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racingahead MAREEBA
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT 2016-2017
CONTRIBUTORS:
Photos The Express newspaper Peter Roy PhotographerNeil & Debbie SweedmanNorth Queensland Aero ClubAmaroo Park Estate Brendan Keeling – AertographyRaging Thunder Balloon Adventures
Editorial Bill Cummings – Cummings EconomicsMareeba Shire CouncilMayor Tom GilmoreBob Katter MPMichael SerencRotary FNQ Field DaysBendigo Community Bank Ratch-Australia CorporationSpringmount RacewayKUR-WorldDepartment of Agriculture and Fisheries
Designed and published byMareeba Chamber of Commerce
Printed byO’Donnells Office Power
COVER PHOTO: Racing action at Springmount Raceway that opened in early 2016 – Far North
Queensland's first purpose-built drag strip.
3 A message from the President of Mareeba Chamber of Commerce
4 A message from the Mayor of Mareeba Shire Council
& Federal Member for Kennedy
5 Mareeba Shire – Billion dollar economy
6 Tablelands statistical data snapshot
7 Mt Emerald Wind Farm commences
9 House and land sales rising
11 Mareeba transport hub
13 Tourism on the rise
14 Bicentennial Lakes revamp
15 Vibrant and diverse shopping hub
16-17 Mareeba Shire Council update
19 Discover KUR-World – integrated eco resort planned for region
21 Tap into mining
23 Discover Mareeba and the region
24 Green power station opens up new era
25 Agriculture – Tablelands star performer
26 Events attracting thousands to Mareeba
27 Creating a sustainable agricultural workforce
29 Bendigo Bank Recreational Precinct
30 Mareeba Chamber of Commerce – Partners and Angels
31 Mareeba Chamber of Commerce – Members Directory
CO
NT
EN
TS
2 I
The Mareeba Chamber of Commerce has had a very productive year.
We have relocated to the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre, resulting in many benefits. These include the sharing of the position of Operations Manager and the consolidating of operations for the two not-for-profit organisations. Together we can provide an integrated approach to the delivery of internal organisation services to our respective members and external services to the community, visitors and potential investors.
The Chamber has expanded into the tourism space. We have recently established a taskforce as an initiative of the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce to support Tropical Tablelands Tourism (TTT). Our aim is to provide strategic leadership, planning and direction to the Mareeba community, tour operators and local businesses in relation to tourism. We now receive current updates from TTT which helps us improve awareness of TTT and promote the value of tourism within the region.
We continue to encourage the use of the Bicentennial Lakes in partnership with Mareeba Shire Council, local service clubs, employment agencies and the Bendigo Community Bank. This initiative has led to increased usage and awareness of the Lakes. Watch this space over the next 12 months.
An increase in urban growth and the needs of the agricultural sector, as they adapt to the effects of climate change, mean new water infrastructure must be effected. Increased efficiencies in the management of existing water supplies are required. Strategies such as water harvesting, the building of new water infrastructure and modernisation of existing infrastructure are needed. The regional water strategy, finalised in late 2007, highlighted the fact that usage of Tinaroo Dam water would increase at four per cent per annum, and by 2022, would be close to 100 per cent. In 2014/15, it was 79 per cent and in 2015/16 it was 84 per cent. We welcomed funding of $5 million from the Federal Government which means that work on water options can be carried out this year.
The Chamber supports the increased emphasis on the transport network in the region. Transport forms an integral part of primary production for the safe movement of livestock, crops and produce to markets and ports. The agricultural sector cannot remain viable without an efficient transport network. Furthermore, future sugar mill rationalisation is expected to significantly change the dynamics of coastal transport. We welcome the Federal Government’s investment in the Hann Highway to assist with minimising costs in the transport, freight and port infrastructure that are essential to the region. Major economic inhibitors to our area are the Kuranda Range Road and the other heavy vehicle routes.
The Chamber is focused on the need for additional planning to ensure transport routes are continually improved to satisfy the needs of both urban commuters and all other essential road transport operators within the region. Our community will not continue to prosper without it.
The Chamber continues to promote a dynamic, robust and diversified economy and recognises an underlying reliance on tourism and rural production as the foundation for Mareeba Shire's economic diversity. Due to the economic resilience of our rural sector, our local economy has grown substantially and is now worth over $300 million. This is not currently reflected in infrastructure planning and provision, particularly in relation to transport, freight and water and our aim is to rectify this.
There are many opportunities within our shire. We are an innovative region with many projects and developments currently in the pipeline, some of which you can read about in this publication.
The Chamber takes pride in its role within the community and proudly presents this publication for your benefit, to keep you informed of what’s happening. As you will see, we are racing ahead as a town and a region.
Joe MoroPresident, Mareeba Chamber of Commerce
Racing ahead for a better tomorrow
4 I
I would like to congratulate the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce
on what has clearly been a busy and productive year and more
particularly, for the new management arrangements in association
with the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre
and the Mareeba Leagues Club.
I have every confidence that the community of Mareeba will be well
served as this arrangement matures to its full potential, providing a
vastly enhanced experience for those who visit our shire and as a
result, a boost to our burgeoning tourism industry.
This is an exciting time for business and for economic development
in the Mareeba Shire and the Council is taking every opportunity to
encourage new and developing enterprise. The list of investment
opportunities; both current and proposed, gives rise to great
optimism for continued economic development for the foreseeable
future.
Should all of the projects which are currently being considered come
to fruition, there could well be as much as a billion dollars invested
within the bounds of the Mareeba Shire over the next several years.
It is clear that the investment community can see the opportunities
which arise from the natural advantages that we enjoy; those being
water, climate, land, people and a Council determined to lay firm
foundations for business opportunity, and to otherwise not interfere
in business activity.
The Mareeba Shire Council takes the view that to enhance our
opportunities in attracting further investment, we need to move
towards an aggressive town beautification program. Discussions
have begun about design, appropriate species selection and likely budget implications for a project to bring shade and colour to all of the communities across the shire over a period of years.
The three major projects being undertaken by the Council at the present time are all progressing well. Recent developments at the Mareeba Industrial Park, amounting to many millions of dollars, have reinforced investor confidence, underpinned by the strength of our agricultural industries.
The redevelopment of the Mareeba aerodrome is now well into the planning stages, with tenders having been let for the final design for both the industrial estate area and the airstrip. Tenders have also been let for the roadworks for both Vickery Road and Ray Road and the work is proceeding. It is anticipated that tenders for the major works on the aerodrome will be finalised during the wet season, for work to commence in 2017.
The redevelopment of the Mareeba wastewater treatment plant is proceeding to plan with an anticipated commissioning date of early in 2017, ensuring that this plant will offer no impediment to future urban or industrial development.
Over the next several years there will most certainly be an unprecedented level of investment; both large and small. The end result must surely be better employment and business opportunity.I look forward with great anticipation to what I see is undoubtedly a period of prosperity for our community.
Mayor Tom GilmoreMareeba Shire Council
Message from the Mayor
If every person in Mareeba spent an extra $20 a week in a local business, it would generate an extra $10 Million per year in revenue – Imagine the difference!
This tough little town has been knocked over and its economy destroyed a dozen times by mindless distant governments – and every time we’ve picked ourselves up and gone again.
I was Secretary, Chamber of Commerce in Cloncurry for a number of years before I went into Parliament. I’ve always considered it to be as important, if not in many respects, more important than our local council.
We congratulate you on the wonderful work that you are doing and I think the Chamber has had a lot to do with tourism in this area, a very tough competitive industry and Mareeba has performed exceptionally well and I think the Chamber of Commerce has played a very real part in that.
We thank you and God bless you.
Bob KatterFederal Member for Kennedy
Message
from Bob
Katter
MP
I 5
GENERAL STORY
Welcome to MareebaWith 300 Sunny days a year and only 50 minutes from a regional city and international airport, Mareeba offers all the lifestyle benefits one could want. Locality has resulted in a diverse and
vibrant town with extensive manufacturing, education, government, health, retail, tourism, agricultural and professional services.
So much to offer - a great place to live, play & do business!
POPULATION10,182 people call the Mareeba district home
LOCATIONA short 50 minute drive to a regional city and international airport
GROWTH1.3% – Mareeba Shire population growth over the past 5 years
EDUCATIONPublic and private primary and high schools, plus several day care centres
WEATHER300 sunny days a year
Mareeba Shire’s Gross Regional Product (the sum of value added by businesses and other economic entities in the area) is estimated to be now be over the billion dollar level.
New workforce figures to come out of the 2016 Census will help provide a basis for new reliable estimates to be made in 2017.
Underpinning much of the economy is agricultural production, with Mareeba Shire accounting for a large part of the $552m gross value of production in the wider Tablelands region in 2015.
Latest data on tourism visitor expenditure
indicates a figure of about $60m per annum.
Mining production recorded in Mareeba Shire has been quite volatile over the years. Official statistics for 2014-15 indicate a value of $15m, the majority being wolfram.
Regional service functions that substantially underpin the Mareeba Shire economy include the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre and major Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries offices.
Outside of agriculture, retail trade is the largest employer in Mareeba Shire with
employment of 863, some 11% of the
workforce recorded in the Census 2011.
Based on Queensland averages, the
value of retail trade in the area could be
expected to be in the order of $250m a
year.
Given the large volumes of cattle and
produce to be moved, transport is
disproportionately represented in the
economy with employment of 347
recorded in the 2011 Census. Based on
national averages for this sector, value of
output of the sector could be expected to
be in the order of $120m.
Mareeba Shire – Billion dollar economy
6 I
Tablelands statistical data snapshotThe following statistical information is provided as a general
snapshot of agricultural, business, industry and population activity within the Tablelands area.
200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015
40,01940,43740,80941,05241,41441,98142,74843,62244,28044,72845,11745,50646,12746,49246,830
ESTIMATED RESIDENTIAL POPULATION
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS Cat. No. 3218.0.
ESTIMATED RESIDENTIAL POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Mareeba ShireBalance of TablelandsTotal Tablelands
202525,68927,31353,002
203530,22829,84460,072
201521,83324,99746,830
Projected at average growth rates 2005-2015, ABS Cat. No. 3218.0.
Source: Cummings Economics.
ManagersProfessionalsTechnicians & trades workersCommunity & personal service workersClerical & administrative workersSales workersMachinery operators & driversLabourersInadequately described/Not statedTotal
20062,9652,1872,3991,7161,7761,4451,2302,577
34216,638
20112,9072,4942,6481,9272,0201,5491,4472,481
33717,810
% Change(-2.0%)+14.0%+10.4%+12.3%+13.7%
+7.1%+17.6%(-3.7%)
na+ 7.0%
Years0 – 45 – 1415 – 2425 – 5455 – 6465 +
Tablelands6.3%
13.8%10.6%36.7%14.8%19.7%
Australia6.6%
12.7%13.3%41.8%11.6%14.0%
Median Individual IncomeMedian Family Income
Tablelands$451
$1,049
Australia$577
$1,481
Percentage in Separate HousePercentage Dwelling Fully Owned
Tablelands89.4%41.1%
Australia75.6%32.1%
Median Weekly RentalMedian Monthly House Repayment
Tablelands$188
$1,424
Australia$285
$1,800
Non employing1 – 4 employees5 or more employeesTotal
2,9361,157
6264,719
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS National Regional Profile.
OCCUPATION PROFILE
AGE PROFILE COMPARED (CENSUS 2011)
DWELLING CHARACTERISTICS (CENSUS 2011)
MEDIAN INCOMES (CENSUS 2011)
TABLELANDS BUSINESS NUMBERS (2013)
RENTALS & HOUSE REPAYMENTS (CENSUS 2011)
THE STATS
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS National Regional Profile.
INDUSTRY OF WORKFORCE
Agriculture, forestry & fishingMiningManufacturingElectricity, gas, water & waste ConstructionWholesale tradeRetail tradeAccommodation & food servicesTransport, postal & warehousingInformation media & telecommsFinancial & insuranceRental, hiring & real estateProfessional, scientific & technicalAdministrative & supportPublic administration & safetyEducation & trainingHealth care & social assistanceArts & recreationOther servicesInadequately described/Not statedTotal
20062,363
4231,082
1841,225
5051,9421,136
706105203222518406
1,3211,3601,624
227590496
16,638
20112,259
6741,034
2251,558
4742,0431,092
718121194221690463
1,2301,4851,958
232626513
17,810
% Change(-4.4%)+59.3%(-4.4%)+22.3%+27.2%(-6.1%)+5.2%
(-3.8%)+1.7%
+15.2%(-4.4%)(-0.5%)+33.2%+14.0%(-6.9%)+9.2%
+20.6%+2.2%+6.1%
na+7.0%
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS National Regional Profile.
Area Agricultural Land (Holdings) 3,463,000 haArea Irrigated 24,000 haIrrigation Volume 93,000 MLArea Irrigated as % of Agricultural Land 0.7%
2010/11 – Source: Cummings Economics from ABS Cat. No. 4618.0.
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS National Regional Profile.
AGRICULTURAL LAND & WATER USE – TABLELANDS AREA
I 7
The elevated plateau of the Atherton Tablelands have abundant wind resources that offer an opportunity to produce clean, local, and affordable power. At Windy Hill Wind Farm, near Ravenshoe, 20 wind turbines with a generating capacity of 12 megawatts (MW) of electricity, provide enough power for about 3500 homes, equivalent to the nearby towns of Atherton and Mareeba.
Windy Hill owner Ratch Australia Corporation is now building another wind farm for the region. With construction scheduled to start before the end of the year, the $360 million Mount Emerald Wind Farm near Mareeba will contribute an additional 180 MW of renewable energy to Queensland’s energy network. The plan for the wind farm includes 53 turbines to potentially generate enough electricity to power 75,000 homes each year.
In May 2016, Ergon Energy agreed to purchase all of the electricity generated by the wind farm through to the end of 2030.
As one of Australia’s leading independent power producers, Ratch is answering Australia’s call for cleaner energy. The company has three operating wind farm assets as well as several renewable energy projects under development including the 42 MW Collinsville Solar Project in central Queensland and the 228 MW Collector Wind Farm in New South Wales.
Ratch Business Development General Manager Anthony
Yeates said the Mount Emerald Wind Farm would take two
years to construct and had the potential to unlock millions of
dollars of investment in the Tablelands region, create much
needed jobs, and grow the order books of local companies.
“Our assessment shows that $100 to 150 million will be spent
domestically with up to $70 million spent in the Far North
Queensland region,” Mr Yeates said.
“Peak employment during the construction phase could be
expected to rise to around 150 jobs while 15 permanent jobs
will be created to operate the wind farm,” he said.
Mr Yeates confirmed a long list of local services would be
required to construct the wind farm, including electrical
contractors, fencing contractors, concreters, welders,
electricians, plant and equipment operators, transport
contractors and administrators.
“Ratch’s commitment to renewable energy in Australia goes
hand-in-hand with its commitment to providing sustainable
employment opportunities for local workers and suppliers,”
he said.
The site’s elevation and orientation make it an ideal location
for a wind farm. There are few residences in close proximity
to the site and studies indicate minimal environmental and
social impacts.
Mt Emerald Wind Farm to boost local economy
Artist impression: mt emerald Wind Farm
Established 2006. Anticipated completion 2028. Amaroo is developed, owned & constructed
by a long established local family business with a passion to exceed expectations.
Our mission -”To enhance quality of life & contribute to Mareeba’s growth & beautification.”Amaroo is located in the Eastern growth corridor on the Cairns side of Mareeba.
55 minutes to Cairns International & Domestic Airports.
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Lot Features
I 9
House and land sales rising After bottoming out in 2011, the number of house and land sales in Mareeba has been rising, but steadied in 2015. The local construction industry had a total of 377 building approvals issued in the 2015-16 financial year. The total value of building approvals was $58,899,645.97, compared to $48,094,911.54 in the 2014-15 financial year.
0
50
100
150
200
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
128
106 100
105
146 144 148
mareeba - no. of House sales per Annum no.
0
20
40
60
80
100
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
62
77
58 67
72
88 86
mareeba - no. of Land sales per Annum no.
.
Dwelling approvals steady
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16
201
243
155
207 208
258
tABLeLAnDs BUiLDinG ApproVALs number of Dwellings
no.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16
$83.4m $74.8m $77.0m
$92.7m
$74.8m
$96.4m
tABLeLAnDs BUiLDinG ApproVALs Value of Building Approvals $m
$m
Mareeba – Number of HOUSE Sales per Annum Mareeba – Number of LAND Sales per Annum
Source: Cummings Economics from RP data
TABLELANDS BUILDING APPROVALS Number of Dwellings
TABLELANDS BUILDING APPROVALS Value of Building Approvals $m
Source: Cummings Economics from ABS Cat. No. 8731.0.
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I 11
A thriving transport hub in Mareeba is helping
to connect the Tablelands and Cape York to
the rest of Australia.
The town offers several options for growers
looking to send their products to southern
markets, with heavy hitters Lindsay Australia
and Blenners Transport recently opening
multi-million depots at Mareeba’s new
industrial park.
Packaging companies Visy Australia and
Orora Fibre Packaging also have a firm
presence in the town with their own depots,
while JAT Refrigerated Transport operates
out of the park as well.
Both Lindsay and Blenners’ new facilities
offer multiple cold rooms for food storage
and large transport bays to accommodate
semi-trailers and refrigerator trucks.
Built on a 22,500m2 site, Lindsay’s $9.5
million facility is kitted out with farm supplies,
cold storage facilities, transport bays and
much more.
“It’s got great potential, a great future, we’re
well and truly established here already and
this really seals the whole concept of where
we want to go,” said Linsday non-executive
chairman John Pressler.
“Farmers will have the opportunity to have as
good a cold storage and transport facility as
anywhere in Australia.”
Blenners Mareeba depot manager John Law
said their new $2.2 million facility now gave
the company a firm presence in the town after
nearly a decade spent servicing growers
with trucks sent from their Tully depot.
“It’s a lot better now because we can load
directly from here to southern ports, whereas
before we had to drive back to Tully and
transfer our loads,” he said.
“We’re willing to invest in the economy here.
We’re not a fly-by nighter company.”
The depot means Blenners can expand their cold storage and transport services beyond just banana, mango, avocado and citrus crops grown in the region.
“It’ll have a big impact on our business having this depot here,” said company sales manager Leanne Langley.
“Now we can transport all produce that’s grown on the Tablelands to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.”
During Mareeba’s traditional fruit season, Blenners will load up to as many as 30 trucks a day with Tablelands produce.
Mr Law and Mrs Langley said local producers were over the moon with the company’s decision to establish themselves in Mareeba.
“It gives us a better opportunity to provide a better transport solution for the grower,” Mr Law said.
Transport key to future growth
BoominG: mareeba industrial parkphoto by Brendan Keeling – Aertography
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I 13
Tourism on the rise again
After a period when tourism earnings in the Tropical North Queensland region retreated by close to 30% in real terms under the influence of a very high Australian dollar, the year 2015 saw the industry recover to where it was 10 years before.
The year 2016 saw visitor numbers jump to record levels, up on the peaks of the mid-2000s. The sector is now pumping something like $1bn a year more into the regional economy than the low periods about four years ago at a total of about $3.5bn a year.
Leading the change is domestic visitation with numbers up on four years ago. Growth in international visitation to the region is broad based but being led by strongly rising visitation from China.
The figures available indicate that the Tablelands held fairly steady (see Table) over the years, but likely to rise strongly in the coming years.
New InvestmentWith surging numbers, interest in investment in new accommodation and facilities is rising.
While the giant Aquis project has proved elusive and has been scaled down to $2bn projected to get underway in mid-2017, the proposed $640m KUR-World project has emerged at Myola near Kuranda with a proposed emphasis on health and wellbeing.
The development is proposed to be phased over a number of years on a 200 ha of the 600 ha property with “green build” themes blending into the rural environment.
YEAR OVERNIGHT DAY TRIPS2005-06 182,000 435,0002006-07 241,000 353,0002007-08 249,000 373,0002008-09 245,000 496,0002009-10 185,000 530,0002010-11 175,000 347,0002011-12 274,000 682,0002012-13 250,000 514,0002013-14 216,000 614,0002014-15 230,000 577,000
Note: The figures are from a sample survey and in smaller areas, subject to sample variance. Year by year variances may not be significant.
Year Ending March Qtr No.2006 36,1002007 41,0862008 56,1572009 37,8222010 47,8452011 72,6542012 85,5732013 120,7302014 152,4222015 154,7822016 200,846Average Annual Growth 18.7% pa Source: Cummings Economics from Tourism Research Australia.
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Nominal $M Real
LOW POINT
Note: Real (deflated by Consumer Price Index Brisbane)
Tablelands Visitor Numbers International Visitors to CAIRNS from CHINA
Tourism Expenditure Tropical North Queensland RegionOvernight Visitors: Nominal & Real
Note: Real (deflated by Consumer Price Index Brisbane)
EXPRESSThe
Locally owned and proudly independent
p: 4092 3464 f: 4092 6346 e: [email protected] Byrnes St, Mareeba
www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au
Local NewsLocal ViewsLocal PeopleEvery Wednesday
CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING NEWS
Your local newspaper – Home delivered and distributed throughout the greater far northern region
14 I
In 2015, the Bicentennial Lakes Committee was formed by the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce along with Mareeba Shire Council, Bendigo Bank, Rotary Club of Mareeba and Mareeba Lions Club.
The committee sought ways to revitalise the Bicentennial Lakes area to increase public use of this asset.
Following a number of surveys and through community consultation, council identified that the community wished to see major improvements in this area with the aim for increased use. The Bicentennial Lakes area is a diverse natural asset combining a lake with parklands and water features in the centre of the Mareeba township.
The aim of the committee is to enhance the park by improving the current features including picnic shelters, barbeques, toilets, pathways, signage and the monument. Their vision for the future is to add a fun, stimulating and challenging fitness circuit where the facilities are free and available to the whole community.
This year, council assisted with grant applications and recently, QITE, with the support of council, have organised a Work for the Dole project to clean up the area near the swimming pool, school and gym pathways,
signage and the memorial garden.
With increased interest in the Lakes area, a number of successful events have been held including the Rotary Duathlon and more recently, a Fun Run and Walk held as a fundraiser for the Mareeba Friends of the Hospital Foundation with more than 120 people turning out for the event.
The Mareeba Mountain Goats also have plans for a riding trail through the Lakes area and Mareeba State High School are keen to further develop the Matty Hawke Lakes running course.
Lakes revamp good for Mareeba
I 15
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Mareeba is the retail gateway to Cape York
and the Tablelands.
With a range of stores providing products
and services for the everyday shopper,
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president
Joe Moro said both locals and visitors to the
town were well catered for.
“The feedback we get from other communities
outside Mareeba is that the town is a very
good place to shop because of easy access
to retail stores,” he said.
“And because we have a country feel about
the town, it’s very welcoming.”
Based on Queensland averages, the value of
retail trade in the Mareeba area could be in
the order of $250m a year.
Clothing, hardware, white goods, automotive
services, food and farming supplies are just
some of the specialities offered in Mareeba,
with plans for a $21 million shopping centre
also underway.
“There’s a pretty broad range of shopping
experiences, there’s no doubt about that,” Mr
Moro said.
“There’s still room for more growth and one of the areas the community and retailers should be thinking about is the amount of tourists that flow through Mareeba.”
If approved by council, the shopping centre would be located opposite Mareeba Plaza on Byrnes St, which Mr Moro said would add even more diversity to the existing range of shopping experiences within the CBD.
“It will help attract not only more locals but visitors from further afield who are travelling from centres further north or south,” he said.
“We can also benefit from this growing tourism industry in the Mareeba area because of our proximity to Cairns, Kuranda and some of the natural wonders on the Tablelands.”
Mr Moro said backpackers and grey nomads were an underappreciated market
in the town, and encouraged retailers to take
advantage of such a customer base.
“They’re part of the tourism industry in an
indirect way,” he said.
“The more we can position ourselves to give
a positive tourism experience for those two
groups, the more business will flow back to
Mareeba in the long term, particularly for the
retail sector.”
Mareeba shopping hub vibrant and diverse
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTCouncil recognises that the continued growth and development within the Shire is crucial for a sustainable Council. This will ensure that our communities thrive and are attractive places in which to live, work and invest. Investing to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure for road transport, an aviation industrial park, water storage and sewerage as well as enhancing parks and gardens, and community facilities is a Council priority. By co-contributing $10.81M, Council has leveraged a further $29.93M in State and Commonwealth Government infrastructure grants, thereby tripling its investment to enable $40.74M to be spent on infrastructure projects in the Shire.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said “living in the area, you have secure employment and affordable land and housing. Our residential acreage is comparable in price to a 600m2 block in Cairns, all within a one hour drive from the natural beauty of the world heritage listed reef and rainforest, helping to attract more skilled residents to the Shire.”
MAREEBA WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTAn effective and operational Wastewater Treatment Plant is core infrastructure that is required to support first world living standards. Further, Council has made a commitment to the Shire in its Corporate Plan that it will ensure that “appropriate waste management infrastructure is in place to accommodate future population growth.” The new Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant is essential in delivering this priority.
This $16 million dollar project is partially funded by a grant from the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and a grant from the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions Fund.
OUR SHIREThe Mareeba Shire covers an area of 53,457km2, stretching across the base of Cape York Peninsula and westwards from the coastal escarpment behind Cairns. It contains a remarkably diverse range of landscapes and vegetation, incorporating parts of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to the east, the Einasleigh Uplands to the south, the Gulf Plains to the west and the Cape York Peninsula bioregion to the north. The altitude of the Tablelands region moderates the tropical climate which means that Mareeba Shire enjoys cool dry winters and warm, wet summers.
The Shire’s estimated resident population is 21,833 (ERP 30 June 2015p) and Mareeba, lying 64 km south west of Cairns and with a district population of 10,181 (ABS Census 2011), is the main commercial and administrative centre. Most of the Shire’s remaining population reside in and around smaller towns and districts including Kuranda, Koah, Speewah, Biboohra, Mt Molloy, Julatten, Mt Carbine, Mutchilba, Dimbulah, Irvinebank, Watsonville, Almaden and Chillagoe.
The Shire’s economy relies heavily on agricultural production and this reflects the diversity that characterises the wider Tablelands region, including a large range of plant and animal industries and production of both tropical and subtropical crops.
There are a number of major mining operations within the Shire mining the region’s rich mineral resources which include gold, lead, zinc and other base metals, tungsten, copper sulphate, tin, perlite, limestone, marble and slate.
A focus on establishing Mareeba as the industrial hub of Far North Queensland and the further development of the Mareeba airport will provide the strategic infrastructure which will help fuel sustained economic growth into the future.
The Shire is home to a vibrant, multicultural community that is passionate about where they live and enhancing the rural and relaxed lifestyle. The close proximity to Cairns and the east coast provides the Shire with a supplemental range of services not readily available to many small rural communities and also provides an opportunity to market products.
Mareeba Shire Council
MAREEBA INDUSTRIAL PARKThe Park caters to the need for industrial land that presents environmentally secure and affordable options.
The precinct suits a range of industries including biotechnology, fuels, chemicals and products, general aviation, rural suppliers, heavy manufacturing, logistics and transport services.
As part of one of the largest planned industrial development sites in Queensland the Mareeba Industrial Park features:
• Superior connectivity to Australian and international markets by road, rail and air links
• Future-proofed planned location• General land use zoning including noxious industries • Attractive pricing and flexible lot development.
All lots are designated as Industrial (Noxious, Offensive and Hazardous Industry Code) as per the Mareeba Shire Planning Scheme 2016 and are all developed with bitumen roads, underground power and communications conduit, sewerage and water connected. All this for a very reasonable price of $55.00 +GST per square metre.
Mayor Tom Gilmore said, “Council is focused on driving commercial development in the Mareeba Shire and we see solid signs of growth, particularly in the industrial sector.”
“We’ve attracted businesses in the agriculture supply chain such as packaging manufacturers and cold storage and are also looking at large-scale manufacturing,” Cr Gilmore said.
“Major development in surrounding areas such as the $5 billion Rio Tinto expansion in Weipa present really solid opportunities for businesses setting up in the Mareeba area. We see Mareeba strengthening as the largest commercial and industrial hub outside Cairns.”
In the previous financial year, there were eight applications made which amounted to a total of $15,612,198.00.
MAREEBA AIRPORT UPGRADEConstruction for the Mareeba Airport Upgrade commenced in August 2016 after Council successfully secured $18M in funding from the Federal and State Governments.
The redevelopment of the airport has the capacity to bring benefits to the whole region - both in the construction phase and once the works are completed.
Potential business opportunities that could flow from the development include general aviation and heavy maintenance, helicopter maintenance and flying training, international flying training school facility, general aviation maintenance, workshops and storage hangers, freight consolidation and distribution and additional refuelling facilities.
Mareeba Airport has developed as the main airport for the wider Tablelands region, retaining its role as a secondary airport in the region due to its proximity to Cairns and its favourable weather conditions for aviation operations. An upgraded Mareeba Airport will enable the region’s aviation sector to expand with the potential to build export income and provide an alternative to a growing Cairns Airport.
BUILDING APPROVALSThe local construction industry over the 2015/16 financial year had a total of 377 building approvals issued. The total value of all building approvals for the last financial year was $58,899,645.97, compared to $48,094,911.54 in 2014/15 financial year.
PLANNING APPROVALSCouncil adopted its new Planning Scheme which came into effect on July 1 2016, aligning with the new financial year. The Mareeba Shire Council Planning Scheme is a statutory document that will guide the use and development of land and buildings within the Shire. A total of 77 new planning development applications were received during the 2015/2016 financial year. Subdivision activity remains steady with 37 survey plans endorsed by Council.
65 Rankin Street, Mareeba
P: 1300 308 461
W: www.msc.qld.gov.au
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I 19
Located in stunning Tropical North Queensland, KUR-World Great Barrier Reef will be designed, constructed and operated to further enhance the surrounding natural environment.
Encompassing 626 hectares of land located approximately 22km north-west of Cairns, KUR-World will be a destination for both domestic and international visitors. As such it will focus on four key elements: Luxury Eco-Tourism; Education and Innovation; Rejuvenation, Health and Wellbeing and Adventure and Recreation. This extensive development stands to enhance the already strong marketability of the surrounding Tablelands and Cairns coastal regions and accentuate the wider Tropical North Queensland as a must-see vibrant tourism and business hub.
KUR-World will provide products that are
complementary to those already on offer in the regional tourism industry, as well as a premium element affording a truly unique integrated resort and tourism experience. The KUR-World development has a projected project value of approximately $640 million, and over the expected seven-year development timeline is expected to provide up to 1,830 construction jobs and 600 when operational. This provides significant opportunities to Tablelands, and regional, businesses and individuals.
Specific elements of the proposed development include: University campus and sporting facilities; a 200 villa 5-star resort; 18-hole golf resort; 270 room 3 or 4-star resort; medical retreat with capacity for 60 overnight guests; rainforest educational centre; shops and restaurant precinct; residential lots; adventure park, and farm
theme park. These elements are planned
to come online over three development
stages, and the proponent has made it clear
that they wish to engage local and regional
businesses wherever possible.
In mid-2016, the Queensland Coordinator
General declared KUR-World Great Barrier
Reef a Coordinated Project, and the
Environmental Impact Statement preparation
commenced in October 2016. Coinciding
with this critical stage of the project’s
development will be the creation and refining
of detailed business plans.
KUR-World management has already made
available on their website (www.kur-world.
com) an area for local and regional business
to register their interest in providing products
and services for the project throughout its
various stages.
Discover KUR-World Integrated eco-resort planned for the region
Clean energy for northern Queensland?
Turn to Ratch.
Ratch Australia Corporation’s increasing investment in low carbon wind generation
in the Tablelands region is leading tropical north Queensland towards a cleaner and
greener future. For more information, please visit ratchaustralia.com.au
I 21
Mareeba businesses are being urged to tap into the opportunities that lay ahead with the restarting of two mine sites near Chillagoe in 2017.
Auctus Minerals managing director Steve Murdoch said with subsidiary Auctus Resources spending $100 million on restarting the Mungana (January 2017) and King Vol (third quarter, 2017) ore mines, Mareeba businesses were in a prime position to capitalise.
“At every opportunity, we procure locally where it’s economically smart to do so,” he said.
“We’ll assist local companies and services contractors to engage with us.”
A processing plant at the Mungana site will also be up and running by April 2017.
Mr Murdoch said with Chillagoe offering little in the way of products and services, Mareeba was the logical choice for Auctus.
“Mareeba’s quite interesting for us because it does have an industrial capacity through its agricultural sector,” he said.
“A lot of those skills and products offered by businesses are directly transferable over to the mining industry.”
The company currently has its vehicles serviced in Mareeba, while a large number
of employees shop in the town.
“The Mareeba businesses and Chamber of Commerce should engage with Auctus to promote the services they’ve got,” Mr
Murdoch said.
“You’ve got to be in it to win it.”
In a further sign of confidence, only Chillagoe locals and Drive-In Drive-Out (DIDO) workers from the wider region are being recruited for
both mines.
DIDO workers will be able to stay at the renovated Chillagoe Mine Village, which can accommodate up to 240 workers and features about 70 buildings with a large, modern mess, recreation facilities and gym.
In October 2016, Federal Infrastructure minister Darren Chester announced $5.97 million to seal parts of the Burke Developmental Rd (BDR) from Chillagoe to Almaden, and $4.76 million to seal Ootann Rd between Almaden and Gunawarra along
the Kennedy Highway.
Mr Murdoch said Auctus had strongly lobbied both the federal and state governments for the road upgrades as operations ramp up
from 2017.
“We’ve been working tirelessly behind the
scenes because we’re a major employer
and most of the population which is travelling
on those roads are our employees and their
families, so we’re extremely concerned about
the state of that road,” he said.
“My understanding is the funding will only
partially upgrade and make safe the road
between Almaden and Chillagoe... However,
it’s a good start to what should be the
government’s responsibility to make sure
that the conduit out to Chillagoe, Mungana,
King Vol and Kowanyama is funded and
engineered appropriately.”
More than 220 workers will be employed
once both mines become fully operational.
The population of Chillagoe was just 192
people according to the 2011 Census. It is
about a 144km drive west from Mareeba,
making it relatively close to the wide variety
of products and services offered by the
Tablelands. Leading Australian geologist
Professor Ian Plimer has previously said
Chillagoe is home to some of the most
diverse geology in the world.
Tap into mining
Experience the
345 Byrnes Street Mareeba | 07 4092 5674 www.mareebaheritagecentre.com.au
open 9am to 5pm daily | tours | café | gift shop disabled access | facilities | information centre
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Unique dining experience at Mareeba Heritage MuseumModern tastes combine with heritage surrounds to create an individual and distinctive dining experience at the Mareeba Heritage Coffee House.
The Mareeba Leagues Club, in association with the Mareeba Heritage Museum and the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce, are proud to be able to offer visitors and locals alike a brand new dining experience. Mareeba’s newest cafe is located within the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Information Centre and takes advantage of a truly unique location surrounded by local history. Diners can indulge in a trip down memory lane or learn a little more about the local lore all while enjoying the delightful cuisine the Coffee House has to offer.
Mareeba Leagues Club manager Lucy Connor extends her thanks to the local community for their ongoing support of the new venture.
“The Coffee House is an exciting new venture for us,” she said. “We are thankful and excited for the opportunity to expand our offerings to the local community. The Coffee House has allowed us to offer more employment and a great new venue for the local community and visitors.”
The Coffee House offers a range of café items including breakfast, lunch and sweet and savoury selections. The Coffee House also boasts rich, local coffee as well as an assortment of hot and cold beverages.
The Mareeba Heritage Coffee House is open daily from 9am to 4pm and closed for gazetted public holidays.
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P: 0427 943 770
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Coffee & Cold BeveragesSweet Selections
Savoury SelectionsBreakfast & Lunch Menu
I 23
The greater Mareeba region
On the cusp of the Queensland Outback, gateway to the wilds of Cape York and right at the doorstep of World Heritage listed rainforest, sunny Mareeba is the perfect base from which to explore the many experiences and stories of the region.
Get up early for the glorious dawns that make this the hot air ballooning capital of the north, then wander the main street and trace the architectural heritage of this multicultural community. Check out the cowboys fresh from the Cape at the local rodeo or head south west to uncover the traces of long abandoned mining towns.
Sit quietly by a waterhole and let the local birdlife put on a show, or take a drive and count the eight extinct volcanoes that gave this region its fertile agricultural soils, or the three gorgeous waterfalls that dissect it. Learn about coffee, tobacco, dairying and timber cutting, then take a walk with a rainforest elder to learn the secrets of survival in his beautiful homeland. Dwarfed by giant figs, kauri pines and ancient cedar, then wonder at the determination that cleared these mighty trees for farming – by hand.
Visit a village in a rainforest and marvel at the creativity that the landscape inspires or take a drive up a windy hill to experience the strange beauty of a mountain wind farm.
Only in Tropical North Queensland could you sample the romantic spaces and glorious sunsets of the outback, then catch sunrise over the Coral Sea, surrounded by the sophisticated delights of a thriving tropical city.
Whether its diving, snorkeling, shopping, walking, camping, fishing, bird watching, fossicking or hot air ballooning, you’ll find the perfect experience in the Tropical North. Here, you can follow the footsteps of gold struck miners, then climb an extinct volcano to see ancient lava flows writ large on the landscape. Visit the highest town in Queensland, then come down to nature’s cathedral in World Heritage Rainforest. Plunge into a freshwater lake or
dive into the cool blue of the Great Barrier Reef
and eyeball a curious turtle. Take time to refuel
with fresh tropical fruit and freshly roasted
coffee or a glass of wine, before finding a quite
spot to watch the stars appear in the north’s
unpolluted skies. It’s a free show every night.
Where to from Mareeba
Heading north, stop at Bob’s Lookout for
sweeping views across the valley, then
Palmer River Roadhouse, a marker of the
north’s greatest gold field. Head to the
atmospheric tropical port of Cooktown, via
the mysterious Black Mountain. In Cooktown
don’t miss the world class museum dedicated
to the remarkable James Cook and Nature’s
Powerhouse.
Heading south stop at Innot Hot Springs for a
thermal bath, then try a round of golf amongst
the wallabies at Mt Garnet. Further west, you’ll
hit the 40 mile Scrub, where you can stretch
your legs and the kids can learn about a
unique patch of forest. Then onwards to the
spectacular volcanic underworld of the Undara
lava tubes, where you’ll learn firsthand the
savannah’s secrets.
Heading east, stop in on Kuranda, the village
in the rainforest, for lively markets and local
arts and crafts. Check out the Barron River
Falls Lookout for spectacular views over the
falls and Barron Gorge. Then it’s road, rail or
skyrail through World Heritage Rainforest, to
the tropical city of Cairns, gateway to the Great
Barrier Reef. Take a tour, sample great food or
simply take-in the Coral Sea.
Heading west, pass through Dimbulah and
you’re following a well worn path to the long
abandoned Hodgkinson gold fields. In the
distance is the haunting Mt Mulligan, special
place of the Kuku Djungan people and site of
Queensland’s worst mining tragedy.
90 kilometres on is the former mining town
of Chillagoe, where you’ll discover magical
limestone caves, marble and the imposing
remains of the 1901 Chillagoe smelter.
HISTORY of the region at the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Tourist Information Centre. BIRDING at the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve. An internationally recognized wetland, home to 204 bird species, 20 mammal species and countless fish, frogs and reptiles. COFFEE over 70% of Australia’s coffee crop is grown in Mareeba and you can taste, buy and explore at a number of local coffee roasters and plantations. HOT AIR BALLOONING as the sun rises, so do the balloons over the picturesque Atherton Tablelands – regarded as Australia’s best ballooning location. MAREEBA ROCK WALLABIES a nature experience for the whole family can be found at the Granite Gorge Nature Park. Awesome landscapes of huge, dramatically shaped granite boulders and home to the Mareeba Rock Wallabies. WINE fruit wines are another specialty of the Mareeba region. Golden Drop Winery will introduce you to the delights of mango and at de Brueys Boutique Winery, taste the fabulous fermentations of a variety of exotic fruit wines. NATIONAL PARKS Davies Creek National Park and Emerald Creek Falls – two natural wonders within our Shire where you can explore, swim and relax. ART An award winning Mural based on the region’s history. Includes culturally relevant reference to the local Indigenous population and highlights important landmarks and industry using real life people and events. HIKE ‘N’ BIKE the region offers premium cycling, mountain biking and walking trails. Davies Creek Mountain Bike Park has a network of trails that wind along the slopes of Lamb Range. MARKETS held every 2nd and 5th Saturday of the month. A country fair where you can pick up amazing homemade wares and stock up on all your fruit and vege needs.
Discover the region – so much
to see and doTop 10 things to see & do in Mareeba
24 I
Energy independence and more jobs are set to open up a whole new sector in Mareeba.
A $75 million power station fed by nothing more than sugar cane fibre (bagasse) will be built next to Mareeba’s Tableland Mill from 2017 after an announcement by producer MSF Sugar in August 2016.
The station, which will produce 24 megawatts of electricity and power every house on the Tablelands, is the first of four planned facilities to be built by MSF next to their existing sugar mills across Queensland.
MSF CEO Mike Barry said the company spent $43 million upgrading the Tableland Mill in 2013, which paved the way for the power station.
“As part of that, we were forward looking to a green power station,” he said.
“We already had a range of elements there to make it easy for us. Amongst our mills, Mareeba is the easiest to connect to the power grid.”
Mr Barry said local sugar growers were “pleased to see further investment in the industry” by MSF.“It gives them confidence about the future
and clearly, it diversifies the income stream of the mill away from being predominantly reliant on raw sugar,” he said.
About 80 jobs are expected to be created during the station’s construction phase, which will start May 2017 and finish in July 2018.
Most of those will be sourced locally, with MSF choosing Germany’s thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions to handle the power station’s Engineering, Procure and Construct (EPC) contract.
“Of the $75 million investment, about $40 million of it will come from local contractors, suppliers and tradespeople,” Mr Barry said.
“There’s a terrific opportunity for local businesses to capitalise on the investment, and it’s on the back of over $100 million of investment by MSF over the last four years in the Tablelands.”
Mareeba Chamber of Commerce president Joe Moro praised MSF’s investment into a power station for the region.
“It’s good for the economy, it’s about creating energy security for the region and will make the area stronger from an economic point of
view,” he said.
“If MSF has got more strings to its bow, it’ll
be successful.”
Mr Moro said it was pleasing to hear a
majority of local labour would be used to
build the station.
“That’s great news,” he said.
“For any of these sort of projects, the more
they employ locals, the more money will flow
back into the local economy.”
Mr Moro said with the addition of the $360
million Mt Emerald Wind Farm project, which
started in December 2016, and the existing
Barron Gorge hydro electric power station
at Kuranda, the area was well positioned to
take advantage of an emerging renewable
energy sector.
“It shows that we are a growing green energy
area,” he said.
“The Tablelands is leading Australia’s
economy in number of fields and this is
just one of the areas where there is a lot of
potential because of the natural resources
we have here.”
MSF Sugar's Tableland Mill will be the site of a new $75 million
green power station.
Power station opens up new era
I 25
Agriculture’s steady long-term growth in the Tropical North Queensland region rolls on, helping see the region’s economy through the impacts of the high Australian dollar and the GFC on tourism over the past decade.
Growth in nominal terms over the decade 2004-05 to 2014-15 averaged 4.4% per annum to reach $1.4bn at farm gate prices and in ‘real’ terms adjusting for inflation about 2.0% per annum.
Within the region, a highly diversified Tablelands agricultural
sector was a leading performer.
Most recent statistics from the
Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry, when
compared with those of 10 years
ago, indicate the Tablelands has
recorded an average 4.8% per
annum in nominal terms and 2.4%
per annum in real terms.
The latest figures available indicate
that total value of agricultural
production has reached about
$550m in 2015 compared with
about $345m 10 years ago.
For more information
Agricultural long-term growth sector – Tablelands star performer
Regional description The Tablelands agricultural region is defined by the boundaries of the Mareeba Shire Council and the Tablelands Regional Council local government areas in far north Queensland. This large region covers an area of 65,000km². Most agricultural activity occurs on the elevated, eastern highlands extending from Julatten southwards to Ravenshoe, and from Kuranda westwards to Dimbulah.
Industry diversity Tablelands agriculture includes a wide diversity of tropical and subtropical production of plant and animal industries. Forty-two large agricultural industries were identified in the Tablelands region in 2015. These have been allocated to four industry groups: Fruit and nuts, Cropping and vegetables, Lifestyle horticulture and forestry, and Animal industries. The success and resilience of the Tablelands agriculture sector can be attributed to this industry diversity, which provides options to farmers
to change crops and farming systems to adapt to market cycles and consumer demands.
Water supplies Water for the Mareeba-Dimbulah Irrigation Area is supplied from Tinaroo Dam through an extensive network of channels and streams. Farms in other parts of the Tablelands draw water from natural watercourses, bores and farm dams.
Soils Soil types vary widely across the Tablelands. A typical agricultural soil in the Mareeba/Dimbulah area is derived from granite and has inherent low fertility. Soil profiles for these soils often comprise a sandy loam/sandy clay loam over a red or yellow, structured, coarse sandy clay soil with a slightly acid pH. Soils in the Atherton area are often derived from basalt, are well drained and have high fertility. Soil profiles for these soils usually
comprise a red, structured, high clay soil with an acid-neutral pH.
Climate There is wide variation in climate across the Tablelands region, influenced by changes in altitude and the proximity of the Great Dividing Range. Elevated eastern and southern areas are generally wetter and cooler, whereas western and northern areas are hotter and drier. Winds from tropical cyclones are often of lower speed and are less damaging on the Tablelands than in adjacent coastal regions.
The Tablelands Agriculture Profile (full
report) is available on-line at www.daf.qld.
gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/434165/
Tablelands-Agricultural-Profile_2015.pdf
Tablelands agricultural profile 2015
Gross Value of production* of
tablelands Agriculture, 2015
Agricultural activity
Area (ha)
no. of Farms
Volume sold
Unit Gross
revenue ($)
Aquaculture 30 18 258.4 tonnes $3,026,898
Avocado 950 80 13011 tonnes $82,901,505
Banana 1850 37 50500 tonnes $90,989,270
Basil 45 11 19200 bunch $1,036,800
Beef cattle 550000 521 30330 head $34,740,000
Blueberry 48 <5 283 tonnes $11,320,000
Cashews 240 <5 100 tonnes $190,000
Citrus 480 180 7,840 tonnes $31,356,720
Coffee 369 10 375 tonnes $3,187,500
Custard apple 30 9 330 tonnes $1,650,000
Dairy cattle 8800 50 58,000,000 litres $34,360,000
Flowers 36 23 4,260,000 stems $3,408,000
Forestry plantation 3600 10 54,500 m3 $3,332,000
Grass seed 1195 35 429 tonnes $4,778,000
Hay 3020 55 17,400 tonnes $3,747,000
Honey 0 124 112.5 tonnes $393,750
Legume seed 968 20 1,937 tonnes $3,015,000
Longan 125 15 1,125 tonnes $6,750,000
Lychee 250 40 1,250 tonnes $12,750,000
Macadamia 47.9 <5 120 tonnes $538,875
Maize 4719 45 35,393 tonnes $11,325,600
Mango 2400 180 23,396 tonnes $50,678,160
Melons 42 10 748 tonnes $1,203,128
Mixed fruit 24 20 317 tonnes $1,492,000
Mixed vegetable 51 41 1,485 tonnes $2,998,200
Nursery production 100 20 na na $6,000,000
Papaya 285 15 7,875 tonnes $15,159,375
Passionfruit 40 20 600 tonnes $2,145,000
Peanut 874 26 4,725 tonnes $4,810,050
Pineapple 150 <5 2,000 tonnes $2,400,000
Pork 20 6 19,612 Head $4,695,000
Potatoes 972 28 34,992 tonnes $15,746,400
Poultry (eggs) 12 <5 1,574,701 cartons $4,902,978
Poultry (meat) 40 10 9,100,000 birds $30,030,000
Pumpkin 270 31 9,300 tonnes $8,850,000
Sugar cane 10956 85 1,064,714 tonnes $39,067,030
Strawberry 1 <5 36 tonnes $396,000
Sweet potato 123 14 6,946 tonnes $5,556,800
Table grape 87 7 522 tonnes $3,132,000
Tea 445 <5 6,000 tonnes $6,000,000
Tea tree 150 17 55 tonnes $1,800,000
Turf 20 <5 8,325 meters2 $406,500
totals 593,935 1830 $552,265,539
*Gross Value of Production: Value of production at wholesale prices realised in the marketplace (does not include value-added products).
Data sources: Industry figures were calculated using data from multiple industry, government and grower sources and should be recognised as best estimates only.
Gross Value of Production* of Tablelands Agriculture, 2015
26 I
Springmount a racing success
Field Days back with a bangThe Rotary FNQ Field Days is an award-winning rural event held on the Tablelands every two years.
It has been held for the past 25 years and has grown from humble beginnings on a farm to now being held at Mareeba’s rodeo grounds, Kerribee Park, where there will be 500 exhibitors on display in 2017.
As a community event, it has evolved into a major fundraising project for both Atherton and Mareeba Rotary Clubs, who come together to pull off such a prestigious field day.
Leading the way in 2017, the major aims for the event are: to showcase rural agriculture and related industries, to bring together and foster the feeling and meaning of community, to provide financial benefit to our community, including local and international projects using profits from the event and to drive our economy by bringing together the latest agriculture technology and related businesses from across Far North Queensland and Australia.
For the first time, Field Days in 2017 will run over three days – May 24, 25 and 26.
18,000 people filed through the gates over two-days in 2015 and with the added day in 2017, thousands more are expected to turn out to the largest and most comprehensive display of agricultural equipment and associated services and industries in far north Queensland.
Organisers see this as a chance for exhibitors to gain even more exposure and, for the public attending, the chance to fully
experience all the Field Days has to offer.The attractions will also be back bigger and better than ever in 2017.
The tractor pull was the most successful spectacle of 2015, and with the introduction of lawn mower pulling, the committee anticipate 2017 to be even more exciting. Lawn mowers are being introduced as it fits perfectly with the rural lifestyle and farmers of our region.
Springmount Raceway has had a huge opening year in 2016
Tens of thousands of spectators have taken in the sights and sounds of high quality drag racing, burnouts and car shows at the brand new multi-million dollar venue, just 15 minutes outside of Mareeba.
The venue has already attracted some of the best drag racing and burnout competitors from across the country at events like the Northern Nats Car Show, Aeroflow Outlaw Nitro Funny Cars and 400 Thunder National
Drag Racing Series.
These major events have drawn crowds of up to 10,000 and have put the Mareeba district on the national motorsports stage, with features in national publications such as Street Machine Magazine and TV coverage on 7 Mate and Fox Sports.
The venue has also had strong support from local competitors, with an average of 80 to 100 cars and bikes entering the monthly events. This has safety benefits for all road users in the Far North as there is now no
excuse for local street racing.
Springmount Raceway is looking forward
to an even stronger 2017, with a growing
local competitor base and planning already
started on the next big annual events such
as Northern Nats and the Nitro Funny Cars.
Through the lessons learnt during the first
year of operation, we are sure that next
year will see a range of improvements and
an ever better experience for all who visit
Springmount Raceway.
I 27
The Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) is an industry led initiative funded by Queensland Government as part of a package of rural jobs initiatives that aims to address agriculture’s labour and skill needs.
Officers are based with agriculture industry organisations, including the Mareeba District Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and are working in partnership with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to help agribusinesses tackle one of the major challenges facing agriculture – accessing a consistent supply of appropriately skilled workers .
The new network is a redefined version of the very successful Queensland Production Horticulture Workforce Development model, with the project scope extended to the whole of agriculture and not just production horticulture, with the focus primarily on supporting agriculture employment and skilling outcomes.
Accessing a consistent, reliable supply of appropriately skilled local workers has long been an issue for farmers and has the potential to impact on business
viability and profitability to the industry. To
tackle this challenge, in partnership with
the Queensland Government, QAWN was
launched in February 2016.
QAWN will operate for a two year trial, during
which time its contribution to agricultural
production will be monitored and evaluated.
The network’s focus is to work with farmers
across all agriculture sectors to gain an
understanding of their labour and skills
needs and to connect them with the most
appropriate solution to help them grow
their business. This includes the provision
of information on employment options and
wage subsidies, connecting producers with
local recruitment and training providers,
providing advise on appropriate training,
and giving updates on funded training
opportunities .
To further assist agriculture employers and
jobseekers (DAF) Customer Service Centre
is providing valuable call centre support,
fielding and referring enquiries to QAWN
officers when necessary. This process is
working effectively, with a number of queries
already referred to QAWN officers.
LEANNE KRUSS Queensland Agricultural Workforce Manager for Far North Queensland
P: 0431 743 633 E: [email protected]
Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) is a rural jobs and skills initiative
supported by the Queensland Government.
“Identifying and
collaborating
opportunities to
progress workforce
development
in Agriculture”
Mareeba District Fruit and
Vegetable Growers Association Inc.
Creati ng Sustainable Agricultural Workforces
PARTNERSHIP ACTIVATES
IN FAR NORTH
QUEENSLAND
►Four Gateway to Agribusiness Tablelands Schools: Providing support for Agriculture Inspirations Tour to showcase the jobs and careers in agriculture to all staff.►James Cook University (JCU), North Queensland and Central Queensland QAWN Officers and Prawn Farmers Association: Helping to identify training opportunities to service the expansion of the aquaculture industry in Northern Australia and supporting the Career Progression and implementation of recommendations from the Analysis Report. ►Australian Prawn Farmers Association: Facilitating aquaculture industry involvement in school activities (especially coastal school).►Agricultural Teachers Association: $500 sponsorship for Queensland Science week to run a drones/robotic workshop at Mareeba.►Central Queensland University (CQU): Helping to promote training programs and providing advice to support improved training offerings.►JCU and Townsville Council: Providing input on agriculture in the region and how to create the workforce to fill the jobs. ► Future Agro Challenge: Held in November 2016, the FAC has put the Atherton Tablelands on the Australian and global agri-innovation stage.
Working together for a
better skilled workforce
www.fnqfielddays.org.auFacebook: Rotary FNQ Field Days
E: [email protected] H: #rotaryfielddays
• Attracts over 18,000 people
• Largest agriculture field days in FNQ
• Over 500 exhibitor sites 24, 25, 26 May 2017
Mareeba Rodeo Grounds
For bookings & information 345 Byrnes St, Mareeba P: 4092 2906
Mareeba Heritage Museum
Meeting Rooml boardroom style l wi-fi
l catering available l air conditioned l auxiliary equipment l disabled access
l deck available for after hours business functions
Proudly sponsored by
SAVE THE DATEOCTOBER2017
2017BUSINESS
AWARDS
MAREEBA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
I 29
Business Bank of the Year.Four years running.At Mareeba and Dimbulah
Community Bank®
branches we make it our
business to make your
business better. It’s why
we’ve been awarded
Business Bank of the
Year by Roy Morgan for
the fourth year in a row.
Drop into your nearest
branch at 94 Byrnes
Street, Mareeba -
4092 2099 or 31-33
Raleigh Street, Dimbulah
- 4093 5266 to find
out more.
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178
AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. S51836-05 (317144_v1)
(22/09/2016)bendigobank.com.au/business
Mareeba and Dimbulah
Community Bank® branches
The Mareeba and Dimbulah Community Bank® branches of Bendigo Bank are very proud to have organised the official opening of Stage 1 of the Bendigo Bank Recreational Precinct on October 8, 2016. It is great to see the new facilities are being well-utilised by various clubs and community groups. It has been nearly three years since the Mareeba and Dimbulah Community Bank® board became aware that Mareeba Netball and Mareeba Basketball clubs were struggling to meet community demands for their respective sports.
The problem was that Mareeba didn’t have any facilities which featured at least two courts. The clubs have moved from school to school or to the PCYC to hold their games, and neither club had a place to call “home” as such. It was at this time that the board was looking for a major project in Mareeba. A Sports Reference Group was established to investigate the options and see if there might be an opportunity to invest in an indoor facility with two courts, which could also provide additional benefits to the broader community.
The first two years were spent talking to clubs, investigating vacant land around Mareeba and discussing the idea with Mareeba Shire Council. After some time, we were presented with a plan that encompassed the Davies, Firth and Eales Park area. The concept
established a “sports and recreational precinct area” which provided facilities that
all of the community could enjoy.
There was great support and interest from all the sporting clubs and organisations that
would benefit from such a facility.
After much discussion, it was at this point that the Community Bank® board pledged $1 million to develop the project. In partnership with council, the board and Reference Group took the idea on and began preparing an initial master plan that allowed a funding application to be submitted for the “Get Playing Plus” grant program that was being offered by the State Government. The Community Bank® contributed $250,000 towards the first stage and other clubs and entities provided the remaining $170,000 required to provide matching funding for the grant.
In December 2014, we were advised that the application had been successful and so began the work to roll out Stage 1 of the project, which included four outdoor multipurpose courts, a new cricket pitch and bike/walking paths around the area and connecting to the Bicentennial Lakes. The successful grant has seen $840,000 of infrastructure investment. The next stage is to develop a business plan for the indoor complex. It is imperative that the complex can stand alone financially and a consultant has been appointed to
investigate the project to ensure it is viable.
Providing investigations confirm there is sufficient demand for such a complex in Mareeba, the Sports Reference Group will then source State and Federal Government support for the board’s investment to construct the indoor complex.
Our major project – Bendigo Bank Recreational Precinct
James Interior
Care
Mareeba East
MORO AUTO REPAIRS The Exhaust Specialists
• Mechanical repairs to all makes & models • Inspections & roadworthy certificates • Modification authorisation
Congratulations to the Tablelands Advertiser on a half-century of great achievements.
Co
rpo
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AN
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