General News
31 May, 2025
Over $1.3m awarded for environment improvements
A NEW milestone in the Bicentennial Lakes and Parkland revitalisation project was delivered last week when $850,000 was awarded to NQ Wastetrans to carry out major upgrades to the northern area of the popular recreational area.
The Federal Government funding was part of a $1.69 million project to improve water quality accessibility and recreational infrastructure under the Bicentennial Lakes Masterplan, Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and the Mareeba Walking Network Plan.
Mareeba Shire Council approved the tender at its meeting last week, with Mayor Angela Toppin saying the project would 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.”
The scope of the works included reshaping the lakes to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, narrowing waterways to improve water circulation and quality, constructing a new boardwalk, viewing deck, stabilised embankments, interpretive signage and maps.
It would also provide new amenities such as seating, shelters, bins and a drinking fountain, a new footpath loop around the lake and new on-street carparking.
The works were expected to begin in late July, early August.
In further steps to improve infrastructure and the environment, the council awarded a $500,000 contract to Flowpro Pty Ltd, for remediation work on Mareeba’s sewer manholes
The works are a key part of the council’s three-year plan to ensure the protection of the health of the Barron River catchment and the Great Barrier Reef.
The Barron River Catchment Sewer Infrastructure Project, which received state and federal government funding, aimed to improve the integrity of the sewerage network in Mareeba and Kuranda by reducing inflow and infiltration and preventing sewage overflows into the surrounding environment.
“These upgrades are critical to reducing the risk of sewage entering our waterways and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef,” Mayor Toppin said.
Recent investigations and condition assessments on manholes within the catchment identified 155 sewer manholes in need of remediation on both public and private land.
Flowpro will work on all 155 sites, along Peters St to Atherton St, Atherton St to Granite Creek, and in the Mareeba west township area.
The tender of $ 501,260.60 (excl. GST) would include full rehabilitation of the manholes, with contractors to supply materials, plant and necessary labour.
Council said work was expected to begin in the coming months.
