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.
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.
Freehold Lots Expression of Interest
Following an expression of interest process to test market interest, Lakehouse Properties Pty Ltd and Clarkson Family Trust will be invited to tender for the purchase of freehold lots within the Priors Creek Development in Atherton. The intended uses may include a mix of residential or holiday accommodation, retail, leisure and entertainment opportunities.
Public Art Expression of Interest
Up to $220k was made available for public art for the Priors Creek Development. This exciting opportunity will create a sense of place and develop a public art attraction for the region. Several locations in the Priors Creek Development were identified for public art and creative and experienced artists or arts groups submit a high-level concepts for one or all of the locations. Mabi Tree-Kangaroo by John Fish Studio was chosen as the major public art installation for the Priors Creek Development, for $200k excluding GST.
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 also included a provision for the completion of this stage of the project including 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, car park, urban plaza, amphitheatre, stage, landscaping, barbecues, shelters, power, lighting and bollards. This additional work, valued at $6, 663, 445.60 including GST, requires a separate resolution of Council.
Construction Update
Monday 15 April
The initial drainage and electrical underbores have been completed, and kerbing will commence on Jack Street later this week. Work on the new road and Vernon Street roundabout will commence next week.
Funding
We are seeking funding for completion of other stages of the development.
Indicative Timeline
- 2022–23 — secure funding and complete detailed design
- 2023–25 — construction
- 2024–25+ — site activation
Construction photos © Bronson Koppen, General Manager, Terranovus Civil.
$501,520 capital works project
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, and we are seeking quotes for the detailed design. Pending design and environmental requirements, construction of stages 1–3 will commence in 2023–24. Consideration will be given to additional parking in future stages.
See the concept fly-through.
$25,000 capital works program
A section of the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail will be resheeted as part of the progressive resheet program.
$80,000 capital works program
A new shelter will be built over part of the playground in Tolga. A section of the playground will be temporarily closed on Tuesday 22 August to pour footings. Construction will take about a week and should be complete in early September.
$561,488 capital works project
The Millaa Millaa Falls Improvement Plan aims to identify ways to maintain and enhance the Millaa Falls area, increase tourism and economic outcomes, improve the visitor experience, and provide increased accessibility. The preliminary design was endorsed, and design and construction of stages 1–3 will be delivered in 2023–24. The preliminary designs for stages 4–7 will be revised to remove bus parking from the lower car park. Tenders for construction of the staircase and new toilets have closed.
The contract for the staircase has been awarded.
$10,000 capital works project
$32,000 capital works project
Upgrades to the existing training wall will commence in early March and take about a week to include.
$855,000 capital works project over two years
A new roof will be constructed over one of the netball courts. Requests for tenders are open and construction will commence in 2024–25.