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Concern yacht club rezoning will see harbour views lost

MOVES to rezone the recently vacated Mackay Yacht Club land have owners of harbour-side apartments fearing their pristine views will soon be lost.

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Under the Mackay Regional Council's new draft planning scheme the block at 9 Breakwater Access Rd is set to be rezoned from 'special activities tourism' to 'mixed use'.

This will permit buildings heights to 17m, or five storeys, prompting neighbours to worry their sought-after harbour views will soon be blocked.

While the land's current zoning does not enforce a building height restriction, a covenant was put in place to this effect in 2001.

This covenant was an agreement between the State Government and the Mackay Yacht Club, executed at the request of Mackay Harbour Marina's Port Binnli Group.

A Minister for Sport spokesman said it was to limit the height and building footprint of the clubhouse and to include a right of first refusal if the clubhouse land was ever to be sold.

The covenant also established that the land could only be used by the Mackay Yacth Club or another yacht club.

But in 2012, the then Mirani MP Ted Malone petitioned on behalf on the club for the covenant to be scrapped.

It was argued the removal would give the club more flexibility about its future development and financial position.

The Newman government agreed, effective August 2012.

However, the Port Binnli Group states it was never made aware the covenant had been thrown out until very recently.

So on December 8, Port Binnli Group project manager Bryan Finney issued a letter to residents of its Captains Corner apartment block, which sits directly behind the yacht club, urging them to lodge a submission against the rezoning.

"In the opinion of Port Binnli Pty Ltd, the proposed scheme is not in keeping with the level of development envisaged and agreed upon for the yacht club site as part of the Mackay Marina Village Master Plan,” the letter stated.

"I recommend that the Captains Corner Body Corporate, as well as any individual property owners concerned by this issue lodge a submission within the consultation period also.”

On November 17 last month the company that leased the yacht club, the Mackay Boat Club, went into voluntary administration.

Days before, the Great Northern Sports Bar, which the boat club held the lease and licences over, ceased trading.

The community boating groups that used the downstairs part of the club were also forced to relocate.

While housing these groups had allowed the block to meet the criteria of a 'special tourist' zoning, under the new mixed use zoning all arms of the club could be put to commercial use.

Despite the push to remove the covenant, Mackay Yacht Club landlord Charlie Camilleri said he would rather the zoning stay as it is, as special tourism.

"What I do in life is I buy specialist properties,” Mr Camilleri said. "(But now) I bought a cow and they are trying to turn it into a pig.”

Despite the fears from neighbouring residents, he said he had no plans to build a high-rise on the block, stating "I don't do unit developments”.

However, he has previously indicated that if he was made an offer he couldn't refuse, he may look at selling the block.

He also said he wouldn't fight the re-zoning, as he was pouring all his energy into disputing the re-zoning of three other properties.

"I'm 71 years of age now and I always seem to be locked in battle,” he said.

"Every day I'm fighting in the mud. I have to let the yacht club go because I'm fighting hard on (other properties).”

Originally published as Concern yacht club rezoning will see harbour views lost

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Make the most of Mackay’s Marina Lee Brake   |   First Published: September 2009

Mackerel season is well underway and the Mackay Harbour break wall is once again filled with crowds of excited locals and tourists.

Not only is the wall fishable in most conditions, as there’s always somewhere behind the wall to escape the wind, it is also a prime piece of fish attracting structure which draws a multitude of species.

Most anglers, however, rarely exploit this area’s true potential. The following is by no means a complete guide, but it will hopefully reveal some of the Marina’s hidden hotspots.

On both the north wall and the Harbour Beach wall, there is a prime ambush point for predators during the first of the run-in tide. As the current flows along the corner of the wall and then diverts up onto the beach, it creates a prime eddy for bait to hold and predators to feed.

Try fishing over the first three hours of the run-in tide for dart, big flathead, whiting, golden trevally, queenfish and small mackerel. Use yabbies, worms or small live bait like herring or mullet. Small slugs, featherhead jigs and medium weighted soft plastics are also top choices.

This bait-rich beach is a smorgasbord of activity at times. It can fill with schools of hardiheads (small silver whitebait) which literally black out the sand, and if you’re lucky enough for this to correspond with a night time tide, then it’s a sure bet the little trevally and queenfish will be around in plague proportions.

Try using small poppers and stickbaits and make an effort not to attract too much attention as the feisty little pelagics swat your lure around like a shuttlecock. The little Reidy’s Bloopa and any of the small Skitterpops from Rapala have proven highly effective.

During the cooler weather from about half tide in, the whiting can also be found cruising along the shallows. A quick look from the wall with polarized sunglasses will tell you if it’s worth deploying the light spin gear (look for silver flashes as the whiting roll on their sides).

There is also a distinct drop-off ledge along the base of the beach that holds swarms of small flathead and the odd golden trevally. These goldens are partial to fresh strip baits or small live baits and take some serious stopping amongst the moored ships.

If you’re keen to practice flyfishing, this isn’t a bad destination either, due to its protection from the wind and healthy population of small flathead (small pink things work well).

This is a popular location for local spearfishers to safely blood themselves on the sport. Visibility is usually much clearer than the open water, there is some surprisingly rich coral growth and the currents and wave action are usually minimal.

From personal experience, I have witnessed coral trout, cod and big free-swimming flathead. I also once had the pleasure of swimming with a turtle that stayed within arms reach for almost a minute. Be wary of stingers however, as the limited current flow can hold dozens of these stinging creatures during the warmer months.

On the fishing side of things, this is a great place to take the kids, as there are usually schools of Moses perch, pike, the odd sizeable bream, cod and even coral trout. Small, lightly weighted soft plastics and small, shallow diving minnows are ideal, but bring the squid jig as this section of the wall attracts some really vicious packs of squid, especially at night. If you want to liven things up, berley is an ideal option, as the lack of current will have the local population feeding right at your feet.

At the end of the Marina Wall, just before the ‘L’ shaped section is a small kick where the old wall once stood. Fishing from the inside of the wall here is a top option when there is a strong sea breeze blowing, especially at night.

This area is the ‘head’ of the marina itself and a section of wall was removed from here. Sounding through with a boat will reveal some left over structure, making this the ideal location for jewfish, cod and other small reef species.

At night there have been many reports of sizable jew caught and lost along this stretch of the wall, but one thing has become evident – if you want to have a chance you need to come prepared. Use big live baits and even whole sea mullet and make sure you have some serious stopping power!

This most seaward point of the marina wall has long been the place for land-based pelagic fishing due to the access it offers to passing bait schools. A long rod is a must-have accessory and a big reel with plenty of line will help your chances (remember you can’t exactly chase the fish).

The most regular catch has always been small mackerel and passing tuna, but there are numerous reports of big cobia and Spaniards landed from here.

Try fishing the first of the run-out tide with unweighted, whole garfish or fresh pike baits (which can be caught at the inside southern corner). Use a heavy monofilament leader (75-100kg) rather than wire as competition for the fish is high and wire spooks the fish! Attach your leader to a set of sharp gang hooks and present your bait as naturally as possible.

It’s worth spending the extra money for quality gangs because pelagics hit the bait on the run and sharp gangs maximize your hook-up rate (especially with foul hooking). If birds are working and the bait is clearly on the surface, a float will keep you in the strike zone but otherwise, just allow the bait to drift naturally.

The pontoon offers exceptional bait gathering at certain times of the year, as the herring school up along the pontoon in droves. With so much bait around, the predators will often follow and anglers have caught everything from big bream, trevally and cod, to legal coral trout and fingermark.

Lures flicked around the nearby pylons seem to be highly effective with small deep divers like the Killalure Flatz Ratz and the Reidy’s Taipan standouts. If fishing in this area, use your common sense and stay out of the way of boat owners and shipyard workers. Remember, this is predominately a boat ramp and on busy days you’re better off fishing elsewhere.

It’s worth the walk along Harbour Beach on a calm afternoon because once away from the crowds, there are some predominant gullies and gutters which hold quality flathead, whiting, dart and trevally.

If you can coincide your walk with the last of the run-in tide, then you’ll be able to take advantage of the steep drop-offs and deeper gutters created by erosion and sand carting. Take notice of any submerged logs as these will often hold big flathead waiting in ambush.

Use either a surf rod and bait like yabbies, soldier crabs and strip bait or a graphite flick stick and cast the gutters with soft plastics (I’ve found bright pink curl tails the most effective)

I won’t be the one to tell you Mackay’s break wall is the greatest fishing spot in the area, but with a little bit of extra thought, preparation and equipment you can be one of those 10% of anglers who catch 90% of the fish.

Have a clear plan of attack and pick your time, bait/lures and tide very carefully because it really is the difference between catching fish and mere angling.

As a point of interest, the hot spots outlined in this location are key areas which will work all over Australia, so be on the lookout for similar features.

Most importantly, be safe around rocks, in the water and around boat ramps as there is a multitude of things that can go wrong if you’re not paying attention.

Always try to rock fish with a friend. Be aware the wall is also heavily patrolled by the police, so drinking while rock hopping is not only a bad idea, but likely to see you with a fine.

All in all though, have fun and explore. These are only just a few of the fishing haunts in the area. There’s plenty more! Till next month, fish hard, stay safe and I might just catch you around the marina.

The Mackay Marina is abundant with fishing options and a great place to explore.

The inside of the wall is popular among spearos.

The marina is a breading ground for many estuary species.

With so much fishable area research is the key.

Zac Lucus-Hunt with fingermark taken of the boat ramp on a live bait.

Fishing the heads is popular and relaxing.

Live bait is plentiful and improves your odds when fishing in the harbour.

Poppers from the rocks at the corner can yield trophy captures!

The harbour is a haven for all kinds of wildlife.

Sunset at the boat ramp – with a view like this not even a fishless day on the water seems a waste.

Surprising numbers of little trout live around the marina.

The end of the wall is always popular during mackerel season.

The first bend is full of structure and produces some surprises.

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07 4955 4950

RELAX . DINE . REPEAT

Here at Breakwater Restaurant , we have breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and coffee available for dine-in and takeaway. Our delicious menu has been created with the Ocean and atmosphere in mind. Fresh produce delivered beautifully by our excellent chefs.  

Breakfast Hours

Saturday & Sunday 8.30am - 10:30am Buffet Breakfast available every weekend

Lunch Hours

Wednesday - Sunday from 11:30am

Dinner Hours

Wednesday - Sunday from 5:30pm

Bookings Essential 

Call us to book your table on 07 4955 4950 or book now.

Dine-in and enjoy our venue’s laid back atmosphere while taking in the beautiful views of the Mackay Marina. Our warm and friendly service makes for an enjoyable dining experience.

Breakwater Restaurant   is a fully licensed restaurant and bar. Enjoy our selection of wines, beers, spirits and cocktails. 

We recommend booking your table to secure your spot. Call us to book your table 07 4955 4950

Takeaway Available

Our full menu is available as takeaway. Order your favourite  meal along with a takeaway beverage of your choice.

Why not pick up your takeaway meal and enjoy it on our private lawn or beach, perfect picnic spots with spectacular views of the Mackay Marina.

Family meal deals and weekly specials are available. Call us to place your order 07 4955 4950

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Mackay Marina

Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s tropical coastline, Mackay Marina is a beacon for boating enthusiasts and tourists alike. Offering a comprehensive blend of top-tier berthing facilities, maritime services, and local attractions, this marina stands out as an excellent coastal gateway to the stunning Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. The marina’s harmonious integration with the surrounding community and landscape makes it a true Australian gem.

Having twice been named Marina of the Year, it is a certified Clean Marina, and the only marina in Queensland to have qualified for Fish-Friendly Status. More than just a marina, Mackay Marina Village also offers accommodation, food and drink, and shops and services, surrounded by a residential village of townhouses and apartments.

Mackay Marina is conveniently located on Mulherin Drive, Mackay Harbour, Queensland, in northeastern Australia . Mackay Marina is situated on the well-renowned stretch of coastline in Australia, often referred to as the “100 Magic Miles”. With its prime location, the marina serves as a convenient base for exploration of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the myriad unspoiled tropical islands that form the Southern Whitsundays.

Marina Entry and Navigation

Navigating into Mackay Marina is relatively straightforward due to the well-maintained channel markers guiding the way. It’s always advised to consult updated nautical charts and tide tables to ensure safe navigation. Once inside the marina, the tranquil waters and organised layout provide easy access to allocated berths. Built in 1998, the Marina was designed to accommodate the 6.5m tides with a breakwater made of large rocks. The top of this sea wall forms a two-lane roadway that has become a tourist attraction in its own right for marina tenants and locals alike.

Specifications of the Marina

The Marina boasts over 400 berths, catering for monohulls, catamarans, power, and sailboats ranging from 10m up to 49m. There are six Mega Berths with a 55-metre capacity, 12 Big Boat Berths for 30m+ monohull and 25m+ multihull, and 32 commercial fishing berths. All these facilities make it a versatile marina capable of accommodating a broad spectrum of marine vessels.

Infrastructure, Services, and Facilities

Mackay Marina is designed for vessels with a 3.5m draft at the lowest astronomical tide. It’s a Port of Entry into Australia with Australian Customs and Border Protection & D.A.F.F. on site. The Marina provides secure car parking, with two secure carparks located at the northern and southern end of the marina, accessible only to marina patrons. It also offers a comprehensive array of facilities such as refuse and recycling, gas refills, refuelling, laundry services, and shore power.

Amenities in the Marina and Nearby

Every end of the marina hosts an amenities block that provides toilets and hot/cold showers, accessible to marina patrons 24/7. The marina offers accommodation, food and drink options, and shops and services, creating a vibrant and diverse marina village. The Mackay Region also has a lot to offer, including the Mackay Airport, the Blue Water Lagoon, GoWake Cable park, scenic areas like Finch Hatton Gorge, Eungella National Park, and Cape Hillsborough, and a good range of shopping at Canelands Central.

Events in the Marina

Mackay Marina is often buzzing with a variety of events, including fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and social gatherings, making it a vibrant hub for the local and visiting maritime community. Residents and visitors alike come together to share knowledge and stories of their adventures, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

How to Get There

Mackay Airport is the primary gateway to reach the marina by air. The marina is a short 15-minute drive from the airport. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber are available at the airport for the onward journey to the marina.

If you’re planning a road trip, Mackay Marina Village is well-connected to the highway network. It’s easily accessible whether you’re driving from within Queensland or from other states. Once you reach Mackay, follow the signs to Mackay Harbour, where the Marina is located.

For sea voyagers, Mackay Marina’s coordinates are 21°06.10’S and 149°13.85’E. Please be mindful of the tide timings and navigation instructions to ensure a smooth entry. The marina is a Port of Entry into Australia with Australian Customs and Border Protection & D.A.F.F. on site.

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Attractions Nearby

Mackay Marina is surrounded by numerous attractions. These range from the stunning beaches of the Mackay region to the Eungella National Park. Moreover, the marina serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse marine life.

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2024 spring membership meeting, 2023 winter mryc newsletter, 2024 mryc calendar, 2024 cruise signup sheet, see march open house & spring general membership meeting pictures in the members only page, not yet a member, mryc 2024 membership form, the macray yacht club is a social club primarily consisting of members with vessels in macray harbor or from neighboring areas. our club offers members a variety of social events, friendships, and opportunities to meet others that enjoy boating. our club typically takes 5 cruises each summer going as far north as port austin and as far south as put-in bay. we also have membership meetings where we elect board members and present the activities for the year. we have one formal commodore’s ball in the spring along with dock parties, happy hours, and other events. in the off season we have a christmas party, community events and other monthly off-season activities., check out macray harbor’s website – a distinctive waterfront resort on lake st. clair, http://www.macray.com/, check out our facebook page.

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