North Wall recreational area improvement project
We’re investing around one million dollars to improve the recreational area at North Wall Beach, near the Port of Mackay.
At NQBP, we share the passion the community has for safeguarding the local environment and are committed to continuing to provide recreational access to North Wall Beach.
We’re looking forward to enhancing the area’s natural beauty while maintaining its unique and peaceful outlook.
The improvements to the North Wall recreational area will provide long-term benefits not only for its current visitors but also for future generations.
With a local office in Mackay, landscape architects at RPS Group have been engaged to develop a preliminary layout for consideration.
It’s anticipated that the project (including construction) will be completed in early 2025.
Community engagement
NQBP has worked with representatives from our key stakeholder groups such as the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation, Mackay and District Turtle Watch and our Port of Mackay Community Reference Group to seek input and feedback on the project and the preliminary layout design.
Broader community feedback on the preliminary layout is now open for four weeks and will close on COB Friday 3 May 2024.
A final design layout will be prepared once this consultation period has closed and relevant feedback has been considered and included where possible.
Based on community and stakeholder feedback we have received to date the preliminary layout design includes the following (where possible):
- A sealed car park
- Landscaping
- Additional shaded picnic tables and seating
- Upgraded shower facilities
- Public toilets
- Additional signage (including turtle education and recognition of Yuwi Traditional Owners)
- Additional bins
- Refurbishment of the beach access steps
- Additional lighting (turtle friendly)
- Infrastructure to allow potential future temporary pop-up business opportunities (coffee vans etc)
- Improved fencing / bollards
Due to the available budget, complexities of required scientific studies and approval timeframes, there are some exclusions to this project. These include but may not be limited to:
- Erosion management. A separate project is underway to develop a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for North Wall Beach which is required before any coastal works can occur in the area.
- Changed access to the beach, including disability access. Due to the location of these works, the above-mentioned SEMP would need to be in place for new work to occur. Changes to beach access will be considered in the future.
- Recreational boating facilities (boat ramps, fishing platforms etc).
- Playground and/or play infrastructure.
- Any activity or development that is not aligned with the Master Plan for the Priority Ports of Hay Point/Mackay prepared by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, or other Commonwealth or State requirements, approvals and environmental protection measures that apply.
Project stages and status
| Project stage | Activity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Engagement of landscape architects | Complete |
| 2 | Key stakeholder consultation | Complete |
| 3 | Preliminary layout design | Complete |
| 4 | Preliminary layout announced | Complete |
| 5 | Community consultation | Underway |
| 6 | Final layout design | |
| 7 | Final layout announcement | |
| 8 | Construction tender and approval process | |
| 9 | Construction works | |
| 10 | Project completion |
Construction impacts
During the construction phase, every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the community, however at times it may be necessary to restrict public access to the North Wall beach recreational area to ensure safety. Stay tuned for updates on social media.
Have your say
If you would like to provide feedback on this project and the preliminary layout design, please complete our online survey.
This survey will close on COB Friday 3 May 2024. You can also register to stay informed as the project progresses.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us.