Eighteen interested community members have nominated to join forces with Mareeba Shire Council and the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce to develop a vision for the future of Mareeba’s main shopping area.
Project Blueprint will deliver a construction-ready precinct plan to invigorate and future-proof the Mareeba CBD stretching from Herberton Street to Lloyd Street and between Constance Street and Railway Avenue.
The Stakeholder Reference Group will provide information, advice and recommendations on the development of the precinct plan and help identify opportunities.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin was delighted to receive so much interest from the community.
“Nominations were received from long-time residents, property owners and business operators, as well as residents new to our town. Each nominee has something unique to bring to the reference group. A diverse representation across demographics, cultures and interests was selected to promote a diversity of voices, and a balance of interests.”
The members of the Stakeholder Reference Group are Raymond Cater, Semir Elmazi, Fred Cristaldi, Alex (Joon Soo) Park, Ann Eldridge, Amber Jerome and Carolyn Mundt. They are joined by representatives of key stakeholder groups including the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce representative Joe Moro, QPS Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Fincham, Muluridji Aboriginal Corporation representative Julie Go Sam, Mareeba Shire Local Tourism Organisation representative Jessica Fealy, Collaborating for Community Safety Group representatives Robert Larkin and John Wason, and Disability Advocate Liza Jones.
Chair of the Stakeholder Reference Group, Councillor Amy Braes, said the group would play an important role in the planning process.
“This group gives us a chance to get it right—with input from people who live, work and invest in Mareeba every day.”
Cr Braes continued, “Everyone has a different perspective, and it’s our job to listen carefully and weigh up what’s going to work best—not just for now, but for the long term.”
There will also be opportunities for the wider community to be involved in this once-in-a-generation planning project.
Cr Braes encouraged residents and business operators to take part in the broader consultation.
“This is a chance for you to help shape the future of Mareeba’s CBD. Please visit Council’s website, check The Express, or follow us on Facebook for details about upcoming drop-in sessions and the community survey.”
Details about upcoming drop-in sessions and the community survey are still being finalised and will be shared at a later date.
-Ends-