Vacant tourist information building to become exciting cultural hub

Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation’s application to lease the former tourist information centre building at 316 Nebo Road was approved, with councillors pleased to see the facility activated as a tourism asset once more.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there wasn’t currently a location in the Mackay region that displayed Yuwi stories, artwork, images or artefacts.

“Yuwi wish to establish a premises where they can share their knowledge – and tourists, schools and the community can go to view displays and learn about the rich culture of the Yuwi people,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s a tremendous location for a cultural centre,” he said. “Not only is the facility close to the city gates, but it is also near the Australian South Sea Islander Hut and the Torres Strait and First Nations sections of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.”

Yuwi has indicated the premises will also be used for board meetings and for the ranger, sea ranger, cultural heritage and TUMRA (Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements) projects.

The lease has been approved for a period of five years.

Another beneficial community lease, for 10 years, was also approved at the meeting for Football Queensland to continue to lease land at 10 Hewitt Way, Glenella, as well as an additional 23,366sqm to the east.

Mayor Williamson said Football Queensland had done a great job of growing Mackay Football Park – and the sport of soccer within the Mackay region – and had developed a master plan for the premises.

“Patrons have identified insufficient carparking at the facility as an inconvenience and safety issue,” he said.

“Football Queensland have developed their future plans around this feedback and proposed the land to the east of the current lease area as appropriate for parking.

“Council was happy to work with them to facilitate this extended lease to alleviate some of the parking and congestion issues caused by the growth and popularity of the sport.”