Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 22 August 2024

Major Amendment of Planning Scheme

Major amendments to the Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) Planning Scheme were adopted. The amendments address feedback from the development industry and community on the operational efficiency of the scheme and promotion of self-contained RV camping opportunities. The updated Planning Scheme will commence on Monday 9 September.

Wondecla Subdivison

A development permit for a five-lot subdivision at 168 Elms Road, Wondecla was approved subject to conditions.

Policy Repealed

The Survey Plan Sealing Policy was repealed. The policy managed requests from developers for single lot survey plan releases to allow for selling lots off the plan prior to the completion of associated works. These objectives are incorporated into standard business practices of Council and in accordance with the Early Plan Approvals under the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Council (FNQROC) Development Manual.

Road Naming Request

Ironbark Court, Paterson Drive, Bloodwood Court and Kokoda Court were approved as road names for stage 1A of Ironbark Ridge Estate, Millstream.

Standing Orders Adopted

Standing Orders provide direction on procedures for Council meetings. The latest version includes the requirement for the minutes to show the names of the Councillors who vote against a motion (previously this was optional).

Change to Meeting Date

The October ordinary Council meeting date will be changed to Thursday 31 October to allow Councillors to attend the Local Government Association of Queensland annual conference.

Tenders

Tender T-TRC2023-12 for Stage 1 separable portion B (SPB) of the Priors Creek development was ordered for $5,169,998.39 excluding GST. The contract was awarded to Northern Civil Earthworks Pty Ltd at the November 2023 ordinary Council meeting, with separable portion B requiring an order of Council to proceed.

Tender T-TRC2024-15 for compliance sampling, testing and reporting of waste and sewage treatment plant sites for three years was awarded to Natural Resource Assessments Pty Ltd for $1,256,279.27 including GST.

Capital Project Report

The Capital Projects Report provides a 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:

• Cycling Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday 31 July 2024.
• Rocky Creek War Memorial Park Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday 1 August 2024.

These amended terms of reference were endorsed:

• Cycling Advisory Committee
• Rocky Creek War Memorial Park Advisory Committee

FNQROC Meeting Minutes

The minutes of the 167th FNQROC board meeting on Thursday 1 August 2024 were received and noted.

Asset Management Plans Adopted

Asset management plans define the services to be provided, how the services are provided and what funds are required to provide the services for the 2024–33 planning period. The plans link to the 10-year Capital and Long-Term Financial plans, and fulfil legislative requirements. The Plant and Fleet Asset Management Plan covers the infrastructure assets that provide plant and fleet services and the Waste and Recycling Asset Management Plan covers the infrastructure assets that provide waste and recycling services.

Bitumen Reseal Program

Contract FNQ038 2023–24 for the regional bitumen reseal program with FGF Bitumen Pty Ltd will be extended to include the 2024–25 reseal program for approximately $2,252,141.10 including GST.

Finance Position Summary

Operating revenue and the operating position for the month have been greatly influenced by a $4.5M-upfront payment of the financial assistance grant. This payment is usually received in June of the prior financial year instead of the first month of the new year. Operating expenditure is currently under budget by 5.9% primarily due to staff vacancies.

Budget Review

The first budget review for the 2024–25 financial year included a revised capital budget summary and report, and comprehensive income statement. The capital budget review includes adjustments due to scope changes and project alignment, with some capital projects being deferred to later years.

Tablelands Region Cycling Strategy Endorsed

The Tablelands Region Cycling Strategy 2024–34 is a community-driven strategy that aims to enhance participation in recreational cycling and active transport touring. It has been developed with a strategic and regional approach, ensuring coordinated project execution, improved management and promotion, and maximised funding opportunities.

Off-Leash Dog Park

The feasibility of an off-leash dog park and amenities in the Solar Crescent and Planet Avenue park will be investigated.

Planning & Environment Court Appeal

Orders will be sought from the Planning and Environment Court that concludes Appeal no. 88 of 2023.

Specialised & Sole Suppliers Endorsed

Specialised and sole suppliers are suppliers that provide specialised goods or services, confidential services that would make it impractical or disadvantageous to invite quotes/tenders, or are the only supplier of goods or services.

Master Planning Atherton Chinatown Precinct Report 2

In principal support will be provided for the National Trust of Australia to develop the Atherton Chinatown Precinct Master Plan and conduct community engagement.

Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting

• Agendas
• Minutes

The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 26 September at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded.