The call is out for the Mackay community to help name four bridges being built as part of the sugar city's largest-ever road project: the $497 million Mackay Ring Road.
With more than 90 per cent of the project now complete, the Palaszczuk Government today announced submissions are being sought to name signature structures of its jointly-funded half-a-billion dollar project.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert encouraged families, schools, businesses and community organisations to throw in their suggestions for the ring road's biggest bridge – the Pioneer River bridge – plus others, including:
- Fursden Creek bridge;
- Fursden Creek overflow bridge; and
- Lagoon Creek bridge;
"Local involvement has been a cornerstone of this project from day one, with more than 80 per cent of the 1,800 crew inducted from the Mackay area, and now this is your chance to help name some of these eye-catching structures," Mrs Gilbert said.
Mrs Gilbert said while COVID-19 had impacted economies around the globe, Mackay's strong health response meant the Palaszczuk Government could satart delivereing Queensland's plan for recovery, which includes continuing a $23 billion, 21,500-job pipeline of road and transport upgrades like the ring road.
"All submissions will be put forward for consideration by a newly-formed naming committee, which consists of historical, youth, community and cultural representatives.
"The committee is looking for names with a unique tie to the local area and significant meaning to the local community. That could include names with ties to local indigenous culture, fauna or flora species, local heroes, artists, sports or historical events."
Mrs Gilbert said giving a nod to the local area was a good way to cap off a project that had significant local involvement.
"From day dot, local businesses have provided services to the project include quarries, crane and transportation companies, fencing contractors, and personal protective equipment suppliers," she said.
"In total, we've seen 219 local and regional businesses undertake subcontracting works to date.
"I'm proud that level of community involvement will continue with our $1.3 billion, 1,000-job road and transport program for the region, which includes the Walkerston Bypass and $120 million Mackay Northern Access upgrade."
Nominations will be open until 5pm Wednesday, 29 July 2020.
