Mary Street Upgrade

Project Overview

Thank you to everyone who provided feeback for this project. Works have been successfully completed, and the result warmly received.

During community consultation TRC asked for suggestions for the re-use of camphour laurel wood that might be salvaged from Mary Street during the improvement works.

Unforunately the wood was so significantly affected byrot that it was unable to be salvaged for reuse. Some photos have been provided in theproject gallery for reference (right hand side of this page).

The remnants were transported to the Atherton Transfer Station and processed withgreen waste for reuse as mulch.

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This project will widen, kerb and reseal Mary Street, Malanda between Thomas and George Streets. It will improve parking, increase the seperation between cars, cyclists and pedestrians, and continue the link to the school grounds.

Work to commence

Construction on the Mary Street upgrade will be conducted between 1 April and mid-May, weather dependent. We are working to minimise disruption to residents and road users. During the upgrade, traffic in the Mary Street area will be affected by traffic control including partial and total road closures, and detours. Please adhere to all signs and instructions from our staff and traffic controllers.

Tree survey closed

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on replacement trees as part of the Mary Street upgrade. We received 97 survey responses, with Tulip Wood the preferred replacement tree species. 

We have also received some great suggestions for how the Camphor Laurel trees can be repurposed, reused and recognised which we will investigate further. Suggestions include:

  • Donate to Men’s Shed, high school, Eacham Historical Society or local wood workers

  • Make into seating, benches, furniture, artwork, signage or trophies

  • Auction slabs

  • Mulch

 Once we know how much timber from the stumps we have to work with, we'll let you know what we'll be doing with it.

  • Investigate options

    September–November 2018
    Conduct additional tree audits and investigate opportunities to retain some or all of the trees in the project design.

  • Communicate results

    December 2018
    Share the results of the additional tree audits and any changes to project design, if applicable.

  • Remove trees

    January 2019
    Remove some or all of trees if too damaged/dangerous to keep.

  • Upgrade Mary Street

    April–June 2019
    Complete Mary Street upgrade project as per objectives.

  • Develop Malanda Town Centre Master Plan

    Early 2019
    An opportunity for the Malanda community to share their aspirations for teh centre of town.

The upgrade project will widen, kerb and reseal Mary Street between Thomas and George Streets. It will improve parking, increase the separation between cars, cyclists and pedestrians, and continue the link to the school grounds. The project outcomes include:

  • To provide improved street amenity and functionality for a township experiencing growth

  • To support the continued growth of the primary school

  • To support the growth of existing and new events at the Malanda Showgrounds

  • To increase the number of car parks, including RV and disabled parking in support of these events and tourism

  • To improve school bus parking

  • To improve separation of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, cars and buses

  • To improve road safety, specifically for pedestrians and cyclists around the primary school

  • To connect the bike-bus network through to the school

  • To renew road infrastructure, including foot paths, kerb and channel and road pavement

  • To maintain a tree lined street scape with suitable street tree species.

Who’s paying?

We have received 50% funding ($375, 000) from a Department of Transport and Main Roads Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme grant.

Community feedback

Since September 2018 we’ve heard both support and concerns from the community. As a result, we deferred the project until we could investigate further and provide answers to matters raised by the community.

We listened to suggestions to move the project to other streets and to run the bike path along the footpath.

We understand some residents are concerned about the removal of the existing Camphor Laurel trees along Mary Street and we recognise their connection to the trees. We have also considered the petition signed by people wanting the trees to remain.

Design options

When planning for the project all available street options were investigated. Mary Street is the only street that meets the safety and parking needs of the project and delivers the best outcomes for the community.

Combining the bike path and footpath is an unsafe option for cyclists and pedestrians, and would not be functional during peak travel times.

Tree health

An independent arborist (not connected with the project) audited the trees and provided a report on their general health, life expectancy, expected health if the project is conducted around them, and suitability as median trees.

The specialist’s review indicated the trees are in a dangerously poor condition. They have a limited life span due to structural defects including cavities, decay, bark wounds and poor form. Leaving the trees in place while upgrading the street around them will damage their root structure and further reduce their health and lifespan.

Where to from here?

We appreciate the community’s input on the project and have considered all comments and suggestions.

We are now faced with a critical safety issue and have a duty of care to the community. The trees were removed in January, during the school holidays, with a qualified spotter onsite to ensure the safety and welfare of wildlife.

The overriding safety concerns and growth of the Malanda community mean the project will proceed as planned. It will commence in 2019 after the wet season (approximately April).