Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 27 August 2026
Tablelands Regional Council met on Thursday 27 August 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
Acting Mayor Bilney was pleased to advise he’d received certificates of appreciation from both the Malanda and Atherton branches of the Queensland Country Women’s Association and thanked both branches for their contribution to our community and for recognising Council’s support.
The Acting Mayor also provided an update on recent meetings and events he’d attended, including the Korean Veterans Day, Australian Women’s Land Army and Vietnam Veterans’ Day commemorative services with the Malanda RSL Sub-Branch, a Tablelands Representative Netball Presentation event, NAIDOC celebrations at Herberton’s Mount St Bernard College, the Red Rose Rally at CREB Park Atherton, the Australian Red Cross Herberton Branch Annual General Meeting, and the official opening of the new Rural Medical Imaging facility in Atherton, now home to Tablelands’ first MRI machine.
Acting Mayor Bilney highlighted representing Council as part of the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) Mayoral Delegation to Canberra on 11 and 12 August 2026, ensuring the priorities and challenges facing Far North Queensland and the Tablelands were heard directly in Canberra. A detailed Advocacy Report has been provided to Councillors and is available as a public document.
CEO Report
The CEO’s report updated Council on the Mayoral by-election, with polling day held on Saturday, 22 August and the new Mayor’s Declaration of Office scheduled for Wednesday 2 September at the Disaster Coordination Centre, Atherton.
The report also covered progress on disaster recovery road restoration works, including tender awards for the 2025 North and Far North Tropical Low restoration program, and recent community milestones including the 81st VP Day Commemorative Service, the launch of the EMERGE Tablelands Youth Exhibition, distribution of the first-half of 2026/27 rate notices, and continued strong attendance at the Priors Creek night markets and Creekside Cinema series.
Adoption of Subordinate Local Law 8
Council resolved to adopt the amended Subordinate Local Law No. 8 (Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads) 2026, formalising the regulatory framework that allows activities such as market stalls, food vending and outdoor events to operate at Priors Creek Parklands. Public consultation was invited, but no submissions were received during the consultation period.
Change of Ordinary Council Meeting Date – October 2026
Council resolved to move the October Ordinary Meeting from 22 October to 29 October 2026, to allow councillors to attend the LGAQ Annual Conference in Cairns.
Application to Cancel Development Approval – 42 Mabel Street, Atherton
Council resolved to apply to cancel development approval MCU22/0026 over land at 42 Mabel Street, Atherton, as the approval is no longer required.
Sunshine Group Australia Pty Ltd – Weaver Street South – Road Closure
Council resolved not to object to the proposed permanent closure of part of the Weaver Street South road reserve, Atherton, required to satisfy conditions of an approved development.
Installation of CREB Park Signage
Council approved the installation of temporary signage identifying the reserve on Lot 151 on SP304683 adjacent to the Cook Street Roundabout and Priors Creek Bridge as ‘CREB Park’ and supported future consideration of permanent interpretive signage as part of the staged development of the Priors Creek Precinct.
Drinking Water Quality Policy (CORP 014)
Council resolved to adopt the revised Drinking Water Quality Policy, updated to reflect current legislation and Australian drinking water guidelines as part of a scheduled review.
Amendments to Community Project Request Policy (CORP 048)
Council resolved to adopt the amended Community Project Request Policy, clarifying that:
- building and other improvement works undertaken by community organisations on premises/at facilities leased from Council are exempt from the CPR process and
- community organisations will be notified prior to Council making any decision in relation to their project proposal, improving communication with applicants.
Senior Executive Recruitment Policy
Council resolved to defer consideration of a proposed Senior Executive Recruitment Policy to a future meeting pending a Councillor Information Session to discuss the policy in more detail.
Council Corporate Reports
Council received and noted the following reports:
- The Placemaking Activity Report for Quarter 4 of 2025/26.
- The Capital Projects Monthly Report for July 2026.
- The Financial Report for July 2026, including endorsement of payment of $851,137.72 plus GST for 2026/27 workers compensation renewal and $908,413.65 plus GST for 2026/27 property insurance renewal.
Notice of Motion (by Cr Baade) – Proposed Road Closure of Long Road, East Barron
Council resolved to rescind its resolution at the Ordinary Council Meeting of 31 October 2024 providing support for the partial Road Closure application for Pinnacle Pocket Road and Long Road, East Barron and to notify the State Government via the public consultation process of this change in Council’s position.
Tenders and Contracts Awarded
Council awarded contract T00393 Restoration of Essential Public Assets – Zone South 2, related to the 2025 North and Far North Tropical Low to MC Group QLD Pty Ltd for $7,981,479.84 excluding GST.
Council awarded contract T00373 TRC DRFA 2024 Gully Betterment to Clailah Pty Ltd t/a S & K Civil Contracting for $1,092,465.47 excluding GST.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meetings
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Council will be at 9am on Thursday 24 September 2026, at the Coordination Centre, Atherton. Meetings are open to the public, live-streamed and recorded.