Mackay Council has awarded a $30,000 Minor Infrastructure Grant, one of 27 provided by Council, to build a multisport cycling complex; thanks to the advocacy of three local cycling groups.
The Minor Infrastructure Grant was approved in late October 2022, and will allow the Mackay Combined Cycling Club Group to undertake a business case for the facility.
The 27 Community Grants had a combined value of $176,601.
Community Grants Committee member Cr Russell Seymour said Mackay and District BMX Club, Mackay Cycling Club and Mackay and District Mountain Bike Club each had representatives in the united group.
Cr Seymour said the funding would allow a study to be undertaken by an external third party to evaluate the need, potential locations and potential operating models such a facility would require.
“The group has a vision to see Mackay construct a complex that would provide for a combination of cycling sports,” Cr Seymour said.
“Ideally, the complex would offer BMX facilities, velodrome, criterium, cyclocross, a pump track and an education area, as well as facilities for toilets, shower and change facilities, a canteen, office, storage, meeting and timing rooms, car parking, barbecues and shelters.
“This is really an exciting project that the committee was happy to support, as it has the potential to attract people to our region and support the development and retention of up-and-coming athletes.”
Community Grants Committee member Cr Alison Jones said one of the other grants that stood out was for a mobile toilet for the St Helens Beach Progress Association.
“No one should have to drive 200km for a toilet, but that’s exactly what would happen when the St Helens Beach community hosted events,” Cr Jones said.
“The committee was very pleased to be able to award a grant for $7350 for this purchase.
“Having this mobile toilet will also allow the group to assist other community groups in the vicinity of St Helens Beach – like Calen, Kolijo, Mt Ossa and Pindi Pindi – when they hold events.”
Cr Jones said it was also great to see funds awarded to the Breakaway Riders Club of Mackay to purchase first aid and safety equipment.
“The committee approved $4,072 to allow the club to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a satellite phone,” Cr Jones said.
“Most of the horse rides and camps the club conducts are isolated and out of standard mobile phone reception range.
“The rides also cover rough terrain that is inaccessible for motorised vehicles, so having this equipment will make a huge difference in an emergency.”
Further funding awarded from the Community Grants included:
- Mackay and District Italian Assoc Inc – $7,500 towards the Italian Festival
- Mackay Contract Bridge Club Inc – $7,055 to renovate the disability and female clubhouse toilets
- Mackay Swimming Academy Inc – $3,500 towards the 49th Annual Great Barrier Reef Swimming Carnival
- Mackay Art Society – $26,916 towards design and drafting for a staged plan for extensions and improved accessibility
- Mackay Wanderers Football Club – $2,000 towards upgrading an irrigation system
- QCWA Calen Branch – $1,400 towards crusher dust for the parking area of the hall
- CatholicCare Central Queensland – $1500 towards venue hire for the School Savvy CQ program
- Walkerston Cricket Club Inc – $965 towards a whipper snipper and blower
- 122 Army Cadet Unit – $10,242 to purchase a twin axle galvanised trailer
- Football Queensland Limited – $10,900 for an electric buggy
- Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club – $30,000 towards the development of a Master Plan to support the development of a multi-purpose sporting facility in the Pioneer Valley
- North Mackay Saints AFC Club – $3,182 towards the purchase of goal post pads
- Sugarshed Road Horse Sports Club Inc – $5,315 for irrigation of the dressage arena and top-dressing of the main arena at Sugarshed Road
- Mackay Advocacy Inc – $5,152 to purchase a photocopier/printer/scanner
- Phoenix Place Inc – $5,673 to purchase technology and computer equipment to begin a capacity-building tech program for participants who have a disability or mental illness
- Mackay Volleyball Mavens Inc – $3,750 towards a social tournament to be held at PCYC, sending a team to the Senior State Championships at the Gold Coast, purchase of equipment for training and social events, and assistance with member development
