General News
26 May, 2026
Strong public response to ‘Agrihood’
THE concept of creating an Agrihood in Mareeba is falling on interested ears, with strong attendance and responses to an information evening and two Mareeba Markets information stalls.
Arkadian Developments founder Steve Grist said last week the “Emerald Waters” proposal had also received 70 completed surveys designed to gauge the community’s needs and support for the housing precinct.
“The second market went really well,” he said. “All feedback was positive.”
With the land sale now unconditional, Mr Grist said the company was looking to lodge a development application by the end of next month.
Emerald Waters is a residential development that integrates agriculture into its masterplan.
The Emerald Waters development is in its early planning stages and would need to be approved by Mareeba Shire Council before any onsite works begin.
It would include parks and gardens, walking tracks, a farming interface, a commercial centre, and community spaces.
Mr Grist said the precinct would be built on a 250-acre property on Tinaroo Creek Road, with five-acre lots, 1-acre lots, 1000 sqm lots, 500 sqm lots, and lots for townhouses, all available as standard freehold titles.
Mr Grist said the village would have a body corporate and a clear governance framework for managing shared assets such as common land and open space, onsite water and wastewater infrastructure, agricultural areas and community facilities.
The concept is popular in the US and Canada, with over 200 agrihoods already operating.
Some of the comments from the survey so far, and forwarded by Mr Grist included:
“I absolutely LOVE this concept, as a downsizer from acreage on the Tablelands, I’m looking for a solution like this.”
“I think there should be strong rules against untidy land and not building a house.”
“Include plenty of shade trees in shared spaces. A living, natural pool would be amazing!”
“Will be a great addition for the local community.
“I think it’s innovative and will be an inspiration for other similar developments.”
Mr Grist said he plans to bring the Agrihood concept to the Cairns Ecofiesta in June.
