General News
27 February, 2026
Promised upgrade up in the air
A PROMISED upgrade to the Malanda Showground cattle yards and roof has been listed in Tablelands Regional’s Council’s 10-year financial plan but it is unknown whether it will make the capital works for next year.
Last month, the show society told the council how important the upgrade, estimated to cost $450,000, was and that it had been listed in previous capital works (in 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24) but it was unsure what had happened to the project and when it would be done.
Division 3 Councillor Dave Bilney has confirmed the project had “been deferred each year since 2021-22 due to competing capital priorities” and cast doubt as to whether the upgrade was actually council’s responsibility.
“It remains in council’s 10-year long term financial plan, currently forecast over 2026-27 and 2027-28, subject to annual budget consideration,” he said.
“It has been deferred in the context of significant competing capital demands, particularly major water projects in Malanda and Ravenshoe totalling approximately $30 million over recent years.
“Of particular note, during the initial years commencing 2021-22 and for the remainder of their term, the former council cohort consisting of Marti, Haydon, Bilney, Clifton, Cardew, Hodge and Wilce all supported the deferral of funding unanimously over those years based on priorities.
“From a personal perspective, I was unaware of the Malanda Show Society’s obligations under their tenure arrangements to maintain the roof and yards until the last 12 months when this was clarified.
“It was previously assumed that because the project appeared in the capital budget, it was council’s responsibility, which is not the case under the current tenure arrangements.”
When asked whether he would fight for the project to be included in next year’s capital works, Cr Bilney replied: “As a councillor, I can’t put my division first above the rest of the community.
“The Local Government Act makes that very clear. I will make the most informed decision possible based on overall priorities.
“Budget discussions have not yet commenced, so it is premature to make commitments. I am also mindful of the show society’s obligations under their tenure arrangements.”
The Malanda Show Society has also outlined how it has been negatively affected financially by the closure of the Patrick English Pavilion, but there is no date as to when a new multi-purpose building will be constricted to take its place.
“Community consultation has recently been completed. Timelines cannot be confirmed at this stage, but I will support early delivery where possible,” Cr Bilney said.
