Council approves Dimbulah tourist park and extends Marinelli Estate subdivision approvals
Mareeba Shire Council has approved a 74-person tourist park at Dimbulah and extended development approvals for multiple Marinelli Estate subdivision stages.
Council approved a development permit for Dimbulah Ponds Pty Ltd to operate a tourist park accommodating up to 74 self-contained motor homes, caravans and campers at 198 Carbonate Creek Road, Dimbulah. The approval is subject to conditions including bushfire management planning, waste management, stormwater drainage, and on-site wastewater compliance.
Council extended the relevant period for four Cairns Plywoods Pty Ltd subdivision development approvals at Marinelli Estate by 12 months each, from 3 October 2026 to 3 October 2027. These cover subdivisions of 14 lots (Stages 4A & 4B), 6 lots (Stage 6), 41 lots (Stages 7–10), and 41 lots (Stages 11–14).
Council approved amended plans and conditions for The Rise Unit Trust's 48-lot subdivision (Stages 4–6) at Catherine Atherton Drive, Mareeba, including revised driveway specifications for proposed lots.
Council extended a 2-year relevant period for S J Jones's 5-lot subdivision at 20 Warril Drive, Kuranda, from 17 August 2026 to 17 August 2028.
What changed
- Dimbulah tourist park approved with conditions for bushfire management, waste management, wastewater treatment and occupancy limits
- Marinelli Estate subdivision approvals extended 12 months to 3 October 2027
- The Rise Unit Trust subdivision plans amended with revised driveway requirements
- Council adopted new Standing Orders, Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, and related procedures
- Council approved purchase of Lot 322 on SP118917, Arara Street Kuranda for $185,000 (excl GST)
- Mt Molloy Water Main Upgrade awarded to JR Pipelines Pty Ltd for $892,094.75 (excl GST)
- Kuranda WTP Intake Project awarded to Bluewater Marine QLD Pty Ltd for $767,690.50 (excl GST)
- 2026/27 Regional Bitumen Reseal Program awarded to Koppen Construction Pty Ltd for estimated $2,117,793.48 (excl GST)
Who is affected
- Dimbulah Ponds Pty Ltd and future tourist park guests
- Cairns Plywoods Pty Ltd and Marinelli Estate residents
- The Rise Unit Trust and residents of The Rise Estate
- S J Jones and residents at 20 Warril Drive, Kuranda
- Mareeba Shire residents using water services and regional roads
Key dates
- Meeting held: 16 September 2026
- Marinelli Estate subdivision approvals extended to: 3 October 2027
- S J Jones subdivision approval extended to: 17 August 2028
- Dimbulah tourist park approval relevant period: 6 years from approval date
- Next council meeting: 28 October 2026
What to do
- Dimbulah Ponds Pty Ltd must apply to Council's Local Laws Department for approval to operate the campground/caravan park before commencing operations
- Applicants must notify Council when all development permit conditions have been complied with prior to commencement of use
- Tourist park operator must prepare and comply with a Bushfire Management Plan
- Residents and businesses should contact Council's Local Laws Department regarding campground operation requirements