Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 29 October 2026

Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) met on Thursday, 29 October 2026 to consider a range of strategic, operational and community matters affecting the region. The meeting was chaired by TRC Mayor, Kevin Cardew.

Mayoral Minute

The Mayor provided an update on a range of recent meetings and events. This included three separate meetings with Queensland Government Ministers, the Hon Andrew Powell MP, Minister for Environment and Tourism, the Hon John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and Arts, and the Hon Tim Mander MP, Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The meetings provided valuable opportunities to establish relationships, promote the Tablelands region and highlight priorities relevant to each ministerial portfolio.

The Mayor noted that he, all TRC Councillors and Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Nikola Stepanov recently attended the recent Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) State Conference in Cairns, enabling Council representatives to connect with Mayors, Councillors and CEOs from across Queensland, hear from Government Ministers and officials, and engage with industry stakeholders on issues affecting local government. A highlight of the Conference was the presentation of a service recognition award to TRC Councillor Annette Haydon recognising her 21 years of service in local government and acknowledging her contribution to the community. Several other important meetings were held during the conference.

Council also recently joined the Queensland Government and other local governments in advocating against a Federal Government proposal to reduce its contribution to the Disaster Relief Funding Arrangement from 75% to 50%. Following advocacy from all 77 Queensland councils and the State Government, the Federal Government has reversed its proposed change and will maintain the existing 75% funding contribution. The Mayor noted that challenges remain with another Federal Government proposal concerning a reduction in the number of Working Holiday visas available to backpackers entering Australia, which raises significant concerns for the Tablelands. Council will be advocating to the Federal Government to re-consider their position on this matter.

For more detailed information about the above meetings, the LGAQ Conference and advocacy initiatives, visit https://www.trc.qld.gov.au/advocacy-for-regions-future.

The Mayor advised that Council has been notified that the Commonwealth Department of Defence are seeking to divest the Atherton Rifle Range in Atherton, which could have negative impacts on the two sporting shooters clubs who use this range and stated that Council will monitor developments to ensure the best possible outcome for the clubs and the community.

The Mayor closed his minute, by advising Council is considering opportunities to improve connectivity with the more remote members of our community in the southern parts of our local government area and is planning a road trip to the outer and surrounding areas of Mount Garnet on the 12th and 13th of November and would be hosting the December Ordinary Council Meeting at the Mount Garnet Hall on the 17th December.

CEO Report

Acting Chief Executive Officer Hilary Jackson provided an important update before reading out this month’s

CEO’s Report on behalf Dr Nikola Stepanov.

From Monday 9 November 2026 the entire Millaa Millaa Falls precinct will be closed to the public until mid-December (subject to any weather delays), to allow for the next stage of the precinct’s major upgrade works to be completed. There will be no vehicle or pedestrian access to the Falls over this period, however it is planned that the site will be reopened in time for the Christmas / New Year break.

The site will be closed at the Theresa Creek Road entrance and there will be variable message boards and signage in place on roads approaching the site ahead of, and during the closure. Millaa Millaa Falls is one of the region’s most popular attractions for both locals and tourists, so Council’s goal is to keep it open to the public as much as possible while giving the contractors the access they need to finish the work.

The CEO’s report provided an important reminder about the importance of preparing for storms, cyclones, flooding and bushfires, as the Tablelands enters the severe weather season. The recent Silver Valley and Watsonville bushfire highlighted how quickly conditions can change. Seven days of sustained firefighting helped protect 41 structures, reduce the risk to Watsonville and prevent further spread towards Irvinebank. Council sincerely thanks Queensland Fire Department personnel, volunteers and supporting agencies for their dedication and tireless efforts to protect our communities.

Residents are encouraged to review their household emergency plans, check emergency kits and prepare their properties, including making arrangements for pets. Visit the TRC Disaster Dashboard on the website for preparedness advice and local emergency information to stay informed before, during and after a disaster.

The report also provided deadlines for various community initiatives closing in the following days and details of upcoming events including evening Artisan & Farmers Market on 6 November, and the Creekside Cinema screening of ‘E.T’ on 14 November, both at Priors Creek, and current Tableland Gallery exhibitions.

Local Government Policy Reviews

Council resolved to adopt amendments to the following policies:

in line with industry best practice, State Government Guidance and statutory obligations.

Renewal of Lease Over 29 Ascham Street, Ravenshoe for Ravenshoe Kindergarten and Playgroup Inc

Council resolved to apply an exemption under section 236(1)(c)(iii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to renew the Lease over 29 Ascham Street, Ravenshoe, to the existing tenant, Ravenshoe Kindergarten and Playgroup Inc.

Material Change Approval and Variation Request – Mabi Way and 42, 43 and 45-51 Mabel Street, Atherton MCU25/0023

Council noted the application relating to seven lots located at 42, 43 and 45-51 Mabel Street, and Mabi Way, Atherton and resolved that the application was consistent with the relevant assessment benchmarks and approved:

Preliminary approval for Material change of use for Short-term accommodation, Multiple dwelling, Office, Food and drink outlet, Shop and Showroom; and
Preliminary approval for a variation request to vary the effect of the Tablelands Regional Planning Scheme 2016 (version 5) to allow development to occur in accordance with the Local categorising instrument for Lot 1,2 and 4 on SP346001, Lot 518 on SP265028, Lot 1 on RP725723, Lot 1 on RP716775 and Lot 2 on NR7968

The following planning applications were approved at the meeting:

Reconfiguring A Lot – Boundary Realignment (4 Lots Into 4 Lots) – 55, 553, 559 and 593 Peeramon Road, Peeramon RAL26/0028
Reconfiguring a Lot (2 lots into 2 Lots) – 385 Middlebrook Road and 67 Barter Road, Middlebrook RAL26/0029
Development Permit for Material Change of use for Tourist Park – 138-152 Robert Street, Atherton MCU26/0019
Development Permit – Material Change of Use for Short-term Accommodation (Four Cabins) – 216 Wieland Road, Wondecla MCU26/0024

Further details of these applications can be found in the full council agenda report or on the website.

Permanent Road Closure Application Request – Portion of Beck Road, Kairi

Council resolved that in its capacity as Road Manager, it had no objection to the permanent closure of approximately 0.75 hectares of the Beck Road road reserve subject to certain conditions.

Community Project Requests

The allocation of Council officer resources to investigate a Community Project Request from Yungaburra Men’s Shed (once it is received), to build a shed extension to Yungaburra Memorial Hall was approved.

Council also approved works to the North Johnstone Rainforest Eco trail, proposed by Malanda and Upper Johnstone Catchment Landcare Association subject to conditions.

First Revised Budget for 2026/27

Council adopted the first revised budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Minutes of Meeting for 12 October 2026

The unconfirmed minutes of the Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Meeting held on 12 October 2026 were received, and the amended Audit, Risk & Improvement Committee Charter adopted. The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Terms of Reference, which is no longer required, was rescinded.

Corporate Reports

Council received the following reports:

The Capital Projects Report for September 2026, outlining project status and financial position within the 2026/27 capital program.
The Finance Report, outlining the operating and financial position, the current outstanding rate and debtor balances, workforce overview, procurement activities and financial sustainability measures to September 2026
The Quarter 1 Quarterly Performance Report
The Quarter 1 Lifestyle and Community Activity Report and
The Quarter 1 Grant Program Activity Report

Tenders and Contracts Awarded

Council endorsed Tenderer 1 (Lift Teck Pty Ltd), as the preferred tenderer for Contract T00374 – Moomin Road Causeway Construction, located on Moomin Road, Moomin and based on a lump sum contract for $416,443.91 (excluding GST). Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise and execute any and all matters associated with these arrangements, including variations to the contract, within Council’s delegations and the constraints of the executed funding agreement between the Queensland Reconstruction Authority and TRC.

Agendas, Minutes & Next Meetings

Next Meeting – The next meeting of Council will be at 9am on Thursday 26 November at the Coordination Centre, Atherton. Meetings are open to the public, live-streamed and recorded.