Paynters ready to dive into sports precinct project
The starter’s gun has been fired on the Mackay Sports Precinct project with the awarding of a $23.8 million tender.
Paynters was awarded the tender at a special meeting of council today.
The company will construct a FINA standard aquatics facility and an IAAF standard athletics facility for our region.
This will include a 50m,10-lane heated competition pool and a synthetic athletics track, with field events and internal sports field.
The budget will also cover a 25 metre six-lane heated lap pool with hard shade cover, a covered and heated 15m learn-to-swim pool, athletics building, storage shed and change facilities to both aquatics and athletics precincts.
Mayor Greg Williamson said while the original project budget was $20 million, this wouldn’t allow for these important extras.
“Council was presented with several options and voted to include the extras to increase the year-long appeal of the facility as well its revenue-earning potential,” Cr Williamson said.
“We also did not want to jeopardise our ability to attract major sporting events to the region,” he said.
Cr Williamson also said the option chosen included some important elements that would limit running costs and enhance the facility.
“For example, council voted to include a solar system to help offset power costs for the pools as well as pool covers, cleaners and touchpads,” he said.
“The touchpads, heating and simple things like extra carparks, an athletics storage shed and landscaping and irrigation all help us to compete against other regional centres that are all vying for major sporting events.
“In addition, council opted to incorporate a grassed space at the entry of the aquatics facility to accommodate a future splashpad.”
The extra $3.69 million will be funded by council’s capital works budget.
The project will be delivered by Paynters Mackay-based team, led by Project Director Wayne Lauga who has played a key role throughout the tender negotiation phase.
“Our team has a key focus on local procurement, and is committed to supporting the communities in which we work,” said Mr Lauga.
“We are proud to deliver this iconic project to the Mackay community, while utilising our local trade and supplier network in the region,” he said.
Paynters extensive track record in Mackay has seen the delivery of many landmark projects, including the Northern Beaches State High School, Kerrisdale Gardens Residential Aged Care Facility and the CQUniversity Mackay Engineering Building and City Campus Upgrade.
The Mackay Regional Sports Precinct is a joint initiative between the Australian Government, Mackay Regional Council and CQUniversity.
The Australian Government contributed $10M to the project and CQUniversity has contributed 12 hectares of its land at Ooralea.
ENDS
Contact: Mackay Regional Council
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)
Published: 08 Nov 2017
