Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 19 March 2026

Tablelands Regional Council met on Thursday, 19 March 2026 to consider a range of strategic, operational and community matters affecting the region.

Deputations

Mr Jeff Hall, President of the Yungaburra Men’s Shed – attended the meeting regarding Yungaburra Men’s Shed’s proposed construction of an additional storage area at the Men’s Shed Yungaburra site.

Mr Joe Moro, Martin Inderbitzen and Lawrence Masasso of FNQ Growers attended the meeting and presented to Council regarding rates in the TRC region.

Mayoral Minute

The Mayor presented his mayoral minute, highlighting that a review of Atherton CBD parking will launch in the new financial year. At the recent Atherton Tablelands Chamber of Commerce Traffic and Parking Forum, the Mayor committed to the review to ensure the current and future parking needs of locals and visitors are met.

The Mayor and CEO have written to the Australian Electoral Commission contesting the proposal to divide the State seat of Hill between the seats of Mulgrave and Flinders, splitting TRC communities between those two seats.

TRC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA). This partnership with the peak body representing the property development industry will benefit the region by providing access to national property data and research and connection to property industry investors and developers.

Chief Executive Officer Report

The CEO’s Report highlighted that TRC is tracking well to achieve a surplus this financial year. Like other local governments, financial pressure for maintaining critical community infrastructure and delivering essential services like roads, water and waste is steadily increasing, and significantly impacted by rising costs and inflation. In June 2025, TRC commenced a long-term journey to strengthen financial sustainability while delivering the infrastructure and services our communities need. The CEO thanked Team TRC for their efforts so far.

The first stages of the Priors Creek Parklands project are nearly complete. There will be some traffic disruptions and road closures over the coming months as final works are carried out. The next stage of planning for Malanda’s new Multi-Purpose Facility has commenced. A dedicated working group including representatives from the Malanda Show Society, Malanda Junior Rugby League, state schools, Malanda Lions and the Malanda SES has begun to refine the feedback from the hundreds of people who provided input into the community survey which closed earlier this year. The working group will help develop Initial concept designs which are expected to be made available for community comment around mid-year.

Tenders and Contracts Awarded

A lease was renewed for part of Lot 21 on SP166982 to the existing tenant, WaveConn Pty Ltd for the purpose of a telecommunication tower.

A tender for deconstruction of Patrick English Pavilion was awarded to Carr NQ Constructions Pty Ltd for $422,568.96 including GST.

A tender for supply of cleaning services for corporate facilities and public amenities was awarded to Just Focus Pty Ltd for $760,655.93 excluding GST.

Council endorsed an extension of up to twelve (12) months for an existing contract with Urban Planning North Pty Ltd trading as Up North Planning under the Local Buy panel arrangement, for statutory planning and development assessment advisory services to a total a revised maximum cumulative contract value of $640,000 excluding GST.

Community Project Requests

Community Project Requests were approved for the installation of a temporary site office for the Malanda Show Society, and for a ‘Strength in Motion’ mural to be painted on the interior walls of the Malanda Fitness Hall, subject to conditions.

Finance Report and Budget Review

The finance report outlining the operating and financial position to end February 2026 was received. The report included a summary of the Depreciation Taskforce Review from the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers. The Taskforce found that the impact of depreciation on the financial sustainability of Queensland local government differs significantly between councils, reflecting the diversity of local circumstances across Queensland. These insights have helped build a clearer understanding of the financial challenges faced by councils and the factors influencing long-term sustainability.

Council adopted a revised budget which included an overall improvement of $1,199,824 to the operating position for the 2025–26 financial year.

Policies adopted

Council adopted two new policies:

TRC Ex Gratia Payments Policy to address discretionary payments to employees made outside usual legal, contractual or statutory obligations.
Child Safe Organisation Policy and Statement of Commitment to Child Safety and Wellbeing, addressing obligations under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 (Qld).

Placemaking

Council resolved that proposed lots created under Development Approval RAL25/0008, Peeramon Road, Peeramon (lot 438 on NR6033) are capable of being provided with a reliable potable/general water supply in accordance with Condition 5.5 – Non-reticulated Water Supply and was satisfied that requirements of Condition 5.5(a) and (c) have been addressed.

Infrastructure and Environment

Council will not object to the realignment of the road reserve for Lot 5 Gunnawarra Road, Minamoolka, subject to certain conditions. Council also reconfirmed its conditional resolution of June 2025, related to the conversion of a related lease in perpetuity over Lot 5 to freehold land.

Corporate reporting

Council adopted:

Recommendations in the CEO Performance Review report
2026-27 Fees and Charges as part of budget preparations
Amended Annual Report 2024-25, incorporating minor, non-material changes.

Council received:

Community Development Q1 & Q2 Activity Report (1 July to 31 December 2025) detailing than nine community initiatives delivered to strengthen inclusion, health and wellbeing, disaster preparedness and interagency collaboration across the Tablelands region.
TRC Grant Program Q2 Expenditure and Acquittals Report (1 October to 31 December 2025), with $30,307.50 worth of funding allocated to 49 community, environment and youth excellence applicants.

Business Without Notice

Cr Cardew raised a Question on Notice regarding the progress with investigating the implementation of a new pressure cleaning unit. A councillor information session will be held.

Agendas, Minutes & Next Meetings

Next Meeting — The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at 9am Thursday 30 April at the Coordination Centre, Atherton. Meetings are open to the public, live-streamed and recorded.