Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 27 June 2024
Tablelands Local Housing Action Plan Endorsed
The Tablelands Local Housing Action Plan identifies four focus areas and 40 actions to address significant housing challenges in the Tablelands Region. It has been developed through a joint initiative with the Queensland Government, Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) and key community stakeholders.
Ten-Year Planning Scheme Review
Work will commence on a review of the Tablelands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016 to ensure it continues to respond appropriately to growth trends, changes in legislation and policy, and community expectations, and regulates the use/development of land across the region.
Business Continuity Management Documents Endorsed
The Business Continuity Management Policy, Corporate Business Continuity Plan and TRC Pandemic Plan form part of TRC’s core business continuity documentation. This suite of documents supports proactive planning and ensure a structured and consistent approach to identifying, mitigating and managing business disruption.
Meeting Minutes
These meeting minutes were received and noted:
- Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils board meeting on Thursday 18 April 2024.
- Audit, Risk and Improvement Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday 5 June 2024.
Group & Committee Representation
Councillor Annette Haydon was appointed as the TRC representative and Mayor Rod Marti as the alternate delegate for the Far North Queensland Regional Road and Transport Group (FNQRRTG). The FNQRRTG is part of the Roads and Transport Alliance, which is a cooperative governance arrangement between LGAQ and Department of Transport and Main Roads to invest in and regionally manage the Queensland transport network.
Councillor Kylie Lang was appointed as the TRC representative on the Local Authority Waste Management Action Committee, which is a not-for-profit incorporated association dedicated to best practice waste management and resource recovery.
Adopted Policies
The Investment Incentive Policy provides incentives for development by providing waived infrastructure charges for certain types of new developments. The amended policy recognises the support provided under the Queensland Government’s new Incentivising Infill Development Fund and extends the eligibility of multiple dwelling, dual occupancy and secondary dwelling development to all urban residential zones.
The Councillor Remuneration, Expenses Reimbursement and Resource Policy ensures Councillors receive reimbursement of reasonable expenses and are provided with the necessary facilities to perform their role. The amended policy includes the provision of a corporate uniform.
Advisory committees assist in understanding current and future changing community needs, provide constructive options for solutions, and inform decision-making processes. The amended Advisory Committees Policy includes clarification on the term of the committees, meeting procedures including record keeping, and presenting recommendations to Council. An additional amendment will delegate authority to the CEO to appoint advisory committee members.
The revised Complaints Management (replacing Complaints), Complaints Against the Public Official and Fraud and Corruption Prevention policies were adopted as recommended by the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.
Malanda Show Society Funding & Community Consultation on Future of Pavilion
The Malanda Show Society will receive a one-off payment of $24,841.21 including GST to support the delivery of the Malanda Show.
Community consultation on the future of the Patrick English Pavilion will commence in the coming months and an update will be provided at the September 2024 ordinary Council meeting.
Tenders & Contracts
Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements are for the restoration of roads damaged in the monsoon and flooding between 20 December 2022 and 30 April 2023. Work includes gravel resheeting, heavy formation grading, medium formation grading, and patch and pothole repairs.
- Tender T-TRC2024-05 for the South 1 section of work was awarded to Cheshire Contractors Pty Ltd for $5,552,931.91 including GST. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was delegated the authority to vary betterment works into the contract once approved by the Queensland Restauration Authority (QRA) and if deemed value for money.
- Tender T-TRC2024-04 for the South 2 of work was awarded to Watto’s Earthmoving and Machinery Hire Pty Ltd for $3,247,784.17 including GST. The CEO was delegated the authority to vary betterment works into the contract once approved by the QRA and if deemed value for money.
- Tender T-TRC2024-06 for the East and West sections of work was awarded to Watto’s Earthmoving & Machinery Hire Pty Ltd for $1,162,535.99 including GST. The CEO was delegated the authority to vary betterment works into the contract once approved by the QRA and if deemed value for money.
Tender T-TRC2024-08 for the gravel upgrade of Cashmere Kirrama Road was awarded to Tablelands Civil Constructions Pty Ltd for $659,178.58 including GST, subject to negotiations. A further $563,141 will be allocated in the 2024–25 capital budget to complete the project.
Contract T00125 for the design of the Yungaburra sewer upgrades was awarded to Ganden Pty Ltd for $239,071.53 including GST. A contingency of $23,907.15 including GST was approved for variations that may arise during the course of the contract.
Demand Management Initiatives Assessment
The Demand Management Initiatives Assessment Report analyses the potential reduction in demand that might be achieved from TRC’s water supply schemes and presents benefit-cost ratios. A framework for implementation will be developed.
Financial Report
Both operating revenue and expenditure are on target for May.
Malanda Pool Agreement
Public use of the Malanda State Primary School Pool will continue to be facilitated through membership of the Malanda Swim Club.
Spinal Life Australia Navigating Toward Inclusion Report Endorsed
The Spinal Life Australian Navigating Towards Inclusion: The Triple A Project’s Journey in Enhancing Accessibility Across the Tablelands Report provides recommendations to support the development of inclusive and accessible infrastructure in the region. The Youth and Inclusion Advisory Committee will consider and ground proof the recommendations.
Projects for External Funding Remuneration
Projects from the adopted 10-year capital plan were nominated for Works for Queensland 2024–27 ($4,320,000) and Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Phase 4 ($1,544,729) funding.
Local Roads and Community Infrastructure
- Ravenshoe netball court cover — $200,000.
- Second part of stage 1 of Priors Creek Development — $779,647.
- Webster Road bridge replacement — $565,086.
Works for Queensland
- Millaa Millaa Falls Precinct — $1.20M over two years.
- Herberton Battery Park — $1.60M over three years.
- Mount Garnet Swimming Pool — $500,000.
- Water reservoirs renewals — $1.02M over three years.
Microsoft Licence
TRC will enter into a three-year enterprise agreement with Data #3 for Microsoft licencing.
Concession Request
A general rate concession request for a property in Kairi was declined.
Peterson Creek Walking Track
An approximately 2000m2 section of 1–3 Penda Street in Yungaburra will be purchased to allow for the reopening of a section of the Peterson Creek Track, and the CEO will work with the owners on an interim agreement so the track can open as soon as possible.