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
Freehold lots as part of the subdivision at Priors Creek are under construction and should be completed by August. Titles for these lots are currently being registered.
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 27 May
- Concrete kerbing and subsoil drains started on the corner of Jack Street and the new road.
- Installation of Ergon, water and NBN services continuing.
- Sewer manhole and line being constructed.
- Commenced Vernon Street stormwater pipes.
- The low voltage powerlines have been removed.
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.
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 waiting for the detailed design (October 2024). Consideration will be given to additional parking in future stages.
See the concept fly-through.
A section of the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail will be resheeted as part of the progressive resheet program.
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 a detailed design of the lower area amenities and turnaround close at the end of June.
The staircase replacement was completed in June 2024.
$855,000 capital works project over two years
This project is funded by the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
A new roof will be constructed over one of the netball courts. Richard Field Constructions were awarded the contract, which includes the roof, guttering, downpipes, stormwater pits and a 4m slab extension along the western extent of the court to provide a sheltered spectator area while maintaining the existing court run-off zone specified by Netball Australia.
Tender T-TRC2024-09 was awarded to Richard Field Constructions Pty Ltd for $778,261.00 including GST. Work commenced in late May and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.