PROTECTION is the number one reason the Mackay Marina boaties are set to benefit from a new nib wall commencing in the coming months.
The wall will help deliver increased protection for the marina, which is exposed to northerly winds and cyclone conditions.
Port Binnli’s Tom Hall-Brown said it is a cyclone resilience project to improve the safety of small craft and commercial fishing vessels during adverse weather conditions.
“The construction of the nib wall will provide a safer harbour for small and pleasure craft along with the commercial fishing vessels, reducing the risk of damage which in turn provides greater business continuity,” Mr Hall-Brown said.
Port Binnli has engaged with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and has been working with the Federal, State and Local government along with several consultants to ensure the right design was implemented for the benefit to the Marina.
The $10.5m construction will begin mid-February after the removal of piles and pontoons and the crushing of Core and Armour rock and continue through until July 2023 (weather permitting).
The main contractor, Hall Contracting will be building a 120m long rock wall on the inside of the Southern Breakwater, just inside the current marina entrance.
Mackay Marina Manager Ben Anderson said this nib wall will offer greater protection to the marina during weather events, in particular from the northerly direction.
“It is a fantastic thing for the community, and will offer boaters locally, interstate and internationally with a world class facility to base their vessels,” Ben said. The size of the vessels able to access the marina will remain unchanged, superyachts and large vessels to 50m will still be able to access the marina.
With the safety of the vessels a key element for boat owners, the Marina will become a haven for more boat owners.
“The spin off from this is that it will generate more work and jobs for the local businesses, as we envisage that more vessel owners will opt to leave their vessels at the Mackay Marina during our off season,” Ben said.
The Marina Management will aim to ensure that the activities and running of the Marina remain uninterrupted.
You will still be able to explore the retail and restaurant precinct, stroll along the waterfront and gain access to the pontoons. All on-water recreational use of the marina will not be affected with plans in place around areas of caution.
During the construction period there will be no effect to the boats coming in or to the business precinct along the marina.
There will be an increase in traffic with trucks bringing material from a local quarry during the construction of the Nib Wall.
From approximately February 2023, the Southern Breakwater will be closed to pedestrian traffic during the working hours between 6am and 6pm. It will be open to pedestrians outside of these. The wall will be closed to vehicles 6am Monday to 6pm Friday and will be open for use over the weekend.
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government and is in partnership with The North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.
For further information you can visit the Mackay Marina office on Mulherin Drive, Mackay Harbour or visit the website www.mackaymarina.com.
