Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 25 June 2026

Tablelands Regional Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to consider a range of strategic, operational and community matters affecting the region. The meeting was chaired by the Acting Mayor, Dave Bilney.

Acting Mayoral Minute

The Acting Mayor provided an update to the community on activities and events over the past month. Updates included the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards, the launch of Tourism Atherton Tablelands new ‘Themed Trails’ publication, as well as the recent book launch of ‘A Misty Mountain Anthology’ by the Millaa Millaa Writers, celebrating local storytelling.

He noted his attendance at the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Cairns Forum with TRC General Manager Placemaking, Greg Bowden and highlighted the continued growth of one of our region’s most valued historical attractions with the Tolga Museum recently celebrating the official opening of the Greg Mulley Building Extension.

The Acting Mayor also spoke about his participation in an Australian Citizenship Ceremony welcoming nineteen new citizens who have come to the Tablelands from across the world, and the opportunity to engage directly with teams and share organisational updates at recent visits to council depots in Malanda, Ravenshoe and Tolga.

Acting Mayor Bilney acknowledged Lions Youth of the Year, Amelie Cockrem and recognised her outstanding achievement in the Lions Youth of the Year program, progressing from Club Level through Zone, District and State titles before representing Queensland with distinction at the National Finals.

CEO Report

The CEO Report provided an update on key initiatives including an update on the Priors Creek Parklands official opening on 10 and 11 July, positive progress on grant funding secured by Council and some free upcoming community events and workshops including Grant Writing Workshops, the TRC Enchanted Fields Sensory Space at this year’s Atherton Show, and a TRC Supplier Engagement Workshop in July.

The CEO noted it has been a successful month so far, with the securing of seven grants totalling $461,001, including for the Malanda and Mount Garnet State Emergency Services Facilities upgrades; a Resource Recovery Boost Fund (Stream 1 – small projects) for Recycling Hook Bins and success in the 2026-27 Get Ready Queensland Grant Program.

As part of her report, the CEO also tabled correspondence and shared a video message received from Mayor Rod Marti. In the message, the Mayor reflected on his recent medical treatment and how it had influenced his difficult decision to resign as TRC Mayor, effective as of Monday 29 June. He noted it had been a privilege to serve the Tablelands community and expressing thanks for the support he’s received over the last six years as Mayor, and in his time as Councillor from 2012-2016. The Mayor also thanked his fellow councillors and the staff of Tablelands Regional Council.

Councillor Conduct Breach Investigation – Cr Cardew

The Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) had referred an allegation of two complaints against TRC Councillor Cardew for potential councillor conduct breaches to Council for investigation and decision. In accordance with TRC’s Investigation Policy, an independent, external investigator was engaged to investigate the allegations. The allegations were dealt with as one investigation report, as the allegations related to the same Councillor and arose from related circumstances.

Based on the report, Council resolved that Cr Cardew had engaged in a conduct breach in relation to the first of the allegations but had not for the second allegation. Cr Cardew was ordered to make a public admission of the conduct breach and a public apology at this Council meeting of 25 June 2026. The Councillor was also ordered to attend training, at the councillor’s expense, to address the conduct. The investigation report will be made publicly available within 10 business days.

Annual Review of Delegation of Statutory Powers to the Chief Executive Officer 2026

In accordance with the Local Government Act 2009, an annual review of the delegation of statutory powers from Council to the Chief Executive Officer is required. Council endorsed the most recent review which is aligned with the Local Government Association of Queensland’s model statutory delegations from Council to the CEO. The updated statutory delegations will be implemented through the RelianSys software application in the new financial year and published on TRC’s website.

Cancellation of a Local Government Agreement over Lot 1 and Lot 2 on RP740547, Chewko Road, Mareeba

Council resolved to consent to the cancellation of Local Government Agreement Dealing No. 601070879 (T132666) affecting Lot 1 on RP740547 and Lot 2 on RP740547, Chewko Road, Mareeba and required all costs associated with the cancellation to be met by the registered owner of the lots.

Reconfiguring a Lot (1 Lot into 3 Lots) and Access Easements for 7A Mulgrave Road, Yungaburra

Council resolved to not approve a Development Permit for reconfiguring one lot into three lots and Access Easements over land described as Lot 5 on RP895664, situated at 7A Mulgrave Road, Yungaburra.

Community Project Request – Tableland Outdoor Recreation Association Inc – Rail Corridor Upgrade

Council approved the allocation of Council resources to investigate the Community Project Request from Tableland Outdoor Recreation Association Inc to upgrade the section of Rail Corridor between Grove Street and Main Street in Atherton.

Contract T-TRC2024-31 Register of Pre-Qualified Supplier for Occasional Plant Hire – Refresher

Due to declared conflicts of interest regarding this agenda item quorum requirements could not be met. D decision on this matter was delegated under section 257(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2009 to the Chief Executive Officer.

Capital Projects Report – May 2026

Council received and noted the Capital Projects Report-May 2026, outlining project status and financial position within the 2025/26 capital program.

Financial Report – May 2026

Council received and noted the April 2026 Finance Report, outlining the operating and financial position, outstanding rates and debtor balances, workforce overview, procurement activities and financial sustainability measures.

Council further authorised payment of the Local Government Mutual Liability Membership for the 2026/27 financial year of $395,328.27 excluding GST, noted the actions taken to date in relation to Council’s April 2026 resolution following the Road Transport Contractual Chain Order issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman and deferred the sewerage utility feasibility studies for Tolga and the Herberton township CBD to the 2037/38 financial year when sufficient financial capacity exists to progress the construction of sewerage services in these areas, should the studies support such an outcome.

2026 Community Survey Outcomes and Community Response

Council received and noted the outcomes of the 2026 Community Survey, and the key community feedback themes and improvement actions identified in the survey outcomes report. Council further endorsed a program of community satisfaction testing every two years, subject to future Council direction and budget considerations. The full Community Satisfaction Report is now available on the Council’s website.

Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Report – 15 June 2026

Council received and noted the unconfirmed minutes of the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Meeting held on 15 June 2026, with the addition of Cr Baade’s attendance at this meeting to be reflected. Council also received and noted the report from the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Chair and adopted the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Charter, as recommended.

Updated Queensland Privacy Principles Policy and Data Breach Policy

Council resolved to adopt the updated Queensland Privacy Principles Policy and Data Breach Policy and delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer to develop and amend any associated procedures and guidelines relevant to the policies.

Disaster Recovery Funding Cuts

Council received and tabled a letter from the Hon. Anne Leahy, MP, Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers regarding Disaster Recovery Funding cuts and resolved to formally oppose the changes. The Acting Mayor will, on behalf of Council, sign the petition at listen2qld.com/disaster-funding on behalf of Council and promote it within our community. The Acting Mayor will also write to our Federal MP and Senator calling on them to oppose these changes.

Provision of Traffic Management Services

Council empanelled the following tenderers on the Register of Pre-Qualified Suppliers for the purpose of providing Traffic Control Services due to commence on 1 July 2026 with an expiry date of 30 June 2028:

Altus Traffic Pty Ltd
Avada Traffic Pty Ltd
Bonos Group Pty Ltd t/a Tablelands Traffic Services
East Coast Traffic Controllers Pty Ltd t/a East Coast Traffic Control
Traffic Services Pty Ltd

Reef Guardian Council Disaster Coordination Centra Solar and Battery Project

Council awarded contract T00356 – RGC Disaster Coordination Centre Solar and Battery to G-Solar Pty Ltd for the lump sum of $73,937.45 (excl. GST) and allocate the total project cost of $90,845 in the 2026/27 Capital Budget.

Malanda High Level Water Booster Pump Station Upgrade

Council awarded contract T00326 – Malanda High Level Water Booster Pump Station, Construction Works to Richard Field Constructions Pty Ltd for the lump sum amount of $1,010,100.00 (ex GST).

Agendas, Minutes & Next Meetings

Next Meeting – The next meeting of Council will be at 9am on Thursday 23 July 2026, at the Coordination Centre, Atherton. Meetings are open to the public, live-streamed and recorded.