Benchmark Review

Expressions of interest will be called for a suitably qualified consultant or agency to benchmark TRC operations against other category three Councils.

Major Amendments to the TRC Planning Scheme

TRC reviews the Planning Scheme every 12 months to align it with emergent and current trends. The proposed amendments align the scheme with the TRC Economic Development Strategy and identify further ways of encouraging development by removing ‘red tape’ and unnecessary barriers. Council adopted the proposed amendments and they will be submitted to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for State interest review.

Renaming a Section of Newland Street in Yungaburra

Roseblade Street in Yungaburra will be extended through to Eacham Road to rectify a naming anomaly. Current and future property owners of the newly extended section of Roseblade Street will be notified of the change.

Adoption of Statement of Intent for Local Roads of Regional Significance

Council provided in-principal support for the updated Statements of Intent (SOI) to bid for funds for road improvements and upgrades under the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS). TIDS is coordinated by Far North Queensland Regional Organisations of Councils and each project bid requires an SOI that outlines key road attributes, reasons for upgrade, construction standards and projected investment.

Tenders

Tender TRC2020-28 for the construction of pipelines, booster pump station and intake upgrades in Ravenshoe was awarded to Rylsey Enterprises for $3,059,741.89 including GST. Tender 2020-29 for earthworks, construction of a water reservoir and associated infrastructure in Ravenshoe was deferred until further details have been provided.

Quarries

Council noted the report regarding approvals, process, advantages and disadvantages and costs of using TRC gravel and borrow pits (quarries).

Finance Report

Revenue is under budget by $1.4M for the period ending 31 January 2021. The variance is primarily due to the timing of the operational grant and sales revenue. Operational expenditure is under budget by 1.4%. Employee benefits are under budget due to time spent on capital projects, leave taken over the holiday period and some vacancies.

Tenure & Land Use Policy

The TRC Land Use and Tenure Policy provides for an equitable and consistent approach to allocating and managing land tenure and use of TRC-owned and controlled property. The policy has been updated to reflect legislative requirements and current strategic direction.

Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Subgroup Terms of Reference (TOR)

The updated LDMG Built Environment and Infrastructure Subgroup and LDMG Public Health and Environment Subgroup TORs were endorsed. The Built Environment and Infrastructure Subgroup identifies and protects critical infrastructure and ensures a coordinated approach to conducting damage assessment and repairs following disasters. The Public Health and Environment Subgroup provides specialist advice on waste management and to manage rehabilitation of the natural environment following disasters.

Adoption of Exercise Tropical Cyclone Divoc Recommendations

Exercise Tropical Cyclone Divoc was based on a scenario of a tropical cyclone during a Covid-19 outbreak. The exercise worked through response and recovery processes, and an action plan of recommendations was received and noted.

Pound Upgrade Progress Report

Council received and noted a report on the details, procurement process, expenditure and design process for the upgrade to the pound facility.

Chief Executive Officer

Interim CEO Bob Owen is retiring and General Manager of Community and Corporate Services, Hilary Jackson will act in the position until recruitment of a new Interim CEO is complete. This Interim CEO will remain until a permanent replacement is recruited.

Social Housing Management Contract

TRC’s contract with Tablelands Community Housing Incorporated to manage tenancies, maintenance and reporting was extended for up to 12 months.

Next meeting

The next ordinary Council meeting is at 9am on Thursday 25 March 2021 at the Coordination Centre on Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting will be open to the public, live streamed and recorded. This meeting was not live streamed or recorded due to technical difficulties.

Council meeting agendas and minutes.