Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that Mackay Harbour’s public boat ramp is critically overloaded, with only 90 trailer bays available despite over 22,000 registered vessels in the region. The Queensland Government’s 2023 Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study identified a shortfall of nearly 200 trailer bays in Mackay. On peak days, trailers spill hundreds of metres into overflow zones, creating safety risks and congestion. 

A publicly owned parcel of land on Mulherin Drive, controlled by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP), was originally set aside for potential hardstand operations at the Port. However, that need has never arisen, and the land has remained vacant and unused for years. In its current state it delivers no practical public value. Allowing seasonal community use for overflow trailer parking would finally unlock a tangible benefit for the Queensland public. This land is held on behalf of the Queensland public by the Treasurer and the Minister for Transport. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

1. Facilitate seasonal or shared use of the unused NQBP land for overflow trailer parking on high demand days. 

2. Support temporary or electronic signage to ensure the area is used safely and appropriately. 

3. Recognise the urgent need for short term fixes while longer term infrastructure planning is underway.