General News
10 June, 2026
Council says no to Wetherby Rd closure
MAREEBA Shire Council has objected to an application to permanently close a section of Wetherby Road in Mt Molloy because it would threaten the integrity and viability of the stock route network.
At last month’s ordinary meeting, councillors heard an application was made to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development for the permanent closure of approximately 6.35 hectares along the southern boundary of the road reserve so it could be combined into a property owner’s land.
The reasoning behind the move would be to provide more efficient and practical land-use and improve town planning outcomes, agricultural productivity, and generational succession planning.
However, the council, as the road manager, agreed that the area may be needed for road upgrades; it was important to maintain the integrity and viability of the Tertiary Stock Route Network; and that permanent closure could conflict with the council’s road closure policy under the Stock Route Management Act 2002.
“We’re objecting to the permanent road closure; there is no problem with the applicant applying for a temporary road closure and a permit to occupy,” Council CEO Peter Franks said at the meeting.
“They’re not excluded from it, but we want to maintain that road.”
Council would inform the department of its objections, which could notify the applicant and “do with this information as they choose”.
