General News
11 May, 2025
New Herberton park put on hold
WORK on a new park at the old battery site in Herberton has been delayed by Tablelands Regional Council because of additional work required to meet environmental requirements.
“It’s really disappointing this project has slowed but I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the investigation into what extra work is required,” Cr Annette Haydon said.
“The old battery on this site processed minerals and ore from surrounding mines for almost 100 years. When it closed, the buildings and other structures were demolished and the contaminated materials removed.
“The then Herberton Shire Council rehabilitated the site in the mid-2000s however a decision notice, approving the rehabilitation work, was never issued because of outstanding land tenure issues.
“The tenure issue was resolved in 2014, but the decision notice process was never resumed.”
Cr Haydon said the council would now conduct a gap analysis to determine the extent of additional work that will be needed to meet the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
“Once the analysis is complete, we’ll understand the full extent of additional work and the associated budget, and then be in a position to make decisions on the next stages of the project,” she said.
“Unfortunately, we’ll have to put design and construction on hold until this is all done.
“We’ve been working with the Herberton community for years on this project and everyone is looking forward to seeing it progress,” she added.
