Community & Business
31 May, 2024
$2.1m revitalisation plan for Mareeba CBD
MAREEBA’S CBD will be the subject of a new revitalisation plan which has been funded by the Federal Government to the tune of $2.1 million.
The $2,143,249 grant will only deliver the development of a CBD Revitalisation Plan and fund the community consultation associated with developing the blueprint but not any works on the ground.
According to Mareeba Shire Council, the plan will seek to deliver an “integrated precinct plan” to address stormwater drainage issues; car parking; accessibility for people walking and cycling (including people with physical and vision impairments); public toilets; and amenities such as shade, seating and lighting.
News that a full revitalisation plan will be done for Mareeba’s retail precinct will no doubt be welcomed by those who criticised the council in April 2022 when a “refresh” of Byrnes Street was undertaken that included removing a section of grassed median and several trees to make way for more car parking.
At the time, opponents argued the community had not been consulted but the council insisted the works were part of its Street Tree Master Plan which the community had an opportunity to comment on in 2018.
Local businessman Fiachra Kearney took it upon himself to survey the businesses in the street and then called for “a future shared vision” for a CBD that “reflects our heritage, our tropical climate, and encourages commerce”.
“Let us create a beautiful CBD that encourages people to stay longer, gives us shade and makes us smile,” he said at the time.
The new plan, funded by Round 1 of the Federal Government’s Growing Regions, may deliver that vision.
“I am very excited to start the planning for a revitalised Mareeba CBD,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“This initiative will develop a plan that can be implemented in stages as funding becomes available, to enhance community liveability, safety and health while providing sustainable, safe and effective infrastructure to drive economic growth for the Mareeba Shire.
“Council will partner with the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce for the delivery of the project and community and stakeholder engagement will run in parallel, to ensure community needs and desires are incorporated throughout the precinct plan development.”
In other exciting news for the Shire, council has also been successful in being awarded $849,197 in grant funding for the construction of the Mareeba Lake and Parkland Upgrade.
A matching funding contribution from the council brings the total project value to $1,698,394.
The project will create a new open space network and improved lake system in the northern Bicentennial Lakes precinct between Keeble Street and Granite Creek.
“This upgrade will provide new accessible pathways and connections between Keeble Street and Granite Creek in the northern Bicentennial Lakes parklands to promote walking and cycling, with destinations and points of interest,” Mayor Toppin said.
“This work is in addition to council’s current project, which is fully funded by Mareeba Shire and that is nearing completion in the adjacent southern Bicentennial Lakes precinct.
“This project includes a pump track, playground and footpaths.
“We look forward to the activation of this space in the coming months to achieve major project outcomes from the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.
