Summary of Thursday 24 August 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting
Leave of Absence
Councillor Peter Hodge was granted a leave of absence from 13 September to 18 September 2023. Councillor David Clifton was granted a leave of absence from 6 January to 2 February 2024.
Vernon Street Development
A material change of use was approved for multiple dwellings (12 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom units), food and drink outlet, office, shop and healthcare service at 1 Vernon Street, Atherton, subject to conditions.
Committees
The minutes from the 14 July Agricultural Advisory Committee, and the 18 May Cycling Advisory Committee were noted. Advisory committees assist Council in understanding current and changing community needs, provide options, and inform decisions based on specialist knowledge and experience.
The minutes of the 26 July Priors Creek Steering Committee were noted.
Project reviews and action items for July from the Project Management Office Steering Committee were noted.
Tenders
Tender T-TRC2023-08 for the purchase of a Caterpillar CW 34 Multi Tyre Roller was awarded to Hastings Deering for $231,770 including GST.
Tender T-TRC2023-09 for the purchase of two John Deere Compact Track Loaders was awarded to RDO Equipment for $260,532.80 including GST.
Tender T-TRC2023-07 for the construction of a weighbridge at Innot Hot Springs Waste Transfer Station was awarded to Richard Field Construction Pty Ltd for $1,051,788.10 including GST.
Tender T-TRC2019-31 for the provision of IT Managed Services awarded to Roberts & Morrow Technology was extended for 12 months for $456,300 including GST.
Malanda School of the Arts Building
Approval was given to relinquish trusteeship of the Malanda School of the Arts Building, Lot 9 on Plan M6037, to the Department of Resources (DoR). DoR will be advised that the Malanda RSL Sub-Branch may make an application regarding arrangements for the building.
Regional Sewer Lining
A contract for the 2023/24 Regional Sewer Relining program was awarded to Relining Solutions Pty Ltd for $483,537.43 including GST. A payment of up to $20,407.20 including GST was approved as TRC’s contribution towards the program coordination fee for the contract. Sewer relining has been completed over recent years as part of a Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Regional Sewer Relining contract which expired at the end of the 2022–23 financial year.
Bitumen Reseal Tender
A contract for the 2023–24 Regional Bitumen Reseal Program was awarded to FGF Bitumen Pty Ltd for $2,168,160.50 including GST.
Recommendations from Natural Asset Management Advisory Committee
The installation of wildlife advisory signs and line marking on Curtain Fig Tree Road was endorsed. An invite was accepted for all Councillors to attend the next advisory committee meeting.
Finance Report
Revenue and expenditure are below budget forecasts for the first month of the financial year. This variance is expected to reduce as vacant positions are filled and projects commence.
Adoption of Local Law-Making Process
A process to make new local laws was adopted. Section 29 of the Local Government Act 2009 allows a local government to endorse its own process for adopting local laws.
Amending Local Law No. 1 (Miscellaneous) 2023
Public consultation will take place on an amendment to TRC’s Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2019 and Subordinate Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2019. The proposed changes include increasing the minimum lot size for keeping stock to 4000m², the requirement for a permit if keeping stock on a lot between 4000m² and 20,000m², and reducing the number of dogs that may be kept on lots under 4000m². A Council report will be prepared considering public submissions and the adoption of the Amending Local Law No. 1 (Miscellaneous) 2023 (to amend Local Law No. 1 and Subordinate Local Law No. 2).
Malanda Horse and Pony Club
Approval was given for Malanda Horse and Pony Club Inc. to renew its trustee lease over part of the Malanda Showgrounds.
RADF Grant Program
The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) 2022–23 Grant Program report was noted. Twenty-one projects successfully applied for funding, including 10 that received a small grant.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011
Approval was given for powers under the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 to be delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.
Aerodrome Lease
Approval was given to enter a lease with Queensland Ship Surveyors Pty Ltd for Lease N (Lot 553 on CP NR5363 on SP251441) at the Atherton Aerodrome.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next Planning Committee meeting will be at 9am Thursday 7 September, followed by 9am Wednesday 13 September. The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 28 September. The meetings are held at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton, and are live streamed and recorded.