Community & Business
18 May, 2022
Mareeba CBD petition presented
A PETITION signed by 1481 people calling for a shared vision for Mareeba’s CBD has been presented to Mareeba Shire Council, with hopes the community can be involved in developing a future plan for the precinct.
A PETITION signed by 1481 people calling for a shared vision for Mareeba’s CBD has been presented to Mareeba Shire Council, with hopes the community can be involved in developing a future plan for the precinct.
Businessman Fiachra Kearney initiated the petition after what he described as “relentless destruction” of trees and the only remaining green space in Byrnes Street by the council last month. He believes the way forward is for the community, council and the town’s chamber of commerce to develop a future vision for the CBD, including components such as public art, seating and landscaping that would create a more engaging place for locals and visitors.
Mr Kearney has now presented the petition to council chief executive officer Peter Franks and it is understood it will be put before council at its meeting this week.
“I had a very cordial chat with Mareeba Shire CEO Peter Franks who came out to receive the petition. I would like to thank him for doing so,” he said. “I am proposing that we use the Master Plan for Street Trees as a foundation for the development of a vision for the CBD and build from there. “The next five-year planning scheme is about the start so the timing is perfect to create a concept that can be inside a proper framework and that can be formalised. “Imagine what the CBD could be if we added artworks, covered parking, wrought iron railings, seating and so on. It just needs imagination.”
Mr Kearney has also met with the chamber of commerce to gain its support for a new CBD plan. “The main objective is to drive people to town for business and shopping as well as social interaction and make it a positive experience so we need to develop a concept around the principles of urban commerce,” he said.
With proper community engagement that allows “raw ideas” to flow, the document should also deal with the challenges faced by the traditional retail sector as many shoppers head online for purchases. “We need to consider how do you keep or generate footfall in the town centre because we are facing a real commercial situation in the next decade or two,” Mr Kearney said. “We need to look at the next 20 years holistically instead of disaggregated decision-making with no concept for the future, but it is critical the process incudes all stakeholders and community viewpoints.”
Mr Franks confirmed that the town planning scheme was due for review in the next couple of years.
