Yungaburra Waterfront...a gem on the Atherton Tablelands

Every so often we are lucky enough to work on projects outside of Australia’s capital cities. As someone who loves rural and regional Australia, Yungaburra was a destination that the author had never visited before. Perched on the banks of Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra Waterfront represents the latest opportunity for people to purchase waterfront land in what can only be described as beautiful part of Australia. This is where farm land joins the country town, streams are home to platypus and the lush rainforest that links Cairns to Atherton are literally just minutes away. With all of these attributes, the Rankine family continued to lobby council for years in order to secure an approval and it appears that the market is willing to support them.

When was the site acquired?

The site was acquired in 1972 by Keith and Pat Rankine with the vision it would one day be developed into residential Waterfront lots . It has been a cattle grazing property up to when the Development Application was lodged . It has been held in the Rankine family for 48 years.

How long did it take to get approval and what were the challenges?

The approval took 3.5 years to obtain prior to this it was around 12 months to have the site removed from the State Govt Strategic Cropping Register in 2015. The main challenge was negotiating with the Tablelands Regional Council over a three to four year period . Demonstrating need and demand was the most onerous task with council refusing to accept initial reports from HTW as these reports contradicted outdated census data council insisted on using . NPRCO successfully demonstrated to TRC the need for a diverse range of land products and that there would be a demand with the correct marketing strategy and supply .The developer Cairns Plywoods Pty Ltd now trading as Yungaburra Waterfront Developments provided all the sewerage, Ergon and Water infrastructure for the development as the site was outside the priority infrastructure area , in addition provided a commitment through a infrastructure aggreement and headworks charges to contribute to future upgrades of water and sewerage infrastructure as the towns population increases as a result of the development. The developer also addressed all environmental issues and designed stormwater and sediment control infrastructure so as not to affect the water quality in the lake .

When was the first sod turned?

Civil construction commenced In July 2019 and completed in March 2020.

How big will the project be?

The Yungaburra Waterfront site will yield 195 lots ranging in size from 600sqm to 1,100sqm of which 26 will be direct waterfront sites and 189 lots will be lake view or very close proximity to Lake Tinaroo. Dean envisages the development will supply a diverse range of sizes and types of lots for ten to fifteen years .He believes Yungaburra Waterfront will compliment the adjoining 25 ha lake view site owned by the same entity which may be used for a retirement village , an over fifties style resort or some type of medium to high density living in the future.

What makes your project special/unique?

The project is a very unique residential site as it offers fully serviced elevated Waterview lots and waterfront lots , it is within easy walking distance to the town of Yungaburra which is a well serviced Village with a range of shops, restaurants , supermarket and medical services . It is just a one hour drive to Cairns International Airport and is serviced by NBN being the perfect location for a work from home address. The lake also offers considerable opportunity for water sports , some of the best Barramundi fishing in Australia all set within a relaxed lifestyle opportunity. Yungaburra is the only Tableland or North Qld town which is fully serviced and in close proximity to a freshwater lake . The project is designed to give maximum views of the main body of the Lake at Tinaburra and also pedestrian access along the esplanade of the lake via concrete footpaths .

The site is also unique as it has been held in the Rankine family for 48 years and the community has not had access to the Waterfront foreshore until now. Buyers who recognise a bluechip quality site can own and have to a piece of this Waterfront site not previously being made available to the public . The blocks carry building covenants to ensure quality homes are constructed and sustainable capital gains are enjoyed by owners in the estate.

What is the cheapest block of land that has been sold and when?

The cheapest block is $220,000, though none of these lots had sold at the time of writing despite improving interest the pandemic hit when titles were in the process of being issued. The Federal Government stimulus is proving beneficial as many buyers who live in Cairns, are incentivised to purchase.

What is the most expensive block of land/house sold and when?

The first sale was a waterfront lot being 750sqm, Lot 6 Waterfront Terrace for $480,000.

How has this project been influenced by the community?

The project received 180 objections and 15 letters of support when the public notification period was opened . Council and the developer gave consideration to any relevant concerns the community had regarding the development. Initially the community had concerns with the size of the blocks which are in line with the State Government planning requirements. Consultation was undertaken with the community to present factual information, and as a result their concerns were laid to rest.

Other issues were with regard to the level of infrastructure and potential oversupply of residential land in the town which were addressed again with factual information conveyed to the community . Yungaburra Waterfront is an additional development to the long established Yungaburra Village Estate which was commenced twelve years ago  which now provides continuous linked up access back to town for cyclists and pedestrians, and along the lake waterfront esplanade.

How has this project influenced the community?

The community has been influenced by significant improvement through an improved economic uplift which has increased and upgraded the infrastructure for the town and surrounds .The community has come to realise that sustainable development carries many benefits to small regional towns both economically and through providing well designed streets , state of the art infrastructure and access pathways for public use that previously did not exist. They have also come to appreciate that well designed and constructed development can co exist and compliment an historic village that also has significant tourist attractions through its natural environment.

Has your project won any awards?

Not yet, but in time there is every chance this unique project set on the banks of a lake in one of Tropical North Queensland’s most attractive regions will be judged highly.