Summary of the Thursday 23 March 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting
Material Change of Use — Multiple Dwellings
A material change of use was approved for multiple dwellings at 2 Mazlin Street, Atherton, subject to conditions. The development includes 12 two-bedroom units, four three-bedroom units, 24 car parks and a wash down bay.
Agriculture Advisory Committee
The Agriculture Advisory Committee was formed to establish and maintain formal and constructive relationships with agricultural producers and landholders. The unconfirmed minutes from the Friday 17 February 2023 meeting were noted.
Tenders
Tender T-TRC2022-06 for the design and construction of the Ravenshoe Water Quality Improvement Plan Stage 2 — portions 1 and 3 were awarded to HEH Civil Pty Ltd for $9,116,395.20 and $7,346,735.00 including GST respectively. Additional expenditure of up to $415,283 including GST was also approved for additional items that may be required during design and construction. Potential cost savings identified in the tender will be investigated, and a report provided to Council.
T-TRC2022-17 for the Hitchconole Road, Tarzali embankment stabilisation was awarded to local company Lift-Tek Pty Ltd (trading as Dempsey Cranes and Construction) for $425,699.95 including GST. The budget for the project will be increased to $516,249.82 at the second 2022–23 capital budget review. The use of gravity blocks (alternative solution) will be investigated and a report provided to Council.
Tender T-TRC2022-16 for the upgrade of Mooma Road, Upper Barron was awarded to local company Watto’s Earthmoving and Machinery Hire Pty Ltd for $1,155,485.65 including GST. The budget for the project will be increased to $1,287,584.44 at the second 2022–23 capital budget review.
Penelope’s Performance was awarded the contract for cleaning of corporate facilities for a further year.
Cycling Advisory Committees
A Rail Trail Committee will be established to provide advice and recommendations, develop and maintain relationships, facilitate communication, inform strategic and long-term management of the rail trail, and facilitate grant funding opportunities.
The development of the Tablelands Region Cycling Strategy 2023–33 will be informed, in part, by the development of the Cycling Advisory Committee.
The terms of reference for both committees were accepted (with edits) and applications for members will open in the coming weeks. The chair of both committees is Councillor Dave Bilney, with Councillor Bernice Wilce as member.
Transfer of Trusteeship
The trusteeship of the Atherton Performing Arts Theatre will be relinquished, and support provided to Department of Resources to change the purpose of the reserve and appoint the Atherton Performing Arts Incorporated as trustees.
Financial Report
Total revenue is tracking to budget with a variance of just 1.6%. Total expenses are tracking under budget by 2.7%, however depreciation is increasing and will be monitored as the year progresses. The employee benefit variance is expected to reduce once enterprise bargaining agreement negotiations are finalised, and vacancies filled.
Fees & Charges
Each year fees and charges for services provided by TRC are reviewed and updated. In setting these fees, consideration is given to the cost of delivery, the regulated requirement of the service, and comparison against similar charges by other service providers. The revised fees and charges come into effect from Saturday 1 July 2023.
Priors Creek Road Opening
The sublease over Lot 21 on SP306387 (adjacent to the end of Jack Street, Atherton) will be surrendered and an application made to open this section of road to facilitate the development of the Priors Creek area.
Audit Risk and Improvement Committee
The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee assists TRC in fulfilling its corporate governance role and oversight of financial management and reporting responsibilities. The unconfirmed minutes of the March meeting were noted.
Mayor Leave of Absence
Mayor Rod Mardi was granted a leave of absence from Monday 3 April to Friday 21 April 2023.
Godfrey Road Seal
No change will be made to the $70,000 project to reseal 175m of Godfrey Road.
Security Cameras
TRC will write to the Queensland Minister of Police Mark Ryan MP seeking support for the purchase and installation of cameras in the region.
Tablelands Community Housing Association Inc (TCHA) Contract
The housing management agreement with Tablelands Community Housing Inc. for the tenancy management of TRC’s 62 social housing units will be extended for up to 12 months.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next Planning Committee meeting will be at 9am Thursday 13 April, and the next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 27 April. The meetings are held at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton, and are live streamed and recorded.