1. What is an agrihood?

An agrihood is a form of master-planned residential development that integrates housing with retained agricultural land, open space, and food-producing landscapes.

Rather than treating agriculture as a residual land use, agrihoods place food production and land stewardship at the centre of community design, alongside conventional residential outcomes.

2. Is Emerald Waters an ecovillage?

No. Emerald Waters is being explored as a residential development, not an ecovillage.

While it draws on some shared principles such as sustainability, community connection, and environmental care, the proposal is intended to operate within established planning, ownership, and governance frameworks typical of residential developments in Queensland.

3. What is being proposed at Emerald Waters?

Emerald Waters is a proposed agrihood-style community currently in the planning and investigation phase.

The concept under consideration includes:

• A mix of residential housing types

• Retained and regenerated agricultural land

• Shared open space and community infrastructure

• Long-term land and infrastructure stewardship arrangements

All aspects of the proposal remain subject to technical studies, planning approvals, and community consultation.

4. Where is Emerald Waters located?

The site under consideration is located in the Mareeba area of Far North Queensland, in proximity to existing services, transport links, and established residential areas.

Detailed site outcomes will be confirmed through the development assessment process.

5. Why is this site being investigated?

The location has been identified as suitable for investigation due to:

• Its relationship to the existing urban footprint

• Access to water and agricultural land

• Suitability for dry-tropical food production

• Proximity to town services and employment

Final suitability will be determined through planning and technical assessments.

6. What types of housing are being considered?

The concept includes investigation of a range of housing options, potentially including:

• Smaller residential lots

• Medium-density housing such as townhouses

• Larger rural-residential lots

• Options suited to downsizers and intergenerational living

No final housing mix has been determined.

7. Will there be affordable housing options?

The project is exploring opportunities to include more affordable housing pathways, such as smaller lots or compact housing forms.

The type, scale, and eligibility of any affordable housing component will be informed by feasibility work, council discussions, and community feedback.

8. What role does agriculture play in the project?

Agriculture is proposed as a central but complementary component of Emerald Waters.

The intention is to retain productive land and manage it using regenerative land-management principles, while ensuring the primary function of the development remains residential.

The specific form, scale, and management of agricultural activities will be determined as planning progresses.

9. Will residents be required to farm or participate in agriculture?

No.

Participation in agricultural or land-stewardship activities is expected to be voluntary, with opportunities for involvement varying by interest and capacity.

Community expectations around participation will be informed by consultation and governance design.

10. What sustainability measures are being considered?

Emerald Waters is being planned with an emphasis on long-term resilience, including investigation into:

• Water security and storage

• On-site wastewater treatment and reuse

• Energy efficiency and renewable energy integration

• Climate-appropriate building design

Specific requirements have not yet been finalised.

11. How will water and wastewater be managed?

Water and wastewater solutions are currently under investigation and will be informed by:

• Site conditions

• Regulatory requirements

• Technical feasibility

• Long-term operational considerations

Any proposed systems will be subject to approval by relevant authorities.

12. What governance arrangements are being considered?

The proposal includes consideration of a clear governance framework to manage shared assets such as:

• Common land and open space

• Agricultural areas

• Water and wastewater infrastructure

• Community facilities

The aim is to provide certainty and long-term stewardship while minimising any burden on local government.

13. What is a Regenerative Agriculture Covenant?

A Regenerative Agriculture Covenant is being explored as a mechanism to protect long-term land stewardship outcomes, such as soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable land management.

The scope and application of any covenant would be developed in consultation with stakeholders and residents and has not yet been finalised.

14. Will there be amenities such as cafés, shops, or community facilities?

Community amenities may be considered as part of the broader master-planning process.

Any such facilities would be subject to feasibility, planning approvals, and demonstrated community need. No final decisions have been made.

15. Is short-term accommodation being proposed?

No specific short-term accommodation proposals are currently being advanced.

Any future consideration of short-stay or visitor accommodation would be subject to separate planning assessment and community input.

16. What stage is the project at?

Emerald Waters is currently in the early planning and investigation phase.

Work underway or planned includes:

• Technical and site investigations

• Discussions with council and consultants

• Community consultation

• Preparation of a development application

No approvals have been granted.

17. How can the community provide input?

Community feedback is a key part of the planning process.

Opportunities to provide input include:

• Online surveys

• Community information sessions

• Ongoing project updates

A dedicated consultation survey will be made available on this website.

18. How can I stay informed?

This website will be updated as the project progresses.