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Mackay’s Bluewater Trail Projects

Mr Onno Van Es

Manager Recreation Services

Mackay Regional Council, Queensland, Australia

2009 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia Queensland (IPWEAQ) - North Queensland Branch Supervisors Conference

Mackay, 22-23 October 2009

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Background

Mackay Regional Council recently completed the following three landmark projects:

• Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC);

• The Bluewater Lagoon; and

• The Bluewater Quay.

This presentation relates to the Bluewater Lagoon and Bluewater Quay Projects.

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Brief History

Both the Bluewater Quay and the Bluewater Lagoon form part of Mackay’s Bluewater Trail, a 21km ring of activity around the city centre, incorporating Far Beach, the Botanic Gardens, the Catherine Freeman Walk, and the Wetlands at the mouth of the Pioneer River.

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Bluewater Quay

Providing an accessible and attractive lifestyle facility for residents and tourists, the Bluewater Quay is a 2,000 square metre project constructed to the east of the Forgan Bridge.

Features of the project include:

• Iconic Public Art

• Children’s Play Area including Waterplay

• Entertainment Stage

• Boardwalk

• Picnic and BBQ Areas

• Upgraded Fishing Platform

The Quay is also a catalyst to future development along River Street, including the Crown and Anchor (currently being renovated) and The Pier.

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The $12 million project was jointly funded by the State Government and Mackay Regional Council, with RCP appointed as the Project Managers.

Construction commenced in May 2008, with the opening being held in conjunction with the annual River to Reef event in October 2009.

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The Bluewater Quay is a significant open space on the riverfront which can cater for a variety of functions, including fishing from one of the two piers.

It consists of natural lines, simple design and a timeless style that will last well beyond the next half century.

The Quay also has a levee bank contained in the design, which consists of a varied block of concrete, that also doubles as an entry way.

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Project Challenges

Existing service locations / condition & coordination with stakeholders (Telstra, Ergon, Mackay Water Alliance)

Forgan Bridge construction

Wet weather

Ground conditions

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Commencement of concrete open space

Construction of stage areas

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Construction near river

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The finished product

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Bluewater Lagoon

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The $12.7 million Bluewater Lagoon is a three tiered lagoon-style aquatic facility incorporating a waterslide and an interactive children’s waterplay area.

The project was funded by all three levels of Government – Federal, State and Local.

Construction commenced in August 2007, with the opening being held in August 2008.

The opening event saw 9,200 people converge on the Bluewater Lagoon for the 4-hour event.

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Rationales

1. The presence of dangerous marine life at the beaches during September to April.

2. The requirement to provide alternative recreational, social and lifestyle opportunities for residents, tourists and specific groups to promote a healthier community.

3. The requirement to attract and retain more workers and families to the region by increasing lifestyle attractiveness during a period of strong economic growth and skill shortages.

4. Strong regional growth and a high need for additional lifestyle related infrastructure.

5. A perceived lack of facilities for the youth, who represent a high percentage of the region’s population.

6. Existing swimming enclosures that are of limited recreational value due to local environmental factors.

7. Limited water space at existing aquatic facilities.

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Objectives

1. To develop a lagoon style aquatic facility for the residents of the Mackay Region to provide a safe alternative to beach swimming.

2. To attract and retain more workers and families to the region by increasing lifestyle attractiveness.

3. To provide alternative recreational, social and lifestyle opportunities for residents and tourists, including senior citizens, people with disabilities and youth to promote a healthier community.

4. To provide a response to community demands and expectations.

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Project Challenges

The significant rain event in February 2008

A design change in the Café / Kiosk

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Trivia

Almost 500 workers had been through the site during construction

More than 2,000 cubic metres of concrete

200 tonnes of structural steel

3 kilometres of pipe work underground

150 tonnes of reinforcing steel

400 litres of paint

600 square metres of turf

9,000 plants

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Lessons Learned

Planning is Everything

Communication is Crucial

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Facility Operations

Lifeguards

Security

Café / Kiosk Lessee

Cleaning

Pool Plant (+ technical)

Grounds Maintenance

Duty Supervisor

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Council recently completed its $600,000 “minor works project”, which included the installation of additional seating, balustrades, and shade umbrellas.

In addition to being a fenced area, with security personnel on-site, thirteen CCTV cameras also operate throughout the facility.

To date, over 370,000 patrons have attended the free facility.

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Thank You