News

Work is commencing on a major commercial precinct adjacent to Mackay Airport.  

Vacant land bordering Milton Street will be transformed into a purpose-built business, retail and mixed-use service hub, offering an array of new industry opportunities and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy each year.  

Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the long-term project, titled ‘Milton Precinct’, was strategically located near existing and emerging growth areas, maximising its potential. 

“Milton Precinct is being developed at a highly visible location between the Mackay CBD and Bakers Creek emerging community zone, less than 1km from the Mackay Airport terminal and less than 5km from CQ University,” he said. 

“It is also accessible to both the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway, and the rail line. We expect this valuable, central proximity to drive long-term supply and demand opportunities for a range of businesses and services, positioning Milton Precinct as a catalyst for new industry and employment.” 

A range of businesses are expected to operate from Milton Precinct when construction is complete, including retail, food and beverage offerings, short-term worker accommodation, health care and other service providers and light industrial. Expressions of interest are now being received from interest parties.  

Milton Precinct is estimated to provide $134.1 million to the local economy in the first 10 years of operation and new businesses at the site are expected to generate $42.5 million in output per year. The development is supported by a loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).  

NAIF Chief Executive Officer Craig Doyle said: “We are delighted to support the Milton Precinct project. Efficient and modern airport precincts are vital for promoting tourism, facilitating business, and enhancing the movement of goods, all of which contribute to regional economic growth and public benefit.” 

Milton Precinct will follow a staged, long-term development schedule, with the first phase now underway to establish a new road and civil services, opening 25,000 square metres (sqm) of serviced lots.  

Local family business Vassallo Constructions have been engaged to deliver the first tranche of works. Operations Manager Damian Vassallo said it was fantastic to be involved in a project that would bring significant benefit to Mackay. 

“We live and work locally and our business success is driven by the community, so it’s meaningful to be part of a major project like Milton Precinct which will produce so many opportunities across our region,” he said. 

“The work we are doing at Milton Precinct is not expected to cause any notable disruptions to residents or the general public. Construction will occur only during daylight hours and public access to Mackay Airport will not be impacted.” 

Further information about Milton Precinct is available at miltonprecinct.com.au. 

MILTON PRECINCT – KEY FACTS