What We Do

The issues facing small business and the industries that support our community are many and varied. We are active on a number of fronts including, but not limited to:

Advocacy for Mareeba

We listen to your needs and speak on your behalf to ensure the voices of Mareeba’s business community is heard on issues that matter most. This includes being part of working groups in local government and various community and business organisations to ensure our business community has a voice.

Health for Mareeba

Health is the number one priority for our members and the local community. We continue to lobby for improved services at Mareeba Hospital, and ensure all services continue to be delivered to meet the needs of our growing population.

Transport for Mareeba

Our road network is the lifeline of our community. A reliable, safe and efficient road link between Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands (via Mareeba) is critical to our growth. The chamber is a strong advocate of the need for the tangible, long-term upgrading option for the Kuranda Range Road.

Water for Mareeba

To our farmers, water is gold – but there is never enough of the commodity. For this reason, the chamber is lobbying for a long-term solution – or a combination that will deliver security for our agricultural sector. This includes support for the moderation of the MDIA, Johnson River Diversion and a proposed new dam on the Walsh River, Nullinga Dam. The chamber works closely with key stakeholders including the Mareeba Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council and the horticulture and cane industries to this end.

Mareeba Community

We work to ensure we maintain the social fabric of our shire so families continue to prosper and enjoy the lifestyle that makes our region so great.

Development for Mareeba

The growth and prosperity of Mareeba Shire is important. It goes hand in hand with a thriving and viable business community, public infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of the community, and prosperous industries. We open the door to prospective developers, while acknowledging that all development needs to be properly controlled and in accordance with legislation. On this front, we have vigorously objected to and will continue to lobby against a temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) placed over the shire.

Electricity

Access to affordable electricity continues. We are a member of the Queensland Electricity Users Network, along with a number of key stakeholders, which is designed to help business achieve lower electrical pricing.

Events and campaigns

Throughout the year, we host quarterly business lunch meetings, featuring guest speakers on topical issues. In addition, we host business seminars and forums to keep members up to date on all things business. When there is a genuine need, we run special campaigns and have had considerable success with campaigns such as shop local.