Summary of the Wednesday 21 September 2022 Ordinary Council Meeting
External Review
An external review of TRC’s general revenue raising process will be conducted, with emphasis on the differential rating categories. A report will be presented at the December ordinary Council meeting.
Value of Properties
The CEO will advocate to the Valuer-General to have the value of water licenses excluded from the unimproved value of properties.
Investment Incentive Policy
Interest in the recently adopted Investment Incentive Policy has been strong and minor amendments have been made to further assist in the delivery of the objectives.
Recreational Vehicles Policy Position
A policy position regarding the acceptable scale and location of self-contained recreation vehicle grounds will be reflected in the Proposed Planning Scheme Amendment no. 5 of 2021.
Development Options for 15–25 Maunds Road in Atherton
A variation request will be prepared to introduce medium density residential use rights over 15–25 Maunds Road in Atherton. A report detailing the outcomes of the planning assessment and providing recommendations will be presented at the conclusion of the assessment period.
Financial Report
Fees and charges revenue is higher mainly due to higher-than-expected caravan park stays. Operational grants are currently under budget due to the first instalment of the Financial Assistance Grant expected in August. Operating expenditure is currently under budget due to staff vacancies and a heightened focus on capital works. Capital revenue is under budget due to the timing of grant payments.
Infrastructure Contribution Update
To support the delivery of essential infrastructure for new and growing communities, infrastructure contributions are levied based on development setting and land use. Infrastructure contributions support the development of trunk infrastructure for water, sewerage, transport, stormwater and parks. The report detailed infrastructure contributions as at Thursday 30 June 2022.
Application to Purchase Land
TRC will not object to the acquisition of approximately 65m2 of Jack May Park by Malanda State Primary School for a new prep playground, subject to conditions.
Application for Road Openings
Interest in small portions of land at Aurora Circuit in Atherton, corner of Bellamy and Budden Drives in Tolga, and Malanda Showgrounds will be disposed of to allow access to and maintenance of Ergon Energy electrical substations, subject to conditions.
Community Grant Program
Our community grant program supports not-for-profit groups and individuals with grants of up to $1000 in the form of cash, remittance of TRC fees and in-kind support. $61,157 was provided in grants in 2021–22 across 102 applications. The Grant Program Policy was also update to provide clarity regarding auspicing, and to allow school P and C associations to be eligible.
Delegation of Statutory Powers
Under Section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009, the CEO was delegated the identified powers contained in the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation.
General Activities Application Fees
The fee for not-for-profit and non-commercial applications for prescribed activities on TRC-controlled land will be reduced from $152.50 to $1.00. Refunds will be made to organisations who have paid this fee since Friday 1 July 2022. Local Law 1 may be amended to support not-for-profit and non-commercial organisations.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 27 October at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street in Atherton.