Mackay ARC grand opening day announced

Published: 27 Feb 2019

The region’s sparkling new Mackay ARC (Aquatic and Recreation Complex) is about to throw its gates open to the public.

An official opening of the international-standard sporting complex will be held Saturday, March 9.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack and Mayor Greg Williamson will officially open the ARC at 10.30am.

Containing Olympic-standard aquatics and athletics facilities and a multi-use playing field, the Mackay ARC will put the region on the map when it comes to sporting venues.

The complex is located on Boundary Road, adjacent to the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was throwing open the gates of the complex from 8am for a grand opening celebration, with free entry.

He said council was teaming up with local athletics, swimming and sporting clubs to put on a day of demonstrations and come-and-try activities.

“This is a community facility and we want everyone to come on down and check it out,” Cr Williamson said.

“Bring the family, try a new sport, check out the swimming lessons on offer, watch a few races, do some yoga or just have a cuppa while the kids get their face painted,” he said.

“This facility has a real wow factor – the moment you walk through those turnstiles and see the three pools and the massive synthetic track, you realise just how state-of-the-art it is.

“The grand opening is going to be a tremendous day for the family and will be just the first of many big events to be held at this complex.”

The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr McCormack, said the Federal Government was proud to be able to help deliver an IAAF Class 2 athletics facility that was a first for the Mackay region.

“The athletics facility will feature a synthetic running track, long jump pits, a water jump, discus, hammer and shot-put circles, high jump fans and javelin runways; not to mention the multi-use playing fields and fully-equipped clubhouse and canteen,” Mr McCormack said.

Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the aquatic centre would provide a temperature-controlled, Olympic-standard, 10-lane, 50-metre competition pool, in addition to 25m and 15m heated, covered pools with accessibility ramps.

“Whether you are learning to swim, exercising or hosting a national competition, this facility has you covered,” Ms Landry said.

CQUniversity Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Pierre Viljoen said it was gratifying and humbling to see this long-term vision turn into reality.

The Mackay ARC project was jointly funded, with the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government investing $9.9 million and Mackay Regional Council investing $13.8 million.

The 12-hectare site was contributed by CQUniversity via a long-term lease agreement.