Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 25 September 2025
Petition
A petition for retaining the Millaa Millaa Library service was received and referred to the CEO as part of the library service review.
Mayoral Minute
TRC has provided a submission to the Queensland Redistribution Commission advocating a preference for the seat of Hill to be retained or, if not possible, then the community’s interests are best served if the whole of the TRC Local Government Area is placed within Mulgrave, not divided between the seats of Mulgrave and Traeger. The Malanda Integrated Water Supply Project connecting Johnstone River Estate and Peeramon to the Malanda Water Supply Scheme is complete, and the Ravenshoe Water Quality Improvement Plan is in final stages of testing. Mayor Marti attended a range of community events in the past month.
CEO Report
The CEO report provided a monthly update on key projects including Millaa Millaa Falls, Priors Creek Parklands, Tableland Lapidary Club roof, waste oil containers, water meter replacement and Atherton Off-leash Dog Park fence. The report also highlighted the success of the second Agricultural Forum, congratulated the new Atherton Chamber of Commerce committee, noted the formation of a revenue taskforce to improve revenue collection, promoted the Living Well Expo in November, reminded the community about the free Pension Pre-cyclone Clean-up, and invited the community to provide feedback into the review of the Transport Strategy.
Policies Reviewed
The Investment Incentive Policy will be extended until 30 June 2029. The policy provides economic stimulus and incentivises investment through the waiving of all or part of infrastructure charges including for multiple dwelling, apartments, flats, units, townhouses, day care centres, medical centres, manufacturing facilities, industrial development, aged care facilities, hotels and more.
The Infrastructure Charge Deferral Policy will be extended until 27 October 2029. The policy sets and guides Council in its position regarding requests to defer the payment of levied infrastructure charges for reconfiguration of a lot or material change of use approvals.
Review of Statutory Delegations
The delegations of statutory powers from Council to the CEO were reviewed. This formal transfer of legislative powers is crucial for efficient governance and allows Council to focus on strategic matters.
Material Change of Use
A development permit for a material change of use for workforce accommodation at 2 Kennedy Highway, Tolga was approved, subject to conditions.
A material change of use and reconfiguration of a lot application, including a variation request to establish rural residential development rights and to create 13 lots on Peeramon Road, Peeramon was received, subject to conditions.
Reconfiguration of a Lot
A development permit for the reconfiguration of a lot (boundary realignment) on Pinnacle Pocket Road, East Barron was approved subject to conditions.
Negotiated Decision Notice
Amendments to the decision notice for a material change of use for health care services at 67 Garnet Street, Mount Garnet were approved. The amendments include an increase in the maximum number of operating days and staff, and changes to wastewater management requirements.
Road Name Request
Cupid Place, Delaforce Close and Vains Close were approved for roads in stages 11 and 12 of Yungaburra Village Estate.
RV Park Access Request
Access via the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail to a proposed recreational vehicle park on Nye Street, Atherton was declined.
Tinaroo Footpaths
The scope of the footpath project to improve accessibility on Tinaroo’s foreshore was changed, and the construction order of priority was altered.
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.
Financial Report
Operating revenue has a variance of 4.3M as some grant milestones have not been reached. Capital revenue is over budget by $424k primarily due to developer contributions. Operating expenditure is under budget by $1M due to materials and services being under budget.
Axon was added to the sole and specialised suppliers list, and fees were adopted for replacement wheelie bin parts.
Lions Clubs Acknowledged
Millaa Millaa Lions Club was acknowledged and thanked for their work in cleaning up Lions Park and the Atherton Lions were recognised for painting the entrance to the Atherton Cemetery.
Tableland Community Housing
A portion of land in Atherton will be donated to the Tablelands Community Housing Association for stage 2 of their Curtain Fig Cottage development. The project will see an additional eight duplexes built for older people in our community.
Tenders & Contracts
Tender T00244 for the delivery of the 2025–26 mill and fill program was awarded to Pioneer North Queensland Pty Ltd for $287,265.00 including GST.
Tender T-TRC2025-10 for a hydrogeological investigation in the Tolga area was awarded to CMW Geosciences Pty Ltd for $280,346.00 including GST.
Contract T-TRC2025-24 for the transport of municipal solid waste and commingled material from the Atherton Transfer Station was awarded to Remondis Australia Pty Ltd & FGF Developments No 1 Pty Ltd for $204,320.60/year (estimated) for five years, with an option to extend for five years. The cost is subject to annual CPI or 3% increase, whichever is greatest.
Concessions
Applications for sewerage charge concessions from the Tinaroo Sailing Club and Atherton Junior Rugby League Club were denied.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 30 October at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded.