Council meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month. They start at 9am when in the Coordination Centre at 15 Vernon Street, Atherton. At other locations they start at 9.30am.
Proposed 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting Dates
- 9am Thursday 29 October
- 9am Thursday 26 November
- 9am Thursday 17 December
This summary explains, in plain English, the matters Council will consider at this month’s Ordinary Meeting. All dollar figures exclude GST. The full agenda and reports are available on Council’s website.
10 Mayoral Minute – Appointment of an Acting Chief Executive Officer
Mayor Cardew has put forward a Mayoral Minute outlining changes he has requested since taking office, including suspending pre-agenda meetings so discussion occurs in open Council meetings, removing acronyms from reports and returning tender decisions to open session. The Minute also proposes a delegation for appointing an Acting Chief Executive Officer.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to delegate to the Mayor the power to appoint an Acting Chief Executive Officer whenever the position is vacant or the Chief Executive Officer is absent or unable to perform the role, on the condition that the Mayor consults all councillors where possible and practical.
What is the cost?
No cost identified.
Risks: If approved, the Mayor would hold the delegation, subject to consulting councillors. As a Mayoral Minute, the item is not accompanied by an officer report or risk assessment.
What does this mean for the community?
Would allow the Mayor to decide who leads Council’s administration on an acting basis when the Chief Executive Officer role is vacant or the Chief Executive Officer is away.
11 Chief Executive Officer Report – September 2026
The Chief Executive Officer provides a monthly update to the community on key activities. This month’s report covers the declaration of Kevin Cardew as Mayor on 1 September 2026, the resulting Division 1 councillor vacancy (Council has requested a full postal vote by-election) and events at Priors Creek Parklands.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to receive and note the report.
What is the cost?
No cost.
Risks: No risk; information only.
What does this mean for the community?
Keeps the community informed. The next Priors Creek Night Markets are on 2 October, followed by a screening of The Addams Family on 3 October.
PLACEMAKING
12.1 Subdivision – 67 Seamark Road, Tarzali (1 lot into 3 lots)
Council has received an application to subdivide a rural property into three lots of approximately 2,655m², 73.55 hectares and 7.5 hectares. The land is already physically divided, and the application was publicly advertised from 5 to 28 August 2026 with no submissions received.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to approve the subdivision, subject to conditions agreed with the applicant.
What is the cost?
No cost to Council; the applicant pays for required works and infrastructure charges.
Risks
Approve: Two of the new lots are below the Planning Scheme’s minimum lot sizes. Officers consider this acceptable because the land is already severed and the large lot retains the good-quality farmland, well above the 60-hectare minimum.
Do not approve: The applicant may appeal the decision; officers have found sufficient grounds for approval.
What does this mean for the community?
Allows a sensible division of land that is already physically split, while protecting the most productive farmland.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
13.1–13.3 Heavy Vehicle Access Requests – National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has asked Council to give blanket approval for three categories of heavier vehicles to use Council roads: grain harvest trucks, Australian Defence Force vehicles assisting the community, and vehicles operating at additional mass limits.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to refuse blanket approval for each of the three notices, and continue assessing access on a route-by-route basis.
What is the cost?
No immediate cost, however approving access would trigger an expensive assessment of every bridge and culvert in the network.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; Council’s bridges and culverts remain protected, and operators can still apply for permits on specific routes.
Do not approve: If Council gives consent, heavier vehicles could damage ageing bridges and culverts whose load capacity has not been verified, creating public safety risks.
What does this mean for the community?
These vehicles are not banned. Operators, including Defence vehicles helping in emergencies, can still apply for permits, and Council will assess each route individually.
13.4 2026/27 Regional Bitumen Reseal Program
Council reseals sections of its sealed road network each year to stop water getting into the road base, which causes potholes and costly damage. This year’s tender was run jointly with Mareeba and Cassowary Coast councils to achieve better prices.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to endorse the preferred tenderer for this year’s reseal contract at $787,611 (excluding GST).
What is the cost?
$787,611 for the contract, within a total program budget of $1.497 million that includes works carried over from last year. Fully funded in the 2026/27 budget.
Risks
Approve: Moderate risks such as bitumen price changes, wet weather and some roads needing more extensive repairs are managed through the contract and by keeping the final scope within budget.
Do not approve: A new procurement process would be needed, causing delays and losing the savings of buying with neighbouring councils.
What does this mean for the community?
Protects local roads and avoids more expensive repairs later. The recommended contractor was not the lowest price but scored highest overall across price, experience, personnel, work program and local business content.
13.5 Ball Road Pavement Rehabilitation, Peeramon
Condition assessments have identified sections of Ball Road, Peeramon, that need rebuilding. Four tenders were received, and the lowest-priced tenderer also scored best overall.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to award the contract for $895,656 (excluding GST) and move $200,000 of expected savings to the depot resurfacing project (item 13.6).
What is the cost?
Total project cost of $1.506 million, including a contingency for problems found once the old road is exposed. The overall capital works budget does not change.
Risks
Approve: Moderate risks from wet season delays and disruption to residents are managed by staging works, maintaining property access and notifying residents in advance.
Do not approve: Deteriorating sections of Ball Road would remain untreated, increasing maintenance costs and delaying repairs.
What does this mean for the community?
Worn sections of Ball Road will be rebuilt and resealed, providing a safer and longer-lasting road for residents and road users.
13.6 Asphalt Overlay Program 2026/27 – Ravenshoe and Tolga Depots
Council’s works depots at Ravenshoe and Tolga need resurfacing to fix pavement and drainage issues. The tender showed both sites could not be completed within the current budget.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to resurface both depots for $567,348 (excluding GST), using $200,000 of savings from the Ball Road project, or to resurface Ravenshoe Depot only within the existing budget.
What is the cost?
Both sites: $771,524 in total project costs, with no change to the overall capital works budget. Ravenshoe only: approximately $341,000.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; some disruption to depot operations and possible noise for residents near the Ravenshoe Depot, who will be notified in advance.
Do not approve: The Tolga Depot works would be deferred, with ongoing maintenance costs and a second contractor setup cost later.
What does this mean for the community?
These are Council’s own works yards, not public roads. Completing both under one contract saves money and supports efficient delivery of Council services.
13.7 Supply and Delivery of Street Sweeper Truck
Council’s only street sweeper has reached the end of its six-year working life and is due for replacement under the fleet renewal program.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to purchase a replacement street sweeper for $470,646 (excluding GST).
What is the cost?
$470,646, already included in the 2026/27 budget.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; the recommended option has the lowest purchase price, a Cairns-based service agent and a factory warranty.
Do not approve: Increased breakdowns and downtime would affect the daily cleaning of streets and public areas.
What does this mean for the community?
Keeps town streets, car parks, subdivisions and showgrounds clean. Delivery is expected before the end of the financial year.
13.8 Capital Projects Monthly Report – August 2026
Council’s 2026/27 capital program includes 164 projects worth $68.16 million, including disaster recovery works. To the end of August, $2.18 million had been spent against $4.90 million planned, mainly due to disaster recovery claims still being processed.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to receive and note the report.
What is the cost?
No cost.
Risks: No risk; information only.
What does this mean for the community?
Provides transparency on how capital works funding is being spent and which projects need attention.
13.9 Community Project Request – Rail Trail Upgrade, Grove Street to Main Street, Atherton
The Tableland Outdoor Recreation Association has asked to upgrade the section of Rail Trail between Grove Street and Main Street, Atherton, using funding from the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The works include resurfacing the trail with gravel to three metres wide and planting 80 to 100 native trees and grasses.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to approve the project, with conditions covering drainage, signage, planting and safety.
What is the cost?
Construction is funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads ($74,100 allocated; works estimated at $33,000). Council would take on ongoing maintenance of about $20,300 over five years, which is not in the current budget, plus future renewal costs.
Risks
Approve: Moderate risk; managed through the approval conditions, contractor safety and insurance requirements, and notification of neighbours before works begin.
Do not approve: The external funding may be lost and the gap in the Rail Trail would remain.
What does this mean for the community?
Completes a missing link in the Rail Trail between Tolga and Atherton, used daily by walkers, cyclists and school students, and improves the trail’s recreation and tourism value.
COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE SERVICES
14.1 Financial Report – August 2026
Each month Council reports on its financial performance against budget. Results appear strong early in the year because rates are billed up front; the full-year budget is for a small surplus of about $500,000.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to note the report; approve payment of approximately $1.3 million in Emergency Management Levy to the State by 14 October 2026; and approve minor changes to fees and charges.
What is the cost?
The levy is State money collected through rates and passed on; it is not a Council cost. The new fees recover costs from those using the services: removal of prohibited items from untidy properties (actual cost plus $233 per infringement notice) and electrical and lighting design applications lodged separately ($1,550). An unnecessary building fee is removed.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; ensures the levy is paid on time and fees reflect the services provided.
Do not approve: The levy payment would be late, as it exceeds the Chief Executive Officer’s approval limit and is due before the next Council meeting.
What does this mean for the community?
Keeps the community informed of Council’s finances and ensures costs are recovered fairly from those who use specific services.
14.2 Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Member
The resignation of former Mayor Rod Marti has left a councillor vacancy on Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee, which oversees Council’s finances, audits and risk management.
What is Council deciding?
Which councillor to appoint to the Committee for the remainder of its current term.
What is the cost?
No cost.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; keeps the Committee’s membership in line with its Charter ahead of its next meeting on 12 October 2026.
Do not approve: The Committee would not meet its Charter requirements and councillor input into financial oversight would be reduced.
What does this mean for the community?
Maintains strong independent oversight of how Council manages public money.
14.3 Senior Executive Recruitment Policy
Recent changes to the Local Government Act 2009 strengthened the role of councillors in recruiting senior Council executives. Council needs a formal policy to meet these new legal requirements.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to adopt the Senior Executive Recruitment Policy.
What is the cost?
No cost associated with adopting the policy.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; ensures a consistent, compliant recruitment process.
Do not approve: Council’s recruitment processes for senior executives would not comply with current legislative requirements.
What does this mean for the community?
Ensures senior Council leadership positions are filled through a fair, transparent and legally compliant process.
14.4 Local Disaster Management Group – Appointment of Chairperson
Following the Mayoral by-election, Council must appoint a chairperson of the Tablelands Local Disaster Management Group, which plans for and coordinates the region’s response to disasters.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to appoint Mayor Cardew as Chairperson of the Local Disaster Management Group.
What is the cost?
No cost.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; ensures leadership of disaster management is in place ahead of the wet season.
Do not approve: Gaps in leadership could affect the coordination and continuity of disaster arrangements.
What does this mean for the community?
The Mayor will lead the region’s disaster coordination and act as the community’s spokesperson during emergencies.
14.5 Grant Program Policy Update
A review of Council’s Grant Program Policy has identified amendments to clarify how the community grants program operates, particularly eligibility for the Youth Excellence stream.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to adopt the amended Grant Program Policy.
What is the cost?
No cost; the grants budget is unchanged.
Risks
Approve: Minimal risk; provides clearer and more consistent rules for applicants.
Do not approve: Uncertainty about eligibility and timing would continue for applicants.
What does this mean for the community?
Youth Excellence grants will be open to anyone under 18, or aged 18 and still at school, with support based on the level of representation rather than the event location. Grants close once the annual budget is spent and applications do not carry over, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.
14.6 Financial Assistance Grant
Each year Council receives untied Commonwealth funding that can be used for general services. Tablelands’ 2026/27 allocation is $5.99 million, but the general purpose component has fallen 52% since 2022-23 (from $4.16 million to $1.99 million) following changes to the Grants Commission’s formula. Tablelands now receives about $71 per resident, compared with $122 in Cassowary Coast and $272 in Mareeba.
What is Council deciding?
Whether to receive and note the report.
What is the cost?
No cost.
Risks: No risk; information only. Council’s Chief Executive Officer has written to the Grants Commission ahead of its upcoming review of the formula.
What does this mean for the community?
A smaller grant means more of the cost of general services must be met from other revenue, mainly rates. Council is advocating for a fairer allocation and will report back on the outcome of the review.
Next meeting
The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held at 9am on Thursday 30 October 2026 at 45 Mabel Street, Atherton.