Paving to put in parking lot

MAREEBA residents are adamant Mareeba Shire Council is barking up the wrong tree by removing greenery from the main street to create 19 new carparks – but council is silent on the issue.

The work has angered residents who have been posting historic pictures of the main street on social media and venting their disapproval.

Trees have been removed and a grassed median island removed but council says new trees will be planted in between the new parking bays, as part of the project due to be completed in May.

Residents vocal on social media say they’d prefer more trees and less carparking.

Susan Posma said the trees and green spaces made the streets cooler.

“There are always heaps of carparks in the street, you just might have to walk a little bit,” she said.

Others said “it looks horrible, like a concrete jungle” and “looks like an apocalypse” while several said there was a lack of consultation on the work. Louise Mahony said it was sad to see the only green space, at the intersection of Atherton St, gone.

“Many families gathered here for rodeo processions and Anzac Day,” she said.

Residents say there is nowhere for people to sit and chat on the main street.

Christina Maltifana said she could not see any benefit and it was sad to see the trees go.

David Morrison questioned how creating carparks came under council’s “parks and open spaces action plan”.

Asked for comment on the issue, council referred to its “Byrnes St refresh” statement which says the 10-week project is part of council’s parks and open spaces plan.