FAQs
The blue area identifies the 156m² area proposed for a temporary Permit to Occupy.
the proposed Permit to Occupy area is located approximately 100 metres south of the southern turnaround point of the Seaview parkrun course, and it does not anticipate its sailing activities overlapping with the weekly event
no sailing events would be planned on ANZAC Day
weekly sailing activities would generally occur on alternate Saturdays, depending on tide times, with activities typically occurring between 10am and 4pm.
What area is proposed to be used by Mackay Sailing Club?
The proposal relates to a specific 156m² area (approximately 12 x 13m) within the public open space (legally described as road reserve) at Seaview Park, Bucasia.
On the project map:
How would the Permit to Occupy area be used?
Mackay Sailing Club has proposed using the area to support sailing activities, including temporary storage of sailing equipment and junior training activities.
The proposal also includes replacing the existing post at beach access BUC06 with a lockable removable post to facilitate vessel access.
Will the proposed Permit to Occupy area be fenced?
Yes.
The proposal includes temporary fencing around the proposed 156 m² Permit to Occupy area.
The remainder of Seaview Park, including surrounding public open space, pathways and beach access, would not be fenced as part of this proposal.
The Mackay Sailing Club has indicated that, if approved, the temporary fencing would be screened to help soften its appearance and reduce visual impacts. The specific screening treatment has not yet been determined and would be subject to further consideration.
Would the public still be able to use Seaview Park?
Yes.
If council approves the proposal, only the Permit to Occupy area would be subject to permit conditions. The remainder of Seaview Park, including surrounding open space, pathways and beach access, would remain available for public use.
How often would the area be used?
Mackay Sailing Club has advised it currently conducts weekly sailing activities, with participant numbers generally remaining relatively small.
Larger events, such as regattas, may occur periodically throughout the year. If approved, a Traffic Management Plan would be required for larger events.
Will vehicles access the Permit to Occupy area?
According to the proposal, vehicles would occasionally access the area for operational purposes. This may include unloading equipment, undertaking maintenance activities and launching or retrieving boats and rescue vessels.
The proposal does not include general member parking within the Permit to Occupy area.
Where would participants park?
According to the proposal, participants and visitors would primarily park on-street, adjacent to Seaview Park and along Bucasia Esplanade.
If additional parking is required, overflow parking would be directed to the existing Bucasia Boat Ramp.
Can I provide feedback on the proposed fencing or visual appearance?
Yes.
Council welcomes feedback on all aspects of the proposal, including fencing, screening, visual amenity, access, parking and the shared use of public space.
Where will boats be launched?
According to the proposal, larger vessels would utilise the existing Bucasia Boat Ramp.
Smaller sailing dinghies would access the beach via the existing BUC06 beach access. The proposal includes replacing the existing post at BUC06 with a lockable removable post to facilitate this access. It does not include any alteration to the existing beach access.
Why has Seaview Park been identified for the proposal?
According to the proposal submitted by Mackay Sailing Club, Seaview Park has been identified due to its proximity to the water and its suitability for sailing activities.
The proposal states the location would support sailing activities, including the safe rigging and launching of vessels, while providing space for temporary storage of sailing equipment and junior training activities.
Will the proposal impact turtles?
The proposal does not involve removing trees or vegetation, or altering the existing BUC06 beach access, other than replacing the centre post with a lockable removable post. This would allow small sailing dinghies to be hand-pulled to the beach on small trolleys with a 3-inch-wide wheelbase.
Prior to submitting the proposal, Mackay Sailing Club sought advice from Mackay & District Turtle Watch regarding access through the existing BUC06 beach access. Turtle Watch advised it had no concerns with access through the existing beach access, provided activities remain on the bare sand below the dune vegetation.
Mackay Sailing Club has advised it will develop a Dune Access Policy outlining how members will access the beach via the existing access path and remain below the dune vegetation. The Club has advised the policy will be reviewed by Mackay & District Turtle Watch prior to implementation.
Turtle Watch also advised that turtle nests are typically located within the dunes among beach grasses and vines. If nesting occurs near BUC06, Turtle Watch would work with the Club to identify and avoid the area.
Would the proposal affect existing community events at Seaview Park?
According to the proposal, Seaview Park would remain available for community use. If council approves the proposal, only the proposed 156m² Permit to Occupy area would be subject to permit conditions.
Mackay Sailing Club has advised:
Large events, such as regattas, would require a Traffic Management Plan to manage vehicle movements and public safety.
Council would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to support the shared use of Seaview Park for community activities and events.
Does the proposal include any removal of trees?
No.
There is no provision for any removal of trees or other vegetation. The temporary fencing of the Permit to Occupy area is proposed to be in a grassed area, in between existing trees.
Has council made a decision?
No.
Council is currently seeking community feedback before making any decision on the proposed Permit to Occupy.
Feedback received during the consultation period will be considered alongside other relevant information before council considers the proposal.