Summary of Ordinary Council Meeting Thursday 30 October 2025
Mayoral Minute
Mayor Rod Marti reported on recent advocacy opportunities including the Far North Queensland Region Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) October meeting in Atherton, the FNQROC delegation to Canberra, and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) annual conference.
CEO Report
The CEO report provided a monthly update on key projects including Herberton Battery Park, Webster Road bridge replacement, Cyclone Jasper repairs, Packhorse Creek causeway replacement, Atherton sewer main upgrades and water meter replacements. The report also highlighted the upcoming Living Well Expo, attendance at the LGAQ annual conference and recruitment for the General Manager Placemaking position.
Policies Adopted
The revised Acceptable Requests Guidelines Policy sets out how Councillors may request advice or information from staff, and the timeframes for response.
The revised Councillor Contact with Consultants, Developers and Submitters Policy ensures ethical and transparent dealings when Councillors interact with consultants, developers and submitters.
The new Councillor and Officer Contact with Lobbyists Policy outlines the standards and behaviour expected of Councillors and officers when interacting with lobbyists.
Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP) Adopted
The LDMP is the foundation document for responding to and recovering from disaster events that affect the TRC region. The plan is reviewed annually.
Material Change of Use
A development permit for a material change of use for short-term accommodation (three-bedroom dwelling) at 147 Wallace Road, Glen Allyn was approved, subject to conditions.
A change request for a material change of use for a shop and shopping centre at 70 Grigg Street, Ravenshoe was approved subject to conditions.
Development Activity Report
The Q1 Development Activity Report details the number of development applications received, number of housing lots approved and delivered, and an update on other planning, business and customer service improvements. In July–September:
- approximately 52 new lots were created
- 25 lots were approved
- 44 new dwellings were built
- a number of new development applications were received proposing up to 163 new lots in Atherton and Yungaburra.
Community Project Request
Better Together’s Community Project Request to instal fencing and vertical gardens, reposition a garden shed and garden beds, and extend a shade sail at 16a Robert Street, Atherton, was approved subject to execution of a new licence agreement.
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 positive variance of $343k primarily due to higher-than-expected water consumption. Capital revenue is over budget by $460k because of developer contributions and sale of fleet assets. Operating expenditure is slightly over budget by $72.8k primarily due to road recovery work commencing sooner than forecasted.
Vivek Chopra was added to sole and specialised suppliers.
Library Service Review
Councillors made the decision to:
- retain all seven existing libraries
- consider transitioning Yungaburra Library to a community volunteer-supported facility
- empower staff to review opening hours, including a trial of extended weeknight and Saturday opening hours at busier libraries.
Quarterly Performance Report
The Q1 Quarterly Performance Report provides an overview of customer request management response performance, progress against Operational Plan initiatives, and after-hours call responses.
Grant Program Report
Forty-five community, environment and youth excellence grants were provided to the community between Tuesday 1 July and Tuesday 30 September 2025.
Removal of Malanda Pavillion
Suppliers will be approached to provide proposals or quotes for the removal of the Patrick English Pavilion.
Tenders & Contracts
Tender T00254 for phases one and two of the management of the Malanda Multi-purpose Facility project was awarded to APEC Project Pty Ltd for $76,703 including GST.
A list of pre-qualified suppliers for project management and contract administration / engineering services were approved as per Tender T00253.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 27 November at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton. The meeting is open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded.