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A flight of stairs at Mackay’s Blacks Beach, considered one of the north Queensland’s most challenging fitness obstacles, are undergoing a three-month improvement program.

Popularly known as ‘Hell Stairs’, the 72 individual steps, covering a 20.5 metre incline, have become a staple for boot camps and fitness classes in the area.

However, have deteriorated in recent years, Mackay Regional Council has commenced a program to improve the amenity, scheduled to take 12 weeks.

Commenting on the upgrade, Mackay Regional Councillor Ross Gee advised “the stairs will be replaced with pre-fabricated steps constructed from composite fibre, which is both fire proof and cyclone rated.

“They will have a similar look to wood. However, they will be easy to maintain and will not require regular painting or treatment with oil.

“More importantly, they will improve safety and make exercising on the stairs a more enjoyable experience.

“The work will also include the construction of an upper level viewing platform that will be able to be accessed via ramps.”

Other work being carried out at Blacks Beach Park will include the installation of an all-abilities beach access ramp, a new path and a beach shower fitted with a drinking bubbler and dog bowl.

A new picnic setting will also be installed beside the sheltered playground.

The upgrades are part of a larger plan for Blacks Beach, which involves expanding on the existing infrastructure at Camilleri Street Park to provide additional facilities, such as public toilets, barbecues and new facilities catering to older children and teenagers in the area.

The upgrade are being funded by the Queensland Government's $200 million Works for Queensland program.

Image: The steps at Blacks Beach, courtesy of Mackay Regional Council.

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