Stage one of the Mackay Regional Sports Precinct development is complete and residents can now enjoy the new Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex (ARC). This state-of-the-art facility officially opened on March 9 this year and is set to put Mackay on the map of world-class sporting venues.
The complex was funded by Mackay Regional Council and the Federal Government, investing $13.8 million and $9.9 respectively. Meanwhile, Mackay ARC’s 12-hectare site on Boundary Road was a contribution of CQUniversity through a long-term lease contract.
What it means to the local community
The new Mackay ARC provides specialised recreational and sports facilities that are open to the local community. Local athletes in particular will be happy to know that there’s an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Class 2 athletics facility available nearby where they can hone their skills to international standards.
Local sprinter Skyla Bancroft is hopeful that the new Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex will make training a lot easier for local athletes. “Getting access to a synthetic track to train on before we go away will help a lot and will remove a lot of the nerves,” she said.
Bancroft also added that a world-class sports facility like this should also attract more sports competitions to Mackay and boost local tourism and economy. “It’ll also be amazing to get the chance to compete in front of a home crowd for a change,” she added.
But while Mackay ARC is a great venue for athletic events, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson emphasises that this sports complex managed by Belgravia Leisure is a community facility and accessible to the public. “Yes, this facility will bring competitions we’ve never seen to Mackay, but I have got to stress – it is a public facility,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This is a community facility and we want everyone to come on down and check it out. Bring the family, try a new sport, check out the swimming lessons on offer, watch a few races, do some yoga or just have a cuppa,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We want everyone out here. It’s not just for elite athletes – it’s for the whole community,” he concluded.
Mackay ARC Facilities
The Complex has more than 200 items of high-quality sports equipment from the Commonwealth Games, courtesy of the Embracing 2018 Legacy Program. These include hurdles, starters’ stands, discus and hammer throwing nets, high jump beds, stands and bars, bench seating, and a shot-put return system.
Mackay ARC is composed of Olympic-standard Aquatic and Athletics facilities, which are usable all-year-round. The Aquatic facility features a 50m FINA pool with 10 lanes, heating, and 2m constant depth. There’s also a 25m warmup pool with six lanes and 1.35m to 1.1m depth.
Families will be happy to know that Mackay ARC also has a 15m learn-to-swim covered pool with five lanes, heating, and 1.1m to 0.9m depth. This is a perfect place for parents to bond with their kids while teaching the basics of swimming. There’s also a splash area and Aquatics cafe for everyone to enjoy.
Meanwhile, the Athletic facility is comprised of a synthetic running track, a multi-use playing field, two javelin runways, a discuss/hammer circle, a water jump, three shot put circles, and two jumping pits.
After a whole day of fun and sweating, your family can relax at the clubhouse and facility canteen.
The site also has approximately 135 car park spaces for visitors, multipurpose spaces for events and gatherings, and CCTV cameras for security.
Memberships at Mackay ARC
This multi-facility sports and recreation precinct offers memberships and visit passes to all Mackay residents. Whichever is most suitable to you and your family, here are the memberships you can avail:
1. Learn to Swim Membership
2. Aquatic Membership
3. Aquatic Membership Concession
4. Athletics Membership
5. Aquatic Membership Concession
6. Exercise Membership (Pool + Track)
7. Exercise Membership Concession (Pool + Track)
Casual access to either Athletics or Aquatic facilities is very reasonably priced – see the Mackay ARC website for more details.
Individual facilities are also open for group hire on per hour or day basis and the full price list can be viewed here.
Live Close to Mackay ARC at The Waters Ooralea
The new Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex is just the beginning of the $72 million Mackay Regional Sports Precinct, which aims to boost the development and liveability in the region. And rightfully so, this sports and recreational complex is a great facility that will enhance the lives of Mackay residents both physically and economically.
If you want to live close to this world-class sports and recreation complex, the Waters Ooralea is a master-planned residential community just a 5 min drive to Mackay ARC. Our modern and family-oriented housing estate currently has land, as well as house and land packages for sale.
Call us on 0438 683 933 or send us an enquiry online to get your new home at The Waters Ooralea and have close access to Mackay ARC, plus the soon to be completed Mackay Regional Sports Precinct.