What’s happening?
Mackay Regional Council will undertake rehabilitation works to the stormwater line through Shakespeare Street, between Sydney and Hauge streets, from mid-April 2026, weather permitting.
Works will include cleaning debris from the line, constructing new access chambers to improve access for future maintenance and repairs, replacing a deteriorated section of line, and installing UV lining.
The project will be completed in three stages by specialist water and pipeline infrastructure contractor Interflow.
Council said the stormwater line is located in the centre of the road, and the contractor will work at night to reduce impacts on surrounding businesses, schools and motorists.
More information will be provided as the project develops.
Why it matters?
Mayor Greg Williamson said the infrastructure now needs maintenance and repairs after more than a century of service.
“This handmade stormwater drain has held up for more than a century due to its excellent workmanship at the time, but now it needs some attention – there are considerable signs of deterioration,” Mayor Williamson said.
He said the work is needed to preserve an important part of Mackay’s heritage while keeping the drain working as a reliable part of today’s stormwater network.
“It is a wonderful local historical artefact and the work needs to be done now to preserve this important piece of Mackay’s heritage and ensure we can continue to use this fully functioning drain for the reliable stormwater service needed today,” he said.
Local Impact
There will be changes to traffic conditions during and after work hours throughout the project.
Council said these changes may affect on-street parking and speed limits.
Traffic control will be in place for the duration of the works, with efforts made to minimise disruptions.
Council said it appreciated the community’s patience while the essential works are completed.
By the numbers
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The rehabilitation will cover 1.1 kilometres of stormwater line through Shakespeare Street, between Sydney and Hauge streets.
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The existing oval-shaped pipe was built in stages from 1860 to 1910 and is constructed of double-layer brick.
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The works are expected to take at least six months, though the timeline may change depending on infrastructure conditions.
Zoom in
Council Project Manager Georgie Thomas said the scope of works could change once crews have better visibility inside the line.
“We expect works to take at least six months, but this will depend on the state of the infrastructure when we get in there,” Mr Thomas said.
“There is a considerable amount of debris to be removed from the lines so despite inspections being completed before construction, we might need to change our approach once we have more visibility,” he said.
“The stormwater line is located in the centre of the road and the contractor will be working at night to minimise the impact on surrounding businesses, schools and motorists.”
Zoom out
The project focuses on maintaining aging infrastructure in active use.
It also aims to preserve a long-standing local structure that remains part of Mackay’s stormwater system.
What to look for next?
Work is due to begin in mid-April 2026, weather permitting.
Council said further updates will be shared as the project develops.
People can sign up for project update emails through Connecting Mackay.
