General News
18 June, 2025
Time to have your say on CBD’s future
MAREEBA residents can give their views about what they like and dislike about the town’s CBD as part of the multi-million dollar Blueprint Project being undertaken by Mareeba Shire Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Project Blueprint, which is funded to the tune of $2.1 million through the Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, will allow the council to undertake a once-in-a-generation project to revitalise Mareeba’s CBD.
The project will deliver a construction-ready precinct plan to invigorate and future-proof the CBD between Herberton Street and Lloyd Street and between Constance Street and Railway Avenue.
Construction-ready plans to deal with stormwater, lighting, accessibility, footpaths, parking, security, public toilets, trees, seating and shade will be prepared.
The goal is to create a future-proofed, attractive, safe space the community and visitors want to spend time in.
Residents will soon have the opportunity to tell the council what they think, with questions about what they like and dislike about the area and what is the first thing they think should be changed to be put to locals at community feedback sessions planned for late June.
Project Blueprint Stakeholder Reference Group chair Cr Amy Braes said planning meaningful community engagement opportunities was integral to the project.
“Input from people who live, work and invest in Mareeba every day is important to the success of this planning project,” she said.
“The Project Blueprint Pop-Up Shop will open its doors on 24 June for two-and-a-half days of drop-in sessions, walk and talk tours and a community workshop.
“I invite the community to call in at 117 Byrnes Street, next to the Gateway Hotel, to have a chat.”
Business operators can book into a breakfast session to explore their specific CBD likes, wishes and wants.
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro is encouraging traders to add this session into their calendar.
“Never has there been an opportunity such as this to drive the direction of Mareeba’s main shopping area,” he said.
“A vibrant, functional, safe CBD will support the economic future of the town.”
For those that cannot visit the Blueprint Pop-up, they can give their feedback through a survey that opened on Monday.
WAYS TO HAVE YOUR SAY:
Tuesday 24 June
Drop-in session: 9am-4pm
Walk and Talk Tour: 10am and 2pm
Community workshop: 6pm-7pm
Wednesday 25 June
Business Operator Breakfast: 7am-8.30am
Drop-in session: 9am-4pm
Walk and Talk Tour: 10am and 2pm
Thursday 26 June
Drop-in session: 9am-11am
Online Community Survey
www.msc.qld.gov.au/community/mareeba-cbd-project-blueprint/
Closes 25 July
