Atherton Tablelands: Tom Hedley’s Malanda residential development nears approval

Pub baron Tom Hedley is one step ahead with a giant new project set to get the green light in a surprise location. Here’s what it will bring to a growing town.

DEVELOPER and pub baron Tom Hedley has his sights firmly set on the Atherton Tablelands with his latest venture in the final stages of approval.

Mr Hedley will launch the 143 lot Malanda Valley Views Estate at Davies Rd, about 5km outside the village, with block sizes starting at 4000sq m and ranging up to 11.51ha.

The development will host the Johnstone River Nature Reserve, with the eastern boundary of the site being the Johnstone River.

Tom Hedley's major development, Panorama Views at Tolga. Picture: Supplied

Dairy cattle graze in lush paddocks beside the planned subdivision.

Mr Hedley has pounced on the Tablelands with the boutique waterfront development Lakeside Views at Yungaburra and Panorama Views Estate at Bellamy Drive in Tolga.

The region has become a hot destination for tree changers seeking space, who can work remotely, along with families chasing a rural lifestyle.

House prices at Malanda have risen by 16.4 per cent over 12 months with a median of $443,304.

At Atherton, house prices have jumped by 11.5 per cent, Mareeba recorded a 10 per cent increase, and at Ravenshoe prices rose by 13.8 per cent.

Yungaburra recorded a whopping 19 per cent median price rise, to $511,495.

Tom Hedley's Lakeside Views development at Lake Tinaroo at Yungaburra. Picture: Supplied

Although there are technical details relating to an infrastructure agreement for water supply to be ironed out, Tablelands councillors were enthusiastic about the development at a recent council meeting.

Cr Dave Bilney said development in the district had long been stagnant and the development would help address a critical shortage of housing stock.

Cr Peter Hodge said it would prove a huge economic boost.

“This will give enormous economic stimulus to Malanda, I think everyone is aware there is no land out there, the last development totally sold off the plan,” Cr Hodge said.

Property developer and pub owner Tom Hedley has added the Tolga Hotel to his regional pub portfolio – he owns and has refurbished the Carrington Hotel at Atherton. Picture: Supplied

“What this brings is 143 families into Malanda and that’s absolutely phenomenal – extra policemen, school teachers, nurses.”

Mr Hedley has offered house and land packages at other developments.

He said he would prefer to comment when the development achieved full approval.

Mr Hedley recently overcame a level of community opposition to plans to renovate the Tolga Pub, which he also owns, along with the Carrington Hotel at Atherton.

Originally published as Atherton Tablelands: Tom Hedley’s Malanda residential development nears approval