Items of Interest from Council meeting (Malanda)

Council to assume ownership of Ibis Dam

Tablelands Regional Council has agreed to assume ownership of the Ibis Dam and associated header tanks and infrastructure, upon completion of the planned $4.5 million upgrade by the State Government.

The Ibis dam and header tanks provide the base infrastructure for the supply of non-potable water to the township of Irvinebank.

Mayor Tom Gilmore spoke to a public meeting of Irvinebank residents on Monday night to explain the situation and to advise them that the annual water access charge for the 63 property owners in the town would be $395.

"I believe we have done the best we could to safeguard against possible future issues for Council and the region's ratepayers," Cr Gilmore said.

Council will encourage the community to establish a local water committee which would monitor usage and be alerted to possible future leaks in the reticulation system.

"Residents have advised me that they are comfortable with the benefitted area levy of $395 and that, through the local water committee, they can ask Council to increase that amount if the need arises," Cr Gilmore said.

Boost to opening hours of Malanda and Yungaburra waste transfer stations

Council has moved to nearly double the opening hours of the Malanda and Yungaburra waste transfer stations.

Council was told that the current operating hours for transfer stations were insufficient to meet increased population demands for the areas they serviced. Incidences of illegal dumping and depositing of waste at transfer station gates out of hours had been noted and may have been partially attributed to lack of access to the waste facilities.

Data gathering of traffic movements through gates at both transfer stations has been conducted and has identified a noticeable increase in usage at both sites.

Comments received from users of the facilities has also indicated that an adjustment to the operating hours and days to alternate full days will make it possible to develop a roster for plant and equipment (bobcat and trailer) and staff which will improve the quality of service to local residents.

From Monday 13 February, Malanda waste transfer station will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 8am - 5pm; while Yungaburra waste transfer station will open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8am - 5pm.

As part of the new arrangements, it is proposed to have the bobcat located at each waste transfer station on a week about roster. This will give residents certainty of availability when they are considering the purchase of mulch from the waste transfer station.

Financial and In-Kind support to community groups

Council has approved financial and remittance of fees totalling $3,703 to community groups, organisations and individuals.

A cash donation of $2000 was approved for the Atherton Cricket Association to help the club to purchase new cricket pitch covers; and $100 to Joshua Theakston to assist him in attending the Queensland Sprint Swimming Championships in Brisbane.

Remittance of fees were granted to Wondecla Rural Fire Brigade ($963) and to Millaa Millaa Lions Club ($640).