Planning scheme amendment focuses on upper-Pioneer Valley

Council yesterday decided to start the process of a major amendment to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme, based around extensive planning work done to support the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail project.

The proposed amendment will:

• facilitate commercial and other specific non-residential uses within designated precincts under the township zone in Finch Hatton and Eungella
• encourage adaptive re-use by changing the zone of a small number of lots to township in those two localities
• reduce levels of assessment for certain uses and development required in Finch Hatton and Eungella as trail towns, in support of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail Project.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there has been consultation in Finch Hatton and Eungella, prior to the preparation of the amendment.

“A community update session was held in November and there was overwhelming support to facilitate commercial uses in the Finch Hatton and Eungella townships to support these towns being service hubs for the mountain bike trail project,” Mayor Williamson said.

“A big effort has been undertaken by our Strategic Planning team and I would like to thank them for their work and engagement with the Finch Hatton and Eungella communities.”

Council will now begin preparing the major amendment.

Yuwi representatives inspect mountain bike trails

Representatives from Yuwi and Australian Heritage specialists took to the sky and ground this week to conduct preliminary cultural heritage investigations over the proposed Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails.

A report will be prepared for council and the findings will inform the project’s cultural heritage management plan.

To stay up-to-date on the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail project, click the subscribe button on the right-hand side of this page.

Finch Hatton and Eungella Local Area Planning Framework Project

On Wednesday, November 10, 2021, council presented their proposed recommendations for the Finch Hatton and Eungella Local Area Planning Frameworks at a community planning session at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds.

The session included; the current planning requirements in the Pioneer Valley, the proposed changes to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme to accommodate new uses and precincts in the township and proposed public realm improvements and infrastructure upgrades to support the town becoming a trail town for the future mountain bike trails project.

A copy of the presentation can be found here.

If you have any questions about the proposed local area planning frameworks, please contact council’s Strategic Planning team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email planningenquiries@mackay.qld.gov.au

Finch Hatton and Eungella Local Area Planning Session

Finch Hatton and Eungella communities are invited to a planning session to hear and comment on the proposed recommendations for the Finch Hatton and Eungella local area planning projects.

Council has developed land use planning frameworks for Finch Hatton and Eungella to support these townships becoming trail towns for the future mountain bike trails.

The session will include:

• a brief mountain bike trails project update
• a planning 101 presentation to explain the planning process
• current planning requirements in the Pioneer Valley
• recommendations for the Finch Hatton and Eungella local area planning frameworks
• proposed changes to the Mackay Region Planning Scheme to accommodate new uses and precincts in the township along with public realm improvements and infrastructure upgrades
• how to use the Mackay Region Planning Scheme when developing your property.

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Time: 5pm to 7pm
Location: Finch Hatton Showground
Registration is required. Please visit eventbrite.com.au to register for the session.

To stay informed on these projects, visit the Finch Hatton and Eungella township’s local area planning framework pages on connectingmackay.com.au and subscribe to the project update emails.

Take a tour of the Cattle Creek administration building

Check out this video of the Cattle Creek Mill administration building BEFORE exciting new renovations are revealed in the coming months.

The refurbished building will remain a feature of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails’ Finch Hatton trailhead.

Council is breathing new life into the building with exciting refurbishments, including the removal of asbestos, external and internal improvements, as well as a new roof and windows, and painting.

The project will reinstate the original building signage and revitalise the existing façade to pay homage to the building’s history.

The works are progressing well and are on track for completion at the end of December (weather permitting).

Click here to view the video.

WEBINAR #3
Understanding the Mountain Bike Visitor
Thursday, September 23, at 11am

You’re invited to register for the upcoming webinar, Understanding The Mountain Bike Visitor.

Special guest speaker will be Robert Potter, who is an avid traveller and mountain bike enthusiast.

Participants will gain insight and valuable information about the mountain bike market.

This webinar will reshape what you think you know and create a greater understanding of this unique customer segment.

We understand how time is precious for business owners, so we promise a short and sharp session with tools for you to take away and work with immediately.

Join us for a 20 minute practical and hands-on webinar, with 10 minutes for questions.

Can't make it? Register anyway and we'll send you a link to listen to the recording and resources.

Proudly delivered by Sparrowly Group on behalf of Mackay Regional Council.

SMALL BUSINESS WEBINAR SERIES

Make sure your business is in good shape with free mentoring webinars.

Mackay Regional Council is offering a free five-part webinar series focussed on business development.

The webinars will cover business essentials such as planning fundamentals, building a digital footprint, business accessibility and much more.

The webinar series is part of council’s Small Business Mentoring Program being delivered by Sparrowly Group for businesses in the Pioneer Valley. All businesses in the Mackay region are invited to participate.

Register your interest today to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

Once held, all webinar recordings and resources will be accessible for up to 12 months online.

WEBINAR #1 Business Planning Fundamentals August 26, at 11am	WEBINAR #2 Building Your Business Digital Footprint September 9, at 11am
WEBINAR #3 Understanding the Mountain Bike Visitor September 23, at 11am	WEBINAR #4 Know Your Numbers October 7, at 11am
WEBINAR #5 Making Your Business Accessible October 21, at 11am

Another tick off the list for Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails

Council is about to breathe new life into the Cattle Creek Mill Administration Building with exciting refurbishment works starting on Monday (August 2).

Located in the township of Finch Hatton, the building was identified as a key asset for the proposed Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail’s Finch Hatton trailhead site.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the refurbishment of the Cattle Creek Mill Administration Building was another tick off the to-do-list for the Mountain Bike Trails project.

“The commencement of these works takes us one step closer to having the trailheads up and running for our region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The building will play a key role in shaping what the final Finch Hatton trailhead site looks like.”

Local contractor, BH Building was awarded the $348,000 contract to refurbish the existing building.

The refurbishment work includes the removal of asbestos, external and internal improvements including a new roof and windows, and painting.

Mayor Williamson said a dilapidated toilet attached to the existing building would also be demolished, with a new separate amenities block expected to be built when the trailhead is finalised.

“An exciting aspect of the project includes reinstating the original building signage as well as revitalising the existing façade to pay homage to the building’s history.”

The works are expected to take about 18 weeks to complete, depending on availability of materials.

Residents and businesses in the area are not expected to be impacted by any of the associated works.

Applications open for Small Business Mentoring Program

The Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails have the potential to attract 30,000 new visitors to the region annually and bring in an additional $18 million into the local economy. Make sure your business is in good shape to make the most of this opportunity.

The mentoring program includes:

• A deep business assessment
• Five one-on-one mentoring sessions tailored for your business needs
• Practical workshop style webinars
• Access to a curated national business community
• Tools to apply to your business
• Ongoing support from your mentor throughout the program

Apply for the program today as places are limited. Applications close Friday, July 2, at 9pm.

Learn what it’s all about at an upcoming webinar and live Q&A session on Thursday, June 24 at 10.30am.

A completely subsidised Small Business Mentoring Program has been created to address the business development and mentoring needs of businesses located in Eungella and Finch Hatton.

This program is subsidised thanks to Mackay Regional Council and will be facilitated by independent mentors, business and tourism experts, Sparrowly Group.

For more information contact council’s senior economic development officer Nele Hahne at Nele.Hahne@mackay.qld.gov.au or on 4961 9099.