New Mackay ARC gets official opening

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.