In the battle to draw grey nomads into towns, innovation and creativity is the name of the game and the north Queensland town of Mackay isn’t about to let a new ring road make it miss out on potential visitors.
Having spent $535,000 on a now iconic ‘entry statement’ roundabout at the southern end of the Mackay Ring Road in 2014, the council is now to investigate if it should do something similar at the northern end.
The Daily Mercury reports that grey nomads are key to Mackay Regional Council’s tourism plan but, with the ring road about to bypass the city, trying to boost the region’s drive market will only get harder.
Transport and Drainage Advisory Board members discussed the pros and cons of a new landmark roundabout in North Mackay and what it would look like.
Cr Karen May said the council was keen to capture south-bound tourists.
“When I have met tourism operators in the Northern Beaches they have told me that are interested in having an entry statement as well to make sure we capture that highway traffic,” she told the Mercury.
A ‘statement’ piece already exists – complete with plants and underground watering system – on the roundabout at the Bruce Highway and Stockroute Rd intersection just outside Bakers Creek. The new ‘statement’ roundabout – if it is to be built – would be at Bald Hills at the northern end of the Mackay Ring Road.
The Mercury says motorists heading south on the Bruce Highway would then have an option to turn left into Mackay or bypass the sugar city altogether. It would take three years to be built but the council has committed to putting together a business case for the proposal.
They make no difference to me.
Statement Roundabouts do not entice grey nomads, RV friendly signs do – low cost short term campsite near shops and facilities, dump points, seniors discounts etc
Yes another total waste of money by an out of touch council, They want exactly what Lorraine said, a place to park a few basic services and we will stop and spend in your town.Not another bloody roundabout. Stevo,