Six new street names with special, local meanings will be unveiled during a significant ceremony at Mackay Airport’s Milton Precinct development.
It comes as contractors complete the first stage of the major infrastructure project, including an array of civil works and new roads. First tenancies are due to open in 2026.
Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the new street names were selected following thorough consultations with community representatives and Traditional Owners.
“We wanted this process to be inclusive and meaningful for the Mackay community,” he said.
“Three of the new streets honour key Mackay figures who have been instrumental contributors to our local aviation industry. Two of the names have been selected by the Yuwi people, representing their connection to this land and the airport. Another name recognises the first aircraft to ever touch down in Mackay.”
The street signs will be erected progressively as the development continues. The names are:
•Barry Dean Street
•Bandala Street
•Bert Sadleir Street
•Guwari Street
•Avro Avenue
•Ron Adair Street
A humble Dr Bert Sadleir said he was “shocked” but also proud when told one of the streets would be named after him. Dr Sadleir was the first CQ Rescue doctor and has worked tirelessly for many years to support the Mackay community with a world-class aeromedical service.
“CQ Rescue has become quite an iconic organisation in the district, and is a major contributor to aviation in Mackay,” he said.
“There were many other contributors to the service over the years; it was quite a journey with a lot of hard work, and a lot of people involved. I see my name up there as a representation of all those people who contributed, and the community’s efforts to keep it going.”
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).
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.
Mr Barker said Milton Precinct would drive long-term supply and demand opportunities.
“Milton Precinct is strategically located near existing and emerging growth areas and we expect it will be a catalyst for new industry and employment,” he said.
Visit miltonprecinct.com.au for more information about the development and Expressions of Interest.
Street Name Dedications
Barry Dean Street – The late Barry Dean was one of the founding members of the Mackay Aero Club in the 1970s. He was an avid pilot and sailor, often connecting people from local islands to mainland Mackay using aircraft and ships that he owned or operated. He was also one of the founding members of the Mackay Tiger Moth Museum and remained on the committee until 2021. In 2023, Mr Dean donated one of his hangars on the western apron to CQ Rescue.
Bandala Street – In the Yuwi people’s language, Bandala means “sky”.
Bert Sadleir Street – Dr Bert Sadleir is a retired medical practitioner. He has worked tirelessly to support the Mackay community with a world-class aeromedical service, including a decade onboard as a medical crew member. Dr Sadleir was the first CQ Rescue doctor and flew on the very first mission to Hayman Island on August 26, 1996. He is a former Director of Emergency Medicine and Director of Medical Services at Mackay Base Hospital, and a Paul Harris Fellow. He has served on the CQ Rescue board since 2006.
Guwari Street – In the Yuwi people’s language, Guwari means “wind”.
Avro Avenue – The Avro biplane was the first aircraft to touch down at the site that would eventually become Mackay Airport. It was piloted by Captain Ron Adair during the inaugural flight to Mackay in 1927.
Ron Adair Street – The late Captain Ron Adair landed the first plane in Mackay in 1927 and selected the site for construction of an aerodrome. Mackay Airport was officially opened in 1931. In recognition for his service to aviation, Captain Adair was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1955. He was a World War I veteran and served in the Australian Flying Corps.
