In 2018 we worked with the community to develop a vision and master plan for the Priors Creek area of Atherton. The Priors Creek Master Plan outlined the development of the Priors Creek area (adjacent to Railway Lane in Atherton) to create a family-oriented mixed-use and leisure area, with commercial, residential and retail space.
The approximately $20M Priors Creek Development will be transformational for the Atherton Tablelands and broader region. It will boost economic activity, both short- and long-term, and deliver significant community benefits. The development will progress in stages, with Stage 1 focused on the area between Vernon and Jack streets. We have invested $8.5M to deliver this stage, with construction to commence in late 2023.
Priors Creek will become a key location for public events and activities with the development of an urban plaza for markets and a 1000-person amphitheatre — while building on established biking activities (Tablelands Rail Trail and Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park trail head). The area will include a nature-based playground and shared paths, and showcase Indigenous culture, public art and the environment. The development will also improve security, parking, access to Main Street and lighting. There will be commercial development opportunities with a focus on short-stay accommodation and units. The increase in accommodation will help meet the demand for housing in the region, support population attraction and retention, and provide high-quality tourism accommodation.
See the fly-through concept.
The project will be transformative and inclusive for our community — catering for youth, families, seniors and visitors. It also recognises 20 desired outcomes across all five priority areas of our Tablelands 2030+ Community Plan. The plan is a roadmap to guide our decision making, services and priorities.
We have engaged with adjacent businesses and have been working closely with government agencies and other key stakeholders. A business case has been completed to assess economic and community benefits, visitor attraction potential and a cost-benefit analysis.
Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government & Planning (DSDILGP) Funding
DSDILGP has provided $900,000 for Stage 1 of the Priors Creek Development.
Cycle Network Local Government Grant
In October we received more than $1.5M of funding from Department of Transport and Main Roads’ Cycle Network Local Government Grants program to deliver the shared pathways, signs, lighting, shade trees and bike racks across the development area. This funding demonstrates our ongoing commitment to active transport in our region.
The Priors Creek Parklands project is proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants program.
Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund
The Queensland Government provided $350,000 to Tablelands Regional Council to construct two toilet blocks to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.
Freehold Lots
Titles for the new freehold lots have been registered. Expressions of interest are invited for the purchase and development of the lots.
Construction Tender Awarded
The contract for site preparations was awarded to local company Northern Civil Earthworks Pty Ltd, trading as TerraNovus Civil, for $2,756, 368.70 including GST. This stage includes relocating overhead powerlines, one-way road between Vernon and Jack streets, roundabouts at Vernon and Jack streets, lighting, electrical, NBN and upgrades to stormwater, water and sewers. Construction will commence in early 2024 and will take at least six months to complete.
The contract for Stage 1b was ordered for Northern Civil Earthworks Pty Ltd for $5,169,998.39 excluding GST. The contract includes the demolition of the Vernon Street toilet block, upgrades to the Vernon Street / Railway Lane intersection, relocation of the mountain bike shelter and fitness equipment, and construction of new toilets, rail trail, paths, urban plaza, amphitheatre, stage, landscaping, barbecues, shelters, power, lighting and bollards.
Construction Update
Wednesday 5 November
Stage 1A is complete.
The mountain bike shelter and age-friendly exercise equipment have been relocated, and the multi-use court is complete except for the playing surface, which will be installed later in the project. The sail over the age-friendly exercise equipment will also be installed later in the project. The overhead powerlines have been removed and the street lighting installed. The toilet blocks, amphitheatre seating, stage, and picnic and barbecue shelters are complete. Work on the footpaths, landscaping, turf, irrigation and rail trail is continuing.
Budget
Grants to date = $3.1M
Infrastructure charges applied = $3.6M
TRC funds to date = $2.2M
The sale of freehold lots will offset project costs.
Funding be sought for:
- Stage 2 — northern and southern extensions
- Stage 3 — playground
- Stage 4a — pedestrian bridge over Priors Creek
- Stage 4b — roof over stage
Indicative Timeline
- 2022–23 — secure funding and complete detailed design
- 2023–25 — construction
- 2024–25+ — site activation
Photos and videos © Bronson Koppen, General Manager, Terranovus Civil; RZ Plasto Tropical Reef Project Office, TRC and Peter Blakey.
The Concept Plan for Battery Park in Herberton aims to maintain and enhance the area to improve visitor experiences and increase accessibility. The concept design for the park was endorsed but the project has been delayed because of additional work needed to meet environmental requirements. A consultant will conduct soil contamination site investigations on soil, groundwater and surface water via 10 test pits, four bore holes, 33 cap samples at various depths, four ground well monitoring sites, and four surface water samples. This data will inform a gap analysis and site investigation report, which is expected to provide a good understanding of the state of the historic rehabilitation of the site compared to what is required under current standards.
Testing is being finalised and we are waiting for the official report.
See the concept fly-through.
The Millaa Millaa Falls Improvement Plan identifies ways to maintain and enhance the Millaa Falls area, increase tourism and economic outcomes, improve the visitor experience, and provide increased accessibility.
Stages
- Remove changerooms, signs and picnic shelter — completed
- Construct staircase between upper and lower car parks — completed
- Construct new amenities block — design and approvals
- Construct new lower parking area* — design and approvals
- Construct new forecourt including tables, shelters, and signs* — design and approvals
- Upgrade upper car park* – design and approvals
- Construct lower viewing and picnic areas* – design
The Queensland Government provided $290,200 to Tablelands Regional Council to construct the toilet block to enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities.
*This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland (W4Q) program, supporting regional councils to deliver essential infrastructure and create local jobs.”
The softfall at the playground at Hallorans Hill will be replaced.