Community & Business
5 June, 2022
New plan for iconic Millaa Millaa Falls
ONE of the region’s flagship tourist destinations will be the focus of a new plan aimed at improving facilities and the experience of visitors.
Millaa Millaa Falls was the subject of extensive community consultation late last year to enable Tablelands Regional Council to identify why people visit the area and what they thought of the experience; what facilities needed upgrading or to be provided; and what other things can be done to boost visitation to the town.
A survey undertaken over three months also included a question on whether visitors would be prepared to pay an entry fee which was rejected by 67 per cent of respondents.
The survey revealed the majority of respondents thought the falls were “amazing” due to its natural beauty but improvements were needed for parking, toilet facilities and changerooms, as well as signage.
Respondents also wanted to be able to buy food or drinks at the falls.
In a report to last week’s meeting, council officers advised that priority should be given to the amenities block at the site as part of a broader precinct improvement plan which would also consider whether the amenities block should be relocated.
“The current amenities at Millaa Millaa Falls are not appropriate for the site, given its flagship status and volume of annual visitors,” the report stated.
The plan will include:
An assessment of the carpark capacity and consider whether it should be located off site
A signage audit including highway and directional signs, entry signage and interpretive signage.
A safety audit of the car park and toilet area and recommendations to improve safety which may include gates, lighting, and opening and closing times.
An audit of the current park infrastructure including heritage-listed change rooms, shelters, bollards, bins, seats, viewing platform rails.
An audit of access stairways from the car park to the site and to the swimming area.
Whether works are required to ensure the site is safe for visitors in relation to risks associated with rocks and trees.
The plan will also consider the viability of access to Millaa Millaa Falls via a walking track from Millaa Millaa’s Main Street, with comments collected by the consultation highlighting the need for connectivity to the town as way of boosting the economic benefits to local businesses.
“The overall objective of the plan is to enhance and maintain this strategic natural asset for current and future use that will enhance tourism and economic outcomes, improve the visitor experience and provide increased accessibility opportunities,” the report stated.
Council will then have a detailed, fully-costed improvement plan and will also consider how the project outcomes could be transferable to the broader waterfall circuit including Ellinjaa and Zillie Falls.
Officers advised that there was $30,000 allocated in this year’s budget to deliver the septic system review of the amenities block at Millaa Millaa Falls and $40,000 earmarked in the 2022/23 capital budget for the engineering design of the toilet block.
The 2023/24 capital program proposes $550,000 for construction and upgrade to the toilet amenities.
