Queensland

Location: Pioneer River, Mackay

Threat:     Inappropriate Redevelopment

Significance of Place

Although originally discovered by overland route in 1860, the Pioneer River and its hinterland quickly became the focus for the new township of Mackay.

The river was the port. It was the historic entry point for cattle and, very quickly afterwards, for sugar. The high tidal rise and fall that occurs locally required very substantial wharfs along the riverbank. In addition, staged disembarkation was required for bigger ships, where barges were used between Flat Top Island, just outside the river mouth, and the wharves on River Street. This continued until 1938 when Mackay harbour was developed, 6kms from the City Centre.

The town plan for Mackay was drawn up in 1863. Wharves, large warehouses and offices were established by families whose names are still part of the Mackay community. As the sugar industry developed, indentured South Sea Islanders were brought in, via the River Street wharves, to work the plantations. Their descendents tell stories of the new arrivals waiting under the, still standing, Leichhardt tree to be picked up and taken to their allotted plantation.

The boat pens, along the river, are still being used by the fishing fleets that operate from the River Street site. The current Customs House, dating from 1901, the Post Office and Catholic Church complex remain on their original sites in River Street, although the original buildings have been replaced. Two of Mackay’s oldest hotels still stand both dating from the 1890’s.

Description of Threat

The State Government has pledged $38M for a proposed re-development project in Mackay. The current decision is for a ‘multifunction centre’ to be built east of the bridge along the waterfront and out into the river. Potential is also being created for high-rise unit development along the river. There are also plans to ‘upgrade’ the riverbank along the whole area of the historic wharf.

These recent City Revitalisation Development plans appear to be unsympathetic to the area’s built heritage. Both the proposed hotels have inappropriate high-rise developments on their sites and the State Government’s multi-purpose function centre would completely alter access to and compromise the vista of the Riverfront.

Action Required

The National Trust believes it would be in everyone’s interest for the development proposals to be sympathetic to the heritage character of this important river-scape. The Trust believes that no consideration has been given to the possibility of adaptive re-use of existing heritage structures. Such an approach, as well as being a cheaper alternative, would ensure the re-development harmonised with the area’s heritage character, retaining buildings of significance and providing character and very acceptable re-development.