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Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 26 February 2026

Tablelands Regional Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026 to consider a range of strategic, operational and community matters affecting the region.

Mayoral Minute

The Mayor presented his mayoral minute thanking staff for their efforts and reminding the community that the decisions regarding asset divestment rest with Councillors, not with officers. The Mayor also noted there will be an opportunity at the April Ordinary Council Meeting for deputations from community members and community groups regarding their divestment concerns.

Chief Executive Officer Report

The CEO Report included an update on the near completion of the Priors Creek Parkland Precinct, temporary changes to waste transfer station operations due to fleet issues, progress on 2026–27 budget preparations, the commencement of enterprise bargaining negotiations, the strong early participation in the Community Satisfaction Survey, and upcoming community workshops, forums and RADF grant opportunities

Barron Valley Hotel easement proposal

A request to amend the public access easement over the Barron Valley Hotel was supported. The proposed amendment will:

  • Remove the general public right to use the hotel’s toilet amenities
  • Retain public pedestrian access through the site between Railway Lane and Main Street
  • Maintain access to accessible amenities

The property owner will bear Council’s legal and lodgement costs associated with the amendment to the easement.

State land views request — Millaa Millaa and Mt Garnet

The Department of Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development requested council’s view on state land along Palmerston Highway at Millaa Millaa and in Azurite Street Mt Garnet being declared surplus to the state’s needs. Council will advise the State that there is no objection.

Planning and development applications

A number of development applications across the region were approved:

  • A material change of use application at Second Avenue, changing the use from a dual occupancy to a three-unit multiple dwelling development.
  • Shop, showroom and warehouse development with lot reconfiguration at Lloyd Street and Peakes Gully Road.
  • Multiple dwelling proposal at Elizabeth Street involving a change in use from an eight-unit retirement facility to an eight-unit multiple dwelling development.
  • Reconfiguration of one lot into two lots at Nasser Road.

Asset Divestment Program

A report presenting a list of forty-eight (48) land parcels for investigation and fifteen (15) parcels listed for divestment was considered. The list of assets was prepared as a result of Councillor prioritisation and Council resolved that officers progress with the next stages of the asset divestment process, being the internal and legal review, and consultation with user groups.

Mount Garnet W4Q funding scope

Proposed works to be undertaken at Dines and Anniversary parks in Mt Garnet, utilising Works for Qld funding were approved. The projects, which include resurfacing of the cricket pitch, tennis and basketball courts, and the installation of lighting and other new equipment, were identified as the result of consultation with the local community.

Reef action plan soil conservation and stormwater improvements

A variation to the Activating Local Councils Reef Action Plans funding program to reduce scope for the drainage improvement component and reallocation of funds to the procurement and installation solar panels on the Disaster Coordination Centre was supported ensuring utilisation of all grant funds provided.

Commencement of detailed design for the Battery Park project

Detailed design for Battery Park in Herberton will commence while further ground and surface water testing is underway to ensure available construction time is maximised.

Financial and corporate reporting

Councillors endorsed:

  • Monthly capital projects update for January
  • January 2026 financial report

Tenders Awarded

A tender for Anthill Creek Crossing Construction (Wairuna Road, Minnamoolka) was awarded to Lift Tek Pty Ltd for $1,380,555.90 including GST.

A tender for Danbulla Road (Tinaroo) Geotechnical Remediation was awarded to HEH Civil Pty Ltd for $ $948,533.41 including GST.

A tender for Silver Valley Road (Silver Valley) Bridge Replacement was awarded to Lift Tek Pty Ltd for $566,578.10 including GST.

An amendment will be made for these projects at the next budget review due to tender prices being higher than current budget estimates.

A preferred supply arrangement will be established with the following conforming tenderers of outdoor uniforms and optional Personal Protection Equipment (PPE):

  • ColorStudio
  • Infinite Workwear Pty Ltd trading/as Worklocker
  • Pacific Fasteners & Hydraulics Pty Ltd
  • RSEA Safety Pty Ltd
  • Vexen Pty Ltd

 Sale of land for recovery of overdue rates

Pursuant to regulation 140(2) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolved to commence sale of land debt recovery actions for 8 lots due to the non-payment of overdue rates and charges, which have been outstanding for 3 years or more.

Agendas, Minutes & Next Meetings

Next Meeting
The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held at 9am on Thursday, 19 March, 2026 at the Coordination Centre, Atherton. Meetings are open to the public, live streamed and recorded.

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