Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 19 December 2024
Mayoral Minute
Mayor Rod Marti acknowledged the generous donations to the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal, with more than $12,700 in cash received to date.
Material Change of Use
A material change of use was approved for a garden centre and wholesale nursery at 1876 Chewko Road, Walkamin, subject to conditions.
Capital Projects
The Capital Projects Report provides a monthly summary of the financial position of capital budget expenditure and the status of projects.
Advisory Committees
These advisory committee meeting minutes were received and noted:
- Reconciliation on Friday 1 November 2024
- Cycling Advisory Committee on Wednesday 27 November 2024
- Agriculture on Thursday 5 December 2024.
Recommendations from the Agriculture Advisory Committee were also endorsed.
Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee
The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee assists TRC in fulfilling its corporate governance role and oversight of financial management and reporting responsibilities. The unconfirmed minutes of the Wednesday 4 December 2024 meeting were received and noted.
Roof Renewals
The renewal of the Atherton Lapidary Club and Lakeside amenities roofs will be undertaken by the TRC Building Construction and Maintenance Team.
Tenders & Contracts
Twenty-five tenderers were empanelled on the register of re-qualified suppliers for occasional plant hire (Tender T-TRC2024-31) for two years from Wednesday 1 January 2025.
Contract T-TRC2023-19 for the management of Lakeside Caravan Park awarded to Financial Forecasts was extended for 12 months for $125,400 including GST plus 10% gross revenue commission.
Contract T00087 for the project management and contract administration of the Malanda reservoir and Davies connection work will not be varied.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Policy
The Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) Policy was adopted. The policy provides a consistent set of criteria to guide the approval, installation and management of EVCSs on TRC-controlled land.
Natural Asset Strategy
The Natural Asset Strategy was adopted. The strategy guides TRC’s long-term sustainability in effective and efficient natural asset management.
Finance Position Summary
Operating revenue is on target with a slight variance of 1.82%. Operating expenditure is over budget, primarily due to work on roads, water, waste and wastewater services.
Corporate Plan
The Corporate Plan 2025–30 was adopted. The plan reflects the strategic direction of Council and links with regional aspirations and the community vision in the Tablelands 2030+ Community Plan.
Leases
Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development will be notified that, due to regulatory restrictions on the disposal of non-current assets under Local Government Regulation 2012, TRC is unable to commit to the grant of a trustee lease or trustee permit over Lot 64 on Crown Plan CWL232 for grazing purposes.
The resolution of Thursday 23 March 2023 for the disposal of the Atherton Performing Arts Theatre by relinquishing trusteeship was rescinded. A new trustee sublease with Atherton Performing Arts Incorporated will be negotiated.
Disposal of Land
Expressions of interest for the disposal of the former childcare at 2 Jacks Road, Herberton were received and noted. Tenders will be sought for the lease and/or sale of the property.
Risk Management
The updated Risk Appetite Statement was adopted. The statement summarises the amount of risk that TRC is willing to seek or accept in pursuit of its objectives.
Sewerage for Tolga
Investigations will be conducted into sewerage options for Tolga and surrounding areas.
End of Year Thanks
Councillors thanked the staff and community for their contribution over the year.
Information Centre Service Review
The Ravenshoe Visitor Information Centre will no longer be accredited and a review of retail products and sales will be conducted. After the destination marketing review, a review of information centres will be conducted, including the role and location of the Atherton Tablelands Information Centre.
Chief Executive Office Contract Negotiation
The Mayor was delegated the authority to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment with the preferred candidate for the Chief Executive Officer position.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 23 January at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded.