General News
19 August, 2025
Bold plan sets future for Millaa
A BOLD plan that seeks to drive more investment in Millaa Millaa and elevate the town to its rightful status as a jewel in the crown of the Tablelands has been presented to Tablelands Regional Council.
The plan is the product of a collaboration between the community and James Cook University and documents the aspirations of those who live and work in the small town with a view to boosting its economy by capitalising on the unique natural assets around it.
Millaa Millaa Progress Association president John Russell presented the plan to council at its recent meeting, seeking its “adoption and endorsement”, but the council chose to only “acknowledge” the plan and not commit to any actions outlined in the 88-page document despite providing $25,000 to fund the plan.
In his presentation, Mr Russell said the community driven plan was a critical step in the town being able to take advantages of opportunities that came its way, and to provide a clear path forward which would assist in attracting funding.
“This plan contains the hopes and aspirations of the Millaa Millaa community and I believe it’s well overdue,” he said.
“Millaa Millaa has been in a period of decline and opportunities in front of us have not always been grasped in a holistic way or we’ve not been able to maximise the benefit that comes from those opportunities.
“We think the plan will provide many social and economic benefits to the community – it proposes smarter use and leveraging of Millaa Millaa’s unique natural assets; it will try to rebuild direct access from Millaa falls to draw visitors back into town to generate business; it will place Millaa at the centre of access to our natural assets in the region….and it will boost productivity and job opportunities through coordinating and maximising the benefits from precinct improvements.”
Mr Russell said the final product had the “legitimacy of being a community-driven plan” which celebrated the “look and feel our village atmosphere”.
“Essentially the plan balances growth with protection – it creates more active living spaces for visitors and residents while protecting sensitive areas from overuse,” he said.
Mr Russell acknowledged the council would need support to implement the plan and believed it would help in “mobilising the funding” required to undertake the actions outlined.
“(Getting funding) is a competitive process – without the evidence of community engagement, without the support of council, applications fail – the plan is the evidence that we have good relations with council, we have done the pre-planning, there is cooperation between the council, business and the community and we’re ready to get to work,” he said.
“It can add significant weight to any application and will signal to developers and entrepreneurs where there are opportunities for investment, and what things have the backing of the community and government.
“I will flag that we will be seeking resource allocation in the next council budget to help get some of the design and early stage infrastructure plans underway.”
Amongst the actions outlined in the plan are:
To highlight the village’s role as the gateway to the Waterfall Circuit and promote the town as a “Village in the Mist” and an ideal place to explore the area’s natural assets.
Create an iconic Rail to Trail multi-use track that encourages walking and cycling to Millaa Millaa Falls from the village centre.
Improve wayfinding signage for the town and promote other key spots such as McHugh’s lookout, and Brooks and Junction Roads as scenic drives.
Enhance pedestrian-friendly streetscapes with native plantings and shaded walkways, improve pavements, lighting and seating areas and inject attractive public art and interpretative signs that reflect local culture and history in the village centre.
Create a visitor centre or information hub, that could also act as a multi-use building, with local history and First Nations displays.
