General News
13 November, 2025
TRC moves on new Malanda facility
PLANS are underway to build a new multi-purpose facility in Malanda to provide the town with a community space, with the Patrick English Pavilion set to be demolished soon.
Tablelands Mayor Rod Marti said the Malanda facility would be one of three to be established, with the other two in Atherton and Ravenshoe.
In a closed session at its latest meeting, council approved $76,703 for APEC Project Pty Ltd to manage the feasibility, investigation and planning stages of the Malanda multi-purpose facility project.
“This appointment ensures this complex and high-level project is appropriately managed,” Mayor Marti said.
“Subject to the outcomes of these initial phases and at the sole discretion of TRC, the contract may be extended to include some or all of the subsequent stages of the project, which include design, construction and finalisation.”
In a media statement, council said its “endorsed capital plan includes the planning and construction of three new multi-purpose facilities in major and district activity centres in the region”.
However, when The Express attempted to obtain costings and timelines for the new facilities and gave the council three days to respond, a council spokesperson said they could not meet the deadline.
Mayor Marti said the community would soon get its say on what they would like to see in the new facility.
“We’ll soon be engaging with the community to help identify needs and priorities for this facility so keep your eye out for opportunities to be a part of this process,” he said.
“We’ve also submitted an application for funding for the planning and engagement of multi-purpose facilities in Ravenshoe and Atherton.
‘If we’re successful with this application we will commence engagement for these additional facilities earlier than initially planned.”
A discussion about tenders to demolish the Patrick English Pavilion was also held in closed session last meeting.
Council minutes state that due to the “specialised nature of the deconstruction works”, it was “impractical and disadvantageous to invite further tenders or seek quotes through standard procurement panels; and therefore, authorises officers to directly approach appropriately qualified suppliers to request proposals or quotations”.
The minutes also note the current $250,000 operational budget was “likely insufficient” and authorised the chief executive officer to reallocate funds within the operational budget to meet full costs, without increasing the overall budget.
