The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 18 February 2026
Mareeba CBD Blueprint Project: Precinct Plan Presented
The Mareeba CBD Blueprint Masterplan was presented at today’s Council Meeting, bringing revitalisation to Mareeba’s CBD one step closer.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said that the plan reflects a shared vision to reconnect the community with the heart of the town, and will shape the future of the CBD.
“The Masterplan not only addresses critical infrastructure issues, it also encompasses priorities identified by the community, and incorporates feedback to deliver a revitalisation plan that celebrates our culture and heritage.
We acknowledge and sincerely thank the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) for its essential funding support, which has enabled the development of this Masterplan,” said Mayor Toppin.
“The Masterplan is a step closer to improving Mareeba’s liveability, vibrancy and climate resilience. The initiatives will drive economic growth, attract new businesses, and support the expansion of existing ones, creating a thriving, welcoming, walkable CBD that encourages people to stop, stay and spend,” said Mayor Toppin.
In June and July 2025, more than 200 people visited community engagement sessions, and 190 submitted surveys which helped inform a draft plan. In November 2025, over 600 local residents, businesses and visitors took the time to provide further feedback which is reflected in the final Masterplan endorsed today.
Chair of the Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint Stakeholder Reference Group, Cr Amy Braes, said the Masterplan was strengthened by working alongside the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce, the community and stakeholders over the past year to help formulate a once-in-a-generation plan.
“We know the stormwater drainage in the CBD requires major works, and Project Blueprint enabled us to consider the aspirations and needs of the community and businesses, and how we can incorporate those hopes into the delivery of the stormwater upgrades. As a result, the Masterplan will deliver significant long-term benefits much greater than would have been overwise achieved,” Cr Braes explained.
Community driven recommendations include:
• upgrading stormwater infrastructure
• improving lighting and pedestrian safety along Byrnes Street
• enhancing accessibility
• welcoming town with shaded green spaces
• inclusive public amenities
• improved wayfinding
• celebrating Mareeba’s heritage through art and signage
• revitalising key streets like Byrnes and Atherton St with outdoor dining
• event spaces transforming areas like Railway Avenue into inviting gateways for visitors
The Masterplan initiative was funded by $2,143,249 from the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).
By the end of 2026, Council will have construction-ready plans and will focus on applying for State and Federal funding.
This long-term project will be delivered in stages, subject to available funding.
“I wish to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this project, the funding support from the Australian Government, and the collaboration between Council, the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce, the Stakeholder Reference Group, residents, visitors, business and property owners,” said Mayor Toppin.
For further information and to view the Masterplan, please visit Mareeba CBD Project Blueprint – Mareeba Shire Council.
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Kerbside Collection Services Contract Awarded
At the February Council Meeting, Mareeba Shire Council awarded the tender for Kerbside Collection Services to JJ Richards & Sons Pty Ltd.
The contract will commence on 1 December 2026 for a seven-year, seven-month term, with an extension option of up to three years.
Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said that kerbside collection is a critical community service, providing weekly waste collection for residents and Council facilities.
“The new kerbside collection contract will support long-term service continuity and improved operational planning across the region,” said Mayor Toppin.
The final contract value will be determined by a future resolution of Council once service details are confirmed.
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Major Water and Wastewater Upgrades Progress Across Mareeba Shire
Mareeba Shire Council is continuing to deliver significant improvements to the region’s water and wastewater networks, with multiple capital projects progressing under Council’s long-term infrastructure renewal strategies.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said that Council continues to invest in essential infrastructure that supports the resilience of the community with reliable drinking water and protection for the region’s waterways.
“The capital highlights report at today’s meeting presents key projects that will strengthen Mareeba Shire’s water and wastewater networks for decades to come,” said Mayor Toppin.
Minister for Local Government and Water Ann Leahy said that these projects in Mareeba Shire are a strong example of what long-term planning and partnership funding can achieve.
“By replacing ageing water mains and upgrading critical sewer infrastructure, Council is strengthening reliability for local families while protecting the region’s waterways,” Minister Leahy said.
“The Crisafulli Government working alongside Mareeba Shire Council and the Commonwealth to deliver practical infrastructure upgrades that will support growth, improve resilience and secure clean, safe and reliable water services for years to come.”
Member for Cook David Kempton said the significant investment in Mareeba’s water and wastewater network provides the essential infrastructure needed to support the region’s continued growth and long-term prosperity.
“These critical projects will deliver long-overdue upgrades to Mareeba’s water and wastewater systems, ensuring the community has the capacity, reliability and resilience it needs now and into the future,” Mr Kempton said.
“These improvements will remove existing infrastructure constraints and strengthen essential services for years to come, enabling Mareeba to grow with confidence. Hundreds of residents will benefit directly, and this investment sends a strong signal that
Mareeba is well-positioned to support both community needs and future business and economic development.”
2025-26 Watermain Replacement Program
As part of Council’s 10-year Water Strategy, ageing asbestos cement water mains across Mareeba are being replaced to improve service reliability and reduce the risk of failures.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mareeba Shire Council with assistance from the Queensland Government. It is part of the Australian Government’s Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative, delivered under the National Water Grid Fund.
The project involves upgrading a clarifier and installing new PVC Supermain and Ductile Iron Concrete Lined pipework, along with upgraded valves, hydrants and service connections.
Recent progress includes:
• Completion of works along Walsh Street between Rankin Street and Hort Street
• Completion of upgrades along Mammino Street
• Construction underway on Kenneally Road, with completion scheduled for late April 2026
2025–2026 Manhole Refurbishment Program
Council continues to advance its three-year Barron River Catchment Sewer Infrastructure Upgrade project, aimed at reducing inflow and infiltration within the Mareeba and Kuranda sewerage network.
This initiative is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Guardian Councils Program and the Queensland Government’s 2024–27 Works for Queensland Program.
The project includes full remediation of 155 sewer manholes across Mareeba, spanning areas from Peters Street to Atherton Street, Atherton Street to Granite Creek and the Mareeba West township.
Key progress:
• Remediation of the initial 155 manholes is complete
• An additional 49 manholes have been identified for rehabilitation
• Works on the additional manholes are underway, with minor delays due to wet weather
• Completion is expected by late February 2026
Kenneally Road Gravity Sewer Main Upgrade
A major upgrade is underway to address capacity limitations in the Kenneally Road and Constance Street sewer catchment—an area servicing 129 residential properties. Much of Mareeba’s sewerage network dates back to the 1960s–1980s, and the existing infrastructure can no longer meet current or future demand.
The project will replace 2.35 km of gravity sewer main, beginning at an easement off Antonio Drive, running the full length of Constance Street, and connecting upstream of the Byrnes Street pump station. The upgrade is jointly funded by the Queensland Government through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and Mareeba Shire Council.
Recent construction activity includes:
• Continued trenching along Constance Street near Basalt Street
• Hard rock encountered along the alignment, requiring ripping and hammering and causing minor delays
• Road pavement reinstated between Mareeba State Primary School and St Thomas’s School
• Ongoing sewer main installation between Herberton Street and Basalt Street, now progressing toward Lerra Street
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