New Mackay ARC gets official opening

March 11, 2019

Mackay Regional Council has opened the new $23.9million Mackay ARC (aquatic and recreation centre), which includes three swimming pools, a synthetic athletics track and a multi-use playing surface.

Located on 12 hectares at CQUniversity's Ooralea campus, the FINA complaint facility offers a 50 metre pool with heating and disability access; a 25 metre roofed and heated warm up pool with six lanes and a disability ramp; a 15 metre learn-to-swim pool with heating and disability ramp; a grassed future splash area; café, reception/administration facilities and multi-purpose space.

The athletics facilities include a nine-lane synthetic track, eight-lane 400 metre track, and eight-lane back straight, as well as two jumping pits with two triple jump options, a water jump, discus circle and hammer circle. Shot put, pole vault, javelin and multi-use field facilities are also available.

Saturday’s opening event heard Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson say that the complex puts Mackay “on the sporting map” and will bring a range of state and national competitions to the city.

He also advised “this is a fantastic community complex providing local athletes with an Olympic-standard aquatics facility and track to train on, and residents will have access to covered, heated pools for recreation and programs.”

Opening day activities included activities ranging from face painting and a jumping castle to mini swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, athletics come and try, plenty of races featuring local clubs, a water polo exhibition match and yoga classes.

The opening saw Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, a vocal supporter of the Mackay ARC, take on Mayor Williamson in a running race on the Mackay ARC’s athletic track.

The Mackay ARC project was jointly funded, with the Federal Government investing $9.9 million and Mackay Regional Council investing $13.8 million.

The 12-hectare site was contributed by CQUniversity via a long-term lease agreement with Belgravia Leisure managing the facility.

Click here for more information on the Mackay ARC.

Images of the Mackay ARC courtesy of Mackay Regional Council.

17th October 2018 - Mackay regional sports precinct gets new name as it moves towards early 2019 opening

3rd August 2018 - Best and brightest in Queensland’s aquatics industry recognised at ALFAQ Awards

26th July 2018 - Mackay City Council reopens popular fitness stairs

12th February 2018 - Mackay moves forward with Aquatic Centre and better parks planning

23rd February 2018 - New Mackay skate park secures first event prior to completion

30th January 2018 - 80% of Mackay adults are overweight or obese

21st November 2017 - Works set to begin on $23.8 million Mackay Sports Precinct

20th August 2014 - Belgravia Leisure marks 10 years of facility management in Queensland

28th September 2012 - Mackay Regional Council seeks managers for two aquatic centres

19th October 2011 - Davis Langdon to build new Mackay multi-purpose indoor sports arena

16th March 2010 - Mackay Leisure Facilities Win Architectural Awards

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