General News
25 August, 2026
Expansion concerns over lifestyle village
AN expansion of Mareeba’s only over-50s village has been approved despite objections from nearby residents who fear the development will negatively impact on their lives.
The Thyme Lifestyle Resort on Anzac Avenue will be expanded into the land formerly occupied by the Anza nursery, allowing for five new duplexes – that will house 10 one-bedroom self-contained units – and 14 two-bedroom detached houses to be constructed.
But during the consultation phase, 17 submissions were lodged, the majority of which raised concerns about the loss of amenity for residents living in Margherita Close, increased traffic, lack of visitor parking and the incompatibility of the development in a rural residential area.
Eleven property owners of Margherita Close signed one letter, outlining their concerns, particularly as the properties in that area are large allotments.
“The number of lots, smaller lot sizes and closer configuration are more consistent with an urban residential estate than the surrounding rural residential context,” the letter states.
“A key concern is how the development will sit within the landscape and interface with adjoining properties. At present, there is a strong sense of openness and separation between properties.
“The proposal appears to introduce more concentrated development closer to boundaries, with reduced buffering.
“This raises concerns regarding privacy, noise, lighting and the ongoing residential amenity of nearby homes.
“Residents are also particularly concerned about safety at the existing intersection. The existing road network does not appear designed to accommodate the level of traffic associated with a development of this intensity.”
In a report to council, officers acknowledged that given the “appearance of ‘building bulk’ some visual amenity impacts were expected”.
“Considering the development is single storey only, these impacts are not likely to result in an unreasonable or unacceptable loss of residential amenity,” it stated.
“The existing Thyme Resort already maintains a 390-metre long interface (common boundary) with this same cluster of rural residential lots, with no documented long term land use conflict on record.
“A suite of conditions has been recommended to help minimise amenity impacts on adjoining land particularly with regards to privacy and lighting.
“Notwithstanding this, some visual amenity impacts are expected, with immediate adjoining landowners likely to experience a loss of openness and spatial separation as a result of the development’s increased density.”
Given the concerns of neighbouring property owners, officers told the council meeting that a proposed 2m setback at the northern end of the development where it adjoins existing landowners would be doubled to 4m.
A 1.8m fence separating the development from existing properties would be increased in height to 2m.
Council was also advised that the vehicle entry to the Cedric Davies Community Hub carpark would have to be moved and the intersection of Margherita Close and Anzac Avenue would be upgraded under conditions placed on the development.
A new footpath would also have to be constructed along the full length of the Margherita Close frontage and a pedestrian crossing, including approaches, would be developed to link the Anzac Avenue footpath and the Cedric Davies hub carpark.
The council report also noted that the expansion of the Thyme Lifestyle Resort would “positively contribute to housing choice and affordability by providing an additional 24 independent living dwellings for over 50’s”.
“In turn, this will also help to alleviate pressure on the existing housing stock as ageing people look to downsize,” the report stated.
