Kuranda Infrastructure Plan
Friday 25 May 2018
Following recent ministerial approval of the Kuranda Township Masterplan, a number of projects will be carried out to enhance and maintain the character of the Village and conserve the natural environment while providing the necessary infrastructure to cater for the needs and demands of increased visitor numbers and the community.
The $1.3M redevelopment of Therwine Street is part of the masterplan which is designed to enhance the amenity of the Village and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.
Mareeba Shire Mayor Tom Gilmore said the project forms part of Council’s ongoing commitment to systematically upgrade infrastructure to adequately service visitor demand and enhance Kuranda’s appeal as a world-class tourist destination. “There has been significant consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including visitors and Kuranda business owners in the lead up to the development of the plan which includes the re-development of Therwine Street and other projects.”
Cr Gilmore said recommendations from a comprehensive traffic study helped inform the current design. “While community and business owners’ expressed concerns over specific elements of the project, the final plans had to meet engineering and technical standards and Australian road safety guidelines.”
Over $4 million will be spent in Kuranda over the next two years which will include the construction of walking tracks to the Barron Falls, the installation of new wayfinding signage, improvements to information technology, Centenary Park toilet block refurbishment and street furniture restoration.
Works will soon begin on re-developing upper Therwine Street with the lower part of the street to follow. Notice of works will be given two weeks prior to construction and further information can be found on Council’s website.
$1.3 million upgrade for Kuranda Village
Wednesday 21 February 2018
Council this week awarded a $1.3 million contract to JMac Constructions to redevelop Therwine Street in Kuranda.
The long-awaited redevelopment project has been approved for construction and funded under the provisions of the Kuranda Infrastructure Program (KIP).
Mayor Tom Gilmore said the project would improve the streetscape and correct footpath deficiencies that have manifested over time as the village has evolved as a tourist destination and visitor numbers increased. “The project forms part of Council’s ongoing commitment to systematically upgrade infrastructure to adequately service visitor demand and enhance Kuranda’s appeal as a world-class tourist destination,” he said.
Although the scope of the redevelopment had to be scaled back to fit within budget, Cr Gilmore is excited to see the project delivered ahead of this year’s peak tourist season.
Street Furniture Restoration
Friday 19 January 2018
Work will soon commence to restore the street furniture and signs in Kuranda back to their former glory.
Blacksmith artist Hans Pehl, who originally created the unique masterpieces will begin restoring the iron fixtures next week.
Mayor Tom Gilmore is excited to see the project come to fruition after months of planning and consultation.
“It will really enhance the atmosphere and aesthetics of the village,” Cr Gilmore said.
To enable the works to be carried out, some of the masterpieces will need to be temporarily removed while other work will occur on site. The work will include restoring and repairing the iron benches, rubbish bins, street signs, bollards and railings in the village.
“It is a much needed revitalisation and we can’t wait to see the iron work restored to its original state,” Cr Gilmore said.
“The unique street furniture and signage add so much character to the village and it’s important that we maintain these assets for the residents and the many tourists who visit the village each year.”
The work will commence next week and will take a few months to complete.