The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Tender Awarded for Northern Bicentennial Lakes and Parkland Upgrade in Mareeba
At the May Mareeba Shire Council Meeting, a tender was awarded for the transformative Mareeba Bicentennial Lakes and Parkland Upgrade Project, made possible with nearly $850,000 in funding from the Australian Government.
The $1.69 million project, a key initiative under the Bicentennial Lakes Masterplan, Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, and the Mareeba Walking Network Plan, is set to revitalise the Bicentennial Lakes precinct—improving water quality, accessibility, and recreational infrastructure.
The tender was awarded to NQ Wastetrans and the upgrade will deliver an enhanced public space that promotes active lifestyles, boosts environmental sustainability, and supports community wellbeing.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin welcomed the milestone, saying the project will be a lasting investment in Mareeba’s future.
“This upgrade will create a space where people can connect with nature, be active, and enjoy the outdoors in an accessible environment,” Mayor Toppin said.
“We are grateful for the support of the Australian Government through the Growing Regions Program, which is enabling us to bring this important project to life.”
The scope of works under the awarded tender includes:
- Reshaping the lakes to create a self-sustaining ecosystem
- Narrowing waterways to improve circulation and water quality
- Construction of a new boardwalk, viewing deck, stabilised embankments, interpretive signage and maps
- Installation of new amenities including seating, shelters, bins, and a drinking fountain
- Creation of a new footpath loop around the lake and accessibility improvements
- Development of new on-street car parking
Works are expected to commence in late July – early August, weather permitting.
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Tender Awarded for Critical Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades in Mareeba
A tender was awarded at the May Mareeba Shire Council meeting to Flowpro Pty Ltd for vital remediation works on sewer manholes in Mareeba as part of a broader effort to protect the health of the Barron River catchment and the Great Barrier Reef.
The works form a key component of Mareeba Shire Council’s three-year Barron River Catchment Sewer Infrastructure Upgrade Project, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Guardian Councils Program and the Queensland Government’s 2024–28 Works for Queensland Program.
The three-year project is designed to improve the integrity of the sewerage network in Mareeba and Kuranda by reducing inflow and infiltration, thereby helping prevent sewage overflows into the surrounding environment.
Mareeba Shire Council Mayor Angela Toppin said the initiative reflects Council’s long-term commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental protection.
“These upgrades are critical to reducing the risk of sewage entering our waterways and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef,” Mayor Toppin said.
“Wastewater in river systems can cause an increase in the spread of harmful pathogens and can create detrimental algal blooms in the waterways and the reef.”
“Council is proud to be working in partnership with both levels of government to deliver environmental benefits for our region.”
This stage of the project has identified 155 sewer manholes in need of remediation, located on both private and public land across three areas of Mareeba.
These include:
- Along Peters Street to Atherton Street
- Atherton Street to Granite Creek
- Mareeba West township area
The tender includes the full rehabilitation of the manholes, with contractors expected to supply materials, plant, and labour necessary to ensure proper and durable restoration.
Works are expected to begin in the coming months.
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