Summary of Thursday 28 September 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting
Reconfiguration of a Lot
Approval was given for a 48-lot residential subdivision at Lot 4 Weaver Street, Atherton, subject to conditions.
Change to Development Approval
Minor changes to lot configuration and the extent of an environmental covenant condition were approved for an eight-lot residential subdivision at 1–3 Penda Street, Yungaburra, subject to conditions.
Australian Warning System
A report on TRC’s responsibilities regarding the new Australian Warning System (AWS) was noted. The AWS is a national approach to information and warnings during emergencies, and comes into effect on Wednesday 1 November 2023.
Priors Creek Steering Committee
The minutes of the Tuesday 5 September 2023 Priors Creek Steering Committee meeting were noted.
Tender
Tender T-TRC2023-10 for the purchase of two medium rigid bitumen patching trucks was awarded to Flocon Engineering Pty Ltd for $717,037.82 including GST. The replaced patching trucks will be disposed of via auction.
Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail
The minutes of the Wednesday 24 May 2023 Rail Trail Advisory Committee meeting were noted. The committee provides advice and recommendations, develops and maintains relationships, enables communication, informs strategic and long-term management, and facilitates grant funding opportunities for the Atherton Tablelands Rail Trail.
The Tolga Industrial Estate and Rail Trail Reserve Development Plan was received and a final report will be presented at the Thursday 23 November ordinary Council meeting.
Regional Resource Recovery Plan
The Regional Resource Recovery Plan (RRRP), released by the Queensland Government and endorsed by the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), was noted. The RRRP provides a blueprint to guide Council investment, and was prepared in response to the diversion from landfill, recycling and household waste reduction targets in the Queensland Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy.
Finance Report
Operating revenue is on target, while expenditure is below budget forecasts. The actuals are expected to align in the coming months as vacant positions are filled and projects commence.
Policies
The Letters of Support Policy was simplified and request timeframes were removed. The policy ensures requests for letters of support for community groups and organisations for funding applications are managed in an efficient, effective, transparent and accountable manner.
The revised Volunteer Management Policy outlines TRC’s commitment to opportunities for the community to participate in volunteering and ensures they are provided with appropriate support and direction.
Rural Fire Service Training Room Hire
Room hire fees will be waived for the Rural Fire Service to provide free training to volunteers, while they are tenants in the Coordination Centre.
Manthey Road
A request will be made to the Minster for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services for a safety audit of the Manthey Road and Kennedy Highway intersection.
Mount Garnet Transfer Station
A report will be presented at the Thursday 23 November ordinary Council meeting on safe infrastructure at the Mount Garnet Transfer Station in the event it is reopened in the future.
Fig Street Crossing & Disabled Toilet Access
A feasibility report will be prepared for consideration during budget review for the pedestrian crossing on Fig Street and wheelchair access to the toilets in Bruce Jones Park, Yungaburra.
Peterson Creek Walking Track
Negotiations will be finalised regarding the Peterson Creek Walking Track and a report identifying options and associated costs will be presented to the ordinary Council meeting on Thursday 26 October.
Councillor Complaint Investigation
Allegations of inappropriate conduct against a Councillor were not sustained and no further action will be taken. The Councillor Conduct Register will be updated.
Creation of Road
TRC will liaise with Department of Resources to dedicate an area of land as road within the existing car park adjacent to the Atherton Performing Arts Centre. The CEO will negotiate with Atherton Performing Arts Incorporated and Tablelands Investments Pty Ltd to facilitate the outcome.
Concessions
A request for a $4000 reduction in rates and charges as compensation for alleged impacts during roadworks was declined.
The Rates and Charges Concession Policy will be amended to include a 100% concession to the four land trusts in the Tablelands Region. Outstanding rates and charges for two properties will be written off.
Road Maintenance Performance Contract (RMPC)
TRC will continue to deliver the RMPC beyond 2023–24, pending negotiations with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and endorsement of contract renewal.
Agendas, Minutes & Next Meeting
The next Planning Committee meeting will be at 9am Thursday 12 October and the next ordinary Council meeting will be at 9am Thursday 26 October. The meetings are held at the Coordination Centre, 15 Vernon Street, Atherton, and are live streamed and recorded.