Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 27 March 2025
Mayoral Minute
Mayor Rod Marti gave an update on the visit by the Queensland State Disaster Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps and staff from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority last week. The group met with graziers and farmers impacted by last month’s monsoon. Mr Cripps highlighted the programs available to support recovery, including the eligibility of the Tablelands Region for Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) Disaster Recovery Grants.
Most advisory committees will be temporarily paused to allow for a review of the terms of reference against TRC’s Corporate Plan, governance standards, strategic direction, key priorities, request guidelines and conflicts of interest. The gift fund and Rocky Creek War Memorial advisory committees will remain operational during the review.
CEO Report
The CEO report provided a monthly update on initiatives including budget preparations, economic development and tourism, and key projects. Dr Stepanov acknowledged the work of TRC staff and the small workforce who deliver services across a large region. She recognised that most, if not all, of the staff could earn more and find work in the private sector, however they are dedicated to public purpose work, which is often a thankless commitment. A special thanks went to the outdoor teams who have constantly had to replan work programs because of the flooding and rain.
Reconfiguration of a Lot
An application to reconfigure a lot (boundary realignment) at 610 Willows Road and 180 Halls Road, Tolga was approved subject to conditions.
An application for a 38-lot industrial subdivision at Lot 100 Manthey Road, Atherton was approved subject to conditions.
Material Change of Use
An application for an increase in guest numbers (from 40 to 56 people) of a short-term accommodation use at 2 Kennedy Highway, Tolga was approved subject to conditions.
Infrastructure Agreement
An infrastructure agreement for trunk road infrastructure at Lot 901 Kennedy Highway, Atherton was approved.
Renewal of Lease
Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, and Regional and Rural Development will be advised that TRC has no objection to the renewal of the term lease over Lot 64 on Crown Plan CWL232 while previous concerns regarding statutory obligations are being investigated.
Capital Projects Report
The Capital Projects Report provides a monthly summary of the financial position of capital budget expenditure and the status of projects.
Community Project Request
A community project request was approved for the Tolga Historical Society Inc. to build a 6 x 6.3m shed at the Tolga Museum.
Off-leash Dog Park
A review of off-leash dog parks across the region will be included in the three-year operational plan and conducted in conjunction with a review of the Planning Scheme and local laws. The existing off-leash areas will remain unchanged until the review is completed. Properties adjacent to the Atherton Dog Park will be investigated for their suitability as alternative locations and the community will be consulted before the installation of a dividing fence. A report with findings in relation to all investigations will be presented at the June ordinary Council meeting.
Millaa Millaa Falls Improvement Plan
The item to discuss vehicle movement and parking at Millaa Millaa Falls was deferred to allow for alternative options to be investigated.
Hemmings Lane Project
The project to realign the approaches to a bridge on Hemmings Lane, Upper Barron will be cancelled and the budget removed from the 10-Year Capital Plan.
Financial Report
Operating revenue is a little higher than forecast (1.4%). Capital revenue is less than forecast due to capital grants for roads not being received when expected and donated assets not yet being recognised. Operating expenditure is slightly over budget (4.2%) mainly due to additional expenditure on road maintenance, and repairs to water, waste and wastewater services.
Budget Review
The second budget review for 2024–25 resulted in an increase of the operational expenditure by $965,758 due to operational changes and increased road maintenance in response to wet weather damage. Capital expenditure decreased by $3,621,151 because of delays, scope change and project realignment.
Fees & Charges 2025–26
Fees and charges are reviewed annually with consideration given to the cost of delivery and regulatory requirements for the services. The revised fees and charges will come into effect on Tuesday 1 July 2025.
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 5 March 2025 meeting were received and noted, and the revised policy and terms of reference were adopted.
Event Sponsorship Report
Twenty-seven community and regional events received event sponsorship, and 17 events received in-kind support, for events between Monday 1 July and Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Grant Program
Fourteen community and youth excellence grants were provided to the community between Tuesday 1 October and Tuesday 31 December 2024.
Barron Catchment Care Meetings
Councillor Maree Baade was appointed as Councillor representative, and Councillor Con Spanos as proxy, for Barron Catchment Care Committee meetings.
Atherton Buy-back Shop
A report will be prepared regarding the closure of the buy-back shop operated by Endeavour Foundation at the Atherton Transfer Station, and options for continuation of the service with a private operator.
Tenders
Tender T-TRC2025-01 for the lease over part of 1 Jacks Road, Herberton was awarded to Rivers of Grace Inc for $10,400 (excluding GST) per annum.
Contract T-TRC2024-03 for the cleaning of corporate facilities and public amenities was extended with Penelope’s Performance Cleaning Service for a further 12 months for $810.301 (excluding GST).
T-TRC2025-07 for the project management of DRFA Program Management was awarded to Shepherd Services, based on a schedule of rates.
Millaa Millaa Sewerage Charge
A one-off concession to sewerage utility charges will be applied to four properties in Millaa Millaa. Interest applied on unpaid charges will be written off, and missed early payments will be reinstated.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 24 April at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded.