Community & Business
8 February, 2022
Shire growth in State’s top 10
MAREEBA Shire is one of the fastest growing Local Government Areas in the State, rating sixth out of 77 councils, with the only ones above it all big councils in South-East Queensland.
The Queensland Treasury statistics reveal Mareeba Shire had an annual growth increase of 1.7 per cent in the year spanning 2019-2020, compared with the previous year.
According to Treasury projections, the shire’s population will reach 29,000 by 2041, a growth of around 20 per cent from today’s population of 23,369.
Mayor Angela Toppin welcomed the good news and said it was a credit to all residents, the Mareeba Shire Council and local Chamber of Commerce who were driving existing and emerging industries, major infrastructure and business projects as well as residential and lifestyle initiatives.
“These past two years have certainly presented challenges not just on a local, but global scale, and these statistics show despite the added difficulties, Mareeba is shining through as a wonderful place to live, work and invest,” Mayor Toppin said.
“As the largest town outside of Cairns, we have our sights set as a council on continuing to bolster the positive trend of dwelling and commercial approvals which saw $64 million worth of residential and non-residential plans rubber-stamped in 2020-21.”
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro said the region’s impressive growth rate was indicative of the shire’s burgeoning agricultural sector, the council’s commitment to careful local economic profiling, and major upgrades to large scale infrastructure.
“Our region is a vital transport and services hub for Northern Australia, and with smart business decisions, continuing local government investment in industrial and commercial aviation parks, road transport routes and water treatment facilities, we’re ready to capitalise on this positive trend,” Mr Moro said.
“The chamber has worked hard in collaboration with organisations including council to position Mareeba as a great place to live, work and do business.
“Being ranked as the sixth fastest growing LGA in Queensland is proof this collaborative approach is working.”
Mayor Toppin says Mareeba’s good weather, reflected in its “300 sunny days a year” tagline, was another reason people were choosing to live in the town.
“Our good weather is definitely a drawcard, but also the sense of community we have in Mareeba – it’s a great place to bring up a family – there is so much to enjoy up here with local festivals, great markets and a wonderful environment that provides plenty of activities for families,” she said.
“We are also seeing plenty of employment opportunities up here, whether it’s an administration role, a forklift driver, opportunities in trades or farm workers.
“Buying a home is also still something people can aspire to here because the prices are still reasonable unlike some areas of the State where buying a property is simply out of the question for many young people just starting off .”
But with growth comes challenges – like improving the shire’s ageing water treatment and delivery network.
“Mareeba Shire will have to spend $52 million over the next 10 years to improve our water network as more people take up residence in the shire,” she said.
To that end, Mayor Toppin said council’s top five projects for 2022 were to complete the Chillagoe Bore and Pipeline, continue with the Shirewide water main replacement program, replace the bridge at Kanervo Road, Koah; complete the Granite Creek Sewage Pump Station upgrade, and construct and begin operations at the new Buy Back Shop at Mareeba Waste Transfer Station.
“These are exciting times for Mareeba Shire and as a council, we are committed to supporting the growth of this beautiful region for residents, visitors and generations to come,” Mayor Toppin said.
6th fastest growing LGA in the State
Annual growth increase of 1.7%
Population forecast for 2041 is 29,000
