General News
28 June, 2026
Solid backing for cow sheds
COMMUNITY response over plans to upgrade Warrina Lakes recreational park in Innisfail has been strongly in favour of fixing – rather than replacing – the existing main ‘cow sheds’ building.
The historic building has come under the spotlight recently after council released a proposal showing drawings of a completely new building to possibly replace the existing structure, rebuilt at its current spot in the early 1970s.
Articles about the cow sheds building in the last two editions of The Observer have prompted social media users to mostly back the option of repairing and restoring the building.
“We just had a group of 30 ukulele players and partners from Mossman, Townsville, Cairns and Innisfail play on the stage yesterday (13/6/26). At the same time was a child’s birthday party, another 30-40 people and an 80th birthday party with over 60 people all under cover out of the rain,” one commenter shared.
“Many comments from our visitors saying what a fantastic venue,” he continued.
“Yes the toilets are dated but work, the kitchen could do with some upgrades and a bit of wood rot in a section, but that’s understandable in a building of this age.
“I mean you don’t tear down your house and rebuild because the gutter is rusty and you put a new oven in the kitchen and redo the bathroom, that’s just economically stupid.
“Just fix the small problems and leave it as is, please.”
Another responder to the newspaper’s post expressed his passion for the existing structure.
“Rustic historic timber charm cannot be replicated with steel and more concrete. It’s a no- brainer to restore than to replace,” he posted.
“Council seem to have this urge and need to find projects, to justify huge budget allocation of funds to warrant their own sense of purpose.
“Each resident of Innisfail should be outraged if the tear down of this local significant landmark goes ahead.”
“Why fix something that’s not broken, huge waste of our money,” another commented, while other asked about access to any new building: “As we know, the existing building is open-air, and can be entered any time of day, while the gates are open.
“The planned building is lockable. Would it be unlocked and open for use all day? Or only by arrangement/booking? I wonder.”
There were some who said they would like to see renewal and change.
“Look at some of the shops up town, one still advertises Ansett,” one lamented.
“Shop empty because people would rather see them empty than drop the rent. Think to the future, not 1980s.”
Having originally closed submissions on 30 May, Cassowary Coast Regional Council then extended the Warrina Lakes building design consultation process until 11 July – by which date submissions can be made through council’s ‘Have Your Say’ website portal.
Council will also have officers available to answer questions about the Warrina Lakes project at the Innisfail Annual Show on Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July.
“Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to provide feedback on the future of the Warrina Lakes building,” council said.
“No decision has been made, and we will continue to review feedback and prepare more information for the community.”
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