Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 28 May 2026
Tablelands Regional Council met on Thursday, 28 May 2026 to consider a range of strategic, operational and community matters affecting the region.
At the commencement of the meeting Council recognised a leave of absence for Mayor Rod Marti for the period 21 May to 25 June 2026 for medical reasons, noting he may return earlier at his discretion. The meeting was chaired by the acting Mayor, Dave Bilney.
Deputation
Catherine Kent, Group Leader, Atherton State Emergency Services (SES) attended the meeting to highlight the need for additional SES volunteers in region and particularly in areas such as Ravenshoe and Mount Garnet. Find out more about volunteering with the SES at: https://www.ses.qld.gov.au/join-us
CEO Report
The CEO Report provided an update on key initiatives including Council’s response to global volatility linked to the Middle East crisis, the Tablelands Business Excellence Awards and Priors Creek Parklands.
Council stood down the Crisis Management Team after managing impacts within existing budget and business continuity arrangements. The report also noted that the 2026 Tablelands Business Excellence Awards Gala Ceremony will be held at the Atherton International Club on Saturday 30 May 2026.
Priors Creek Parklands is already being well used, with formal opening events planned for the weekend of Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July. The opening weekend will include SOS, the Australian ABBA Tribute Show, on Friday night and a 70s and 80s show on Saturday night. More activities and entertainment will be announced over coming weeks.
Reconfiguring a Lot
Council approved a development permit for reconfiguring two lots into two lots at 304 Topaz Road, Glen Allyn, subject to conditions. The application maintains the number of lots and supports ongoing rural use of the land.
Council approved a development permit for reconfiguring one lot into two lots and an access easement at 17 Toft Street / 27 Longlands Gap Road, Herberton, subject to conditions. The assessment considered the future development potential of the land, servicing requirements and the surrounding residential character.
Minor Change Application
Council approved a minor change to the development approval for the rural residential development on Peeramon Road, Peeramon. The changes update the approved structure plan, remove conditions that have been satisfied, amend staging provisions and update plans to reflect the current subdivision layout. The changes do not increase the number of approved lots.
Material Change of Use
Council approved a development permit for a shop and multiple dwelling at 61–63 Main Street, Tolga, subject to conditions. The assessment considered the Main Street frontage, on-site parking and manoeuvring, servicing and impacts on adjoining residential land.
Development Activity Report
Council noted the Quarterly Placemaking Development Activity Report for Quarter 3 of the 2025–26 financial year. The report provides a consolidated snapshot of development applications, housing supply, building approvals and construction activity across the region.
The report shows consistent activity across the development pipeline, with operational works remaining stable and previously approved subdivisions progressing toward construction.
Ravenshoe Walking Network Plan
Council endorsed the Ravenshoe Walking Network Plan and Action Plans for submission to the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The plans identify projects and actions to improve accessible, safe and direct walking routes in Ravenshoe.
Road Renaming
Council approved the renaming of Ford Road, Upper Barron, to Plath Road to align with existing property addressing and reduce confusion for emergency services, couriers and residents. The CEO will carry out the required notifications to formalise the change.
Capital Projects Report
Council received and noted the Capital Projects Report for April 2026. The report provides a monthly summary of the financial position of capital budget expenditure and the status of projects in the 2025–26 capital program.
Financial Report
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 also adopted the Revenue Policy 2026–27.
Community Project Request Policy
Council adopted the revised Community Project Request Policy and endorsed process improvements to make the system clearer and more efficient.
The updated approach creates an early review process for higher-cost, higher-risk or more complex community project requests before detailed assessment begins. It also increases Manager and General Manager delegation from $10,000 to $20,000 for low-cost, low-risk and low-complexity projects, helping straightforward applications move faster.
Grant Program
Council received and noted the TRC Grants Activity Report for Quarter 3, covering 1 January to 31 March 2026.
The 2025–26 grants program budget of $100,000 has been fully expended. Funding was distributed across Community, Environment and Youth Excellence categories.
Business Without Notice
Council resolved to amend the delegation of Assessment Manager and Decision Maker (under the Planning Act 2016) for development application to reconfigure the land at 42 Mabel Street Atherton, (one lot into two lots). Once the Assessment Report is received and a final decision is required the development application will be presented to a Council meeting for resolution.
Councillor Maree Baade updated the meeting on the volunteer week activities that took place across the TRC region and took the opportunity to acknowledge and personally the thank the more than 100 volunteers dedicating their time and efforts in TRC galleries, community disaster teams, visitor information centres and the TRC revegetation nursey.
Councillor Kevin Cardew enquired if results from the recent TRC Community Satisfaction Survey had yet been shared with the community. Survey outcomes were presented to Councillors in an information session on 19 March 2026. A report will be tabled at the upcoming Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee meeting in June, and following that to the June 25 Ordinary Council Meeting to be formally received and published.
Tenders & Contracts
Council approved a 12-month extension to the contract for supply and delivery of water chemicals. These chemicals are used in Council’s water and wastewater treatment plants.
Council awarded Contract T00332 for Tinaroo Lookout Reservoir Renewal Works to Duratec Australia (ES) Pty Ltd for $306,985.02 excluding GST. The works include joint resealing, crack repairs and structural improvements to extend the reservoir’s service life.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meetings
Next Meeting – The next meeting of Council will be the Special Budget Meeting at 9am on Thursday 25 June 2026, at the Coordination Centre, Atherton. This will be followed by the June Ordinary Council Meeting. Meetings are open to the public, live streamed and recorded.