Sugar City to cricket centrepiece? How Mackay secured a historic Test, and its bold vision of what’s to come

When Mackay was grappling with an economic crisis that left the city 'at the bottom of the trough', a group of sporting advocates plotted to transform the region into a cricketing epicentre. Harrup Park, which has stood for 78 years, has been the focus of a decade-long vision to create the best arena in regional Queensland capable of hosting international cricket spectacles. That moment arrived when Australia won by an innings and 51 runs against Bangladesh in a sold-out match at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The event sparked a buzz in Mackay, with locals and visitors alike dressed in Australian jerseys, creating an atmosphere along Nebo Road, Bridge Road, and Juliet Street. Mackay’s economic struggles in the 2010s, driven by plummeting coal prices, led to population exodus and business closures. However, sport emerged as a key opportunity for economic diversification, according to Mayor Greg Williamson. Annual investments of around $1 million have supported events like NRL semi-finals and AFLW matches, boosting local service industries. Campaigns spearheaded by Adrian Young and Terry Doolan secured $20 million in state and government funding for the first phase of the Great Barrier Reef Arena, including a 2000-seat grandstand and broadcast facilities. A further $23.5 million in state funding is being used for the second phase, aiming to complete a near-$50 million multi-sport hub and elite training facility. Terry Svenson, Queensland Cricket chief, highlighted the arena’s strategic importance for delivering elite cricket to regional areas. The Test match’s success led to a surge in tourism, with interstate and intrastate visitors flocking to Mackay. Restaurateurs like Adrian Connors noted a tripling of hospitality trade, and local businesses saw increased foot traffic. The event also highlighted undiscovered areas like the northern beaches, Pioneer Valley rainforests, and Cape Hillsborough beaches. Luke 'Sparrow' Gillian, a cricket tour organiser, brought 20 people to Mackay for the match, with plans to host a three-Test series in South Africa in October. Gillian emphasized the cultural and social benefits of cricket tours, encouraging more international cricket to visit Mackay. Mayor Williamson envisions Mackay as a potential host for Cricket Australia’s 2028 Olympics debut and Brisbane 2032 events. Former Australian allrounder James Hopes advocates for expanding T20 Cricket in northern Australia, tapping into local athletic talent and supporting younger generations through the cricket system. He suggests earlier domestic seasons to align with northern Australia’s warmer climate and avoid conflicts with AFL schedules. Gillian also believes other cricketing nations like Zimbabwe and the West Indies could visit Mackay, ensuring the city remains on the radar. The event’s success underscores Mackay’s potential to grow as a cricket and tourism hub, driven by ongoing investments and community support.