Proposed Community Hub for Mareeba

Mareeba Shire Council will enter into an agreement with the Mareeba and Memorial Bowls Club Incorporated to acquire the land and facilities on Anzac Avenue, to develop a hub for community services and activities including sport and recreation, library service and other associated community activities.

Mayor Tom Gilmore said that while the proposal put forward today is exciting, it is dependent on securing funds before the development can proceed to the next stage. “Various components will need to be costed for a grant application and cost estimates following a Quantity Surveyors report are acceptable by Council when presented,” Cr Gilmore said.

“Then the grant application must be successful for the new and reconfigured facilities to proceed.”

The proposed development would include modifications to the main building to cater for community services, events and training activities, a space for community events and recreational activities and provide space for a modern multi-faceted library service plus the construction of a new clubhouse and synthetic covered bowling green.

Councillor Gilmore said Council has recognised that the size of the current library facilities in Mareeba is insufficient to meet the growing demand from community. “Council has been considering alternative options for this service for quite some time, but until now we have not been able to find anything that is suitable and affordable,” Cr Gilmore said.

“This may be a win-win situation and ultimately the best way forward and hopefully we will see the development occur next year,” he concluded.

A grant application will be submitted early next year while negotiations continue with the management committee of the Mareeba and Memorial Bowls Club.