Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 22 May 2025
Mayoral Minute
Council needs to update and make relevant its forecasts for critical infrastructure investments in communities. The budget will be the most challenging as estimates for the replacement of critical community infrastructure are brought onto the books by way of the 10-year Capital Works Program and long-term budget.
CEO Report
The CEO report provided a monthly update on key projects including the Community Feral Pig Program, Webster Road bridge replacement, Tropical Cyclone Jasper road repairs, Malanda Majestic Theatre facade renewal, Lapidary Club roof and Malanda Falls picnic shelter replacement. The report acknowledged the staff involved in the inaugural Agriculture Forum, meeting with the Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, and the ongoing challenges with budget preparations.
Material Change of Use
A development permit was approved for a material change of use for a free-range chicken farm on Lot 363 Barter Road, Middlebrook, subject to conditions. A request for the reduction or waiver of the application fee was declined as the fee reasonably reflects the TRC resources required to complete the assessment.
Development Activity Report
The Q3 Development Activity Report details the number of development applications received, number of housing lots approved and delivered, and an update on other planning, business and customer service improvements. In January–March:
- approximately 24 new lots have been created, an additional 59 approved and 28 new dwellings built
- two requests have been granted under the Infrastructure Charge Deferral Policy, which facilitated the release of up to 15 lots prior to charges becoming payable
- 38 lots were released under existing Infrastructure Charge Deferral Agreements.
Delegation of Statutory Powers
Under Section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009, the CEO was delegated various statutory powers contained in the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012.
Capital Projects Report
The received and noted Capital Projects Report provides a monthly summary of the financial position of capital budget expenditure and the status of projects.
Business Continuity Management
The Business Continuity Management Policy, Corporate Business Continuity Plan and TRC Pandemic Plan form part of TRC’s core business continuity documentation. This suite of documents supports proactive planning and ensures a structured and consistent approach to identifying, mitigating and managing business disruption.
Community Project Requests
TRC will work with the Tablelands Cue Sports and Malanda Billiards Club to review the suitability of existing TRC community facilities and greenfield sites to accommodate the club.
Malanda Community Kindergarten’s requests to renovate the children’s bathrooms and install a news shade sail were approved.
Yungaburra Community Kindergarten’s request to renew their flooring was approved, and a letter of support will be provided to assist with grant applications for the work.
Walking Network Plan
Walking network plans and action plans for Atherton and Malanda were endorsed for submission to Department of Transport and Main Roads. The reports were informed by feedback from the community.
Drinking Water Quality Management Plan Audit Report
The Drinking Water Quality Management Plan External Audit Report was received and noted. Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers reviews and approves the Drinking Water Quality Management Plan (DWQMP) and requires an external audit to evaluate implementation and compliance. The auditor reported adequate compliance and that the DWQMP reflects the infrastructure and operation.
Financial Report
Operating revenue is on target with a variance of just 1.88%. Capital revenue is under budget at 25% as some grant milestones have not been reached. Unspent capital project funds of $17,000 will be reallocated to the Battery Park Project to support site investigations.
Revenue Policy
The updated Revenue Policy was adopted. The policy guides the development of the budget, and is updated and adopted annually.
TRC Grant Program
The third quarter of the TRC Grant Program provided $22,222.21 for 25 grants across community, environment and youth excellence.
Contracts
Contract T-TRC2024-24 with Bono’s Excavations was increased by $345,609.60 including GST to allow for the completion of roadworks on Silver Valley Road while gravel resheeting is taking place in the area.
Contract T-TRC2023-01 for the dry hire of plant and equipment at waste sites was extended for a further 12 months with North-West Services Pty Ltd for $366,827.18 including GST.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 26 June at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded.