots, such as the Botanic Gardens, Bluewater Lagoon, Bluewater Quay and Sandfly Creek Walk.

Thanks to the Rudd Government Community Infrastructure Program, Council is about to spend another $3 million to complete another section of the pedestrian walkway from the Botanic Gardens to Bluewater Lagoon.

“We want to make sure people can enjoy our tropical climate in a family friendly way,” Mayor Col Meng said.

Another key component of the Bluewater Trail is the completion of the Bluewater Quay Open Space in the heart of the city centre.

Mayor Meng said this 2,000 square metre ‘meeting place’ offers residents and visitors a spacious and child friendly area to enjoy picnics and gatherings and take in the picturesque bluewater river.

The ongoing work on the Bluewater Trail complements another $1 million that the Federal Government has delivered for local playground upgrades in the Mackay Regional Council area this year.

Mayor Meng said 29 parks and playgrounds stand to benefit from the improvements, which include the installation of shade structures.

“It is no secret that Queensland has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world,” he said. “Research shows that 80 per cent of skin damage occurs in the first 20 years of life, so it is vital to improve the sun safety of children and young people in our region and actively promote sun safe messages.”