With a prime location overlooking the Pioneer River and Forgan Bridge at Bluewater Quay, the former site of Lebanese Restaurant Ashtart has laid dormant for years.
But Mackay Regional Council is brewing something up for the site, selecting J&J Brewing Co Pty Ltd, better known as Red Dog, as the new licensee.
Red Dog Brewery aim to open their new taphouse and restaurant on the river in July, adding to their current location on Chain Street, which opened in April 2022.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the site was well situated on Bluewater Quay overlooking the Pioneer River and formed part of the Mackay Waterfront PDA (Priority Development Area).
“This is an excellent outcome for Bluewater Quay, and the City Centre more generally, to create new activation opportunities, with a business that already has local support and recognition,” he said.
“The Mackay Waterfront project has been developed by council to improve tourism, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront.
“Red Dog will be a great addition to this key location between the City Centre and the newly established River Wharves in River Street.”
The new Red Dog site will complement the existing location in Chain Street, with Bluewater Quay becoming the main retail outlet and Chain Street the main production location.
Red Dog co-owners Jason Egan and Jamie Woods said the new location has untapped potential.
“Mackay has a great river, one of the best you see, and what better place to have a brewery than on a river?” said Mr Egan.
“It’s a great location, somewhere you can come with friends and close to town.
“We’re hoping we’ll get a new influx of different types of people, pick up a different market with this venue.
The owners are excited to begin canning their beers which will be available for takeaway at the new location, as well as offering a wider variety of beers, spirits and cocktails.
“If the locals support it, it’ll go well,” Mr Egan said.
“If they want something like this in the town, they need to embrace it.”
Mayor Greg Williamson (left) hands over the keys to a council-owned building at Bluewater Quay to Jason Egan, of Red Dog Brewery, and Louie the dog. Photo supplied
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