Tenders awarded for Riverside Revitalisation projects

SMC Marine Pty Ltd was awarded the tender for the $2.44 million construction of the Pioneer River Floating Pontoon at the Bluewater Quay.

Woollam Constructions was successful in the tender for the $3.75 million design and refurbishment of 8 River Street (formerly Maria’s Donkey and more recently the Don Daniels restaurant site).

Together these will be the third major project in the Mackay Waterfront PDA. The first was the Queens Park redevelopment, followed by River Wharves, which is the first of three stages in the Riverside Revitalisation project.

Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May said the revamp of 8 River Street would add to the appeal already added by the announcement of Red Dog Brewery at the old Ashtart site.

“Woollam Constructions will undertake a full structural refreshment of the building with the aim of refurbishing it as a food and beverage facility,” Cr May said.

“The building remediation will aim to enable the site to accommodate a variety of hospitality uses, such as café, restaurant, bar and function capabilities.”

The Pioneer River Floating Pontoon will be constructed by SMC Marine at the end of Brisbane Street, near the Bluewater Quay.

Cr May said the pontoon would enable a more centralised access to the river for commercial and non-motorised watercraft to load and unload for a day of recreation.

“By enabling more people to access our beautiful blue water river we are continuing to grow the liveability of our region,” Cr May said.

“This pontoon will promote access for river cruises, barbecue boats, and jet skis as well as recreational vessels such as kayaks and tinnies,” she said.

“The Mackay Waterfront project had been developed by council to improve the tourism aesthetic, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront areas.

“Council’s Mackay City and Waterfront team are working with the community and local businesses to roll out a series of placemaking and activation activities across the city centre and waterfront areas,” she said.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.