Council approves JCU accommodation sale and Koah Hall upgrades
Mareeba Shire Council has approved the sale of 99 Walsh Street to James Cook University for student accommodation and awarded a contract for Koah Hall upgrades.
At its 15 July 2026 meeting, Mareeba Shire Council approved the sale of Lot 2 on SP189415 at 99 Walsh Street to JCU, subject to conditions including that the building be retained for student accommodation supporting rural and remote health placements and that Council receive first right of refusal if JCU sells the property.
Council awarded the contract for Koah Hall Upgrades to HC Building and Construction for $165,706 (excl GST) and adopted an updated Long Term Asset Management Plan covering 2026-27 to 2035-36.
Council also approved a Material Change of Use development permit for RADCARE Inc at 10 Lloyd Street, Mareeba, adopted revised Water Restriction and Public Interest Disclosure Management policies, and endorsed the Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030.
What changed
- Council approved sale of 99 Walsh Street to JCU with conditions requiring ongoing use for student accommodation and first right of refusal on future sale
- Koah Hall Upgrades contract awarded to HC Building and Construction
- Water Restriction Policy and Public Interest Disclosure Management Plan repealed and replaced
- Library Services Policy adopted
- Long Term Asset Management Plan updated for 2026-27 to 2035-36
- Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030 endorsed
- Local Disaster Management Plan 2026/27 approved
Who is affected
- James Cook University
- Mareeba Shire residents and ratepayers
- RADCARE Inc
- Koah community
- Local Tourism Organisation (received $5,000 transfer)
Key dates
- Development approval for RADCARE office use: 15 July 2026
- Material Change of Use approval valid for 6 years from approval date
- Christmas/New Year closure: 12:00pm 24 December 2026 to 4 January 2027
- January 2027 Council meeting: 27 January 2027
- Next Council meeting: 19 August 2026
What to do
- RADCARE Inc must comply with development permit conditions prior to commencement of office use, including notification to Council
- JCU to provide written assurances regarding ongoing use for student accommodation
- Applicants requiring access approval for RADCARE development should contact Planning Section