Stakeholder reference group appointed for Project Blueprint

A stakeholder reference group for Project Blueprint, which will deliver a construction-ready precinct plan to invigorate and future-proof the Mareeba CBD, has been announced.

The revitalisation under Project Blueprint will stretch from Herberton Street to Lloyd Street and between Constance Street and Railway Avenue.

The Stakeholder Reference Group will provide information, advice and recommendations on the development of the precinct plan and help identify opportunities.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin said she was delighted to receive so much interest from the community.

“Nominations were received from long-time residents, property owners and business operators, as well as residents new to our town,’’ she said.

“Each nominee has something unique to bring to the reference group. A diverse representation across demographics, cultures and interests was selected to promote a diversity of voices, and a balance of interests.”

The members of the Stakeholder Reference Group are: Raymond Cater, Semir Elmazi, Fred Cristaldi, Alex (Joon Soo) Park, Ann Eldridge, Amber Jerome and Carolyn Mundt.

They are joined by representatives of key stakeholder groups including the Mareeba Chamber of Commerce representative Joe Moro, QPS Acting Senior Sergeant Shaun Fincham, Muluridji Aboriginal Corporation representative Julie Go Sam, Mareeba Shire Local Tourism Organisation representative Jessica Fealy, Collaborating for Community Safety Group representatives Robert Larkin and John Wason, and Disability Advocate Liza Jones.

Chair of the Stakeholder Reference Group, Councillor Amy Braes, said the group would play an important role in the planning process.

“This group gives us a chance to get it right - with input from people who live, work and invest in Mareeba every day,’’ Cr Braes said.

“Everyone has a different perspective, and it’s our job to listen carefully and weigh up what’s going to work best - not just for now, but for the long term.”