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Consultants to examine sports relocation project

A Brisbane-based consultancy firm has won a $43 000 contract to provide the Mackay Port Authority with options that will transform a vacant parcel of land in Milton Street into a first-class sporting complex.

The Place Design Group has been given just under three months to present the MPA’s Sporting Fields Relocation Community Reference Group (SFRCRG) with a preferred development plan that will offer junior soccer and hockey a new, safer home in Mackay.

Last year, the MPA purchased land adjacent to Leprechaun Park, after acknowledging its duty of care to move the two sports from Barbour Park. The park is situated on the approach path to the city’s main runway.

Reference Group acting chairman and Mackay City Division Nine councillor Kevin Casey said the consultant had undertaken to provide the SFRCRG with a preferred development option report and a preliminary costing of the draft concept by the end of April.

The overall design would examine a variety of areas including the layout of the sports complex, parking, soil and water quality and other issues.

Cr Casey said the reference group was now eagerly awaiting the report.

“The preferred development option will give us a solid base in which to examine the direction the project will take in the future,” he said.

“At the end of the day the project will hinge on soccer and hockey’s ability to secure funding from the State and Federal governments and other sources.”

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said safety was continuing to drive the sports fields relocation project.

“This project will not only provide the two associations with top-class playing fields and modern facilities, but more importantly, give soccer and hockey players a safer environment, away from the approach path to the main runway.

“We have consulted extensively with the community on this issue and I believe the vast majority of people have agreed that the move from Barbour Park to Milton Street will be positive.

“It will also give soccer and hockey the opportunity to expand and plan for the future.”