March 31, 2022- HIGHLIGHTS FROM ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING

Back
Published
31st March 2022

The full livestream of the Council meeting can be found by visiting https://bit.ly/3iR3eoq  or the agenda can be viewed https://bit.ly/3JX6XNd

Small Business Friendly Charter

Council has been approached by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) to join the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) initiative. The initiative recognises local Councils that are actively supporting small businesses in their region and helping small businesses recover and build resilience following disasters and economic challenges.

The initiative has received support from the region’s Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry groups, in particular Innisfail District Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism providing a loud voice for its members in support of the Charter and the commitments it entails. Over 3,067 small businesses across the region are set to benefit by the Charter Commitments.

Council approved the recommendation and will move forward with signing the Small Business Friendly Charter at the Queensland Small Business Friendly Conference in Townsville on the 29 April.

Finance Report February 2022

Council received and noted the Financial Report as of 28 February 2022. Key results from the report included:

  • Overall surplus of $23.4M which is $2.6M favourable compared to budget of $20.8M.

Read the full report by visiting https://bit.ly/3JX6XNd

Provision of Legal Assistance for Employees and Councillors Policy Review

Item 5.2, Provision of Legal Assistance for Employees and Councillors Policy Review, was deferred to the April General Council Meeting.

Lease Disposal - Innisfail & District Men's Shed

Council officers have been working with the Executive Committee of Innisfail & District Men’s Shed Inc regarding the grant of two leases of their current premises at Corinda Street, Webb.

Council approved the grant of two leases to the Innisfail District Men’s Shed Inc, as a community organisation in line with the key terms. Council authorised the Chief Executive Officer to execute the leases on behalf of the Council as Lessor and ensure ongoing compliance with all terms and conditions of the leases.

Trade Waste (IS005) and Water Restrictions (IS008) Policy Reviews

Council adopted the Trade Waste and Water Restrictions policies which have been reviewed with minor administrative changes made to the existing policies.  The amended policies will be available on our website once resolution numbers are available. 

Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS)

Through its involvement in the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Council’s Regional Road and Transport Group (FNQROC RRTG), Council is eligible to apply for and receive Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS) funding.  Council noted the additional funding of $443,694 of TIDS funding for culvert renewals of Kennedy Creek road, Tully George and Bingil Bay Road as approved by the FNQROC RRTG on 3 February 2022, and that this additional funding be reflected in the next budget review.  Council approved to retain the existing allocation of funding in the culvert renewal program to support other culvert renewal projects and will continue to seek TIDS funding to support the delivery of transport projects that sit within the Transport Asset Management Plan.

CCRC Capital Report

Council is advancing the delivery of Capital Works projects commenced in prior years, as well as the delivery of new projects in 2021-22. Council's Capital Works Program for 2021-22 contains 276 projects with a total budget of $49.7 million. As of 6 March 2022, the Council has expended $30.6 million (including commitments) of the programmed Capital Works budget, which equates to approximately 62% of the deliverable program.

Projects completed since the last report include Cardwell Transit Centre, Smart Meters in the Belvedere Region Route 18, Violet Smith Park Toilet Renewal and Wells Road Re-sheeting

Activate Cassowary Coast Development Incentive Scheme - Reduction in Infrastructure Charges (Policy No. PRD005)

Within the Local Government Meeting on 31 March 2022, Council endorsed that:

  • The amended Activate Cassowary Coast Development Incentive Scheme - Reduction in Infrastructure Charges (Policy No. PRD005) be adopted and have effect until 31 March 2023;
  • It is noted that it is at the absolute discretion of Council whether a discount on infrastructure charges is granted for a particular development, and to what percentage (up to 100%); and
  • That the Chief Executive Officer undertake a review of the Policy and investigate, workshop and provide a report to Council prior to 31 March 2023 with consideration of current market trends, the local government infrastructure plan and infrastructure charges.”

The aim of this policy is to encourage development that achieves certain strategic objectives for the Cassowary Coast by allowing a reduction in the infrastructure charges payable in relation to certain developments that are completed within three years of the date of the approval taking effect.

The policy seeks to attract and support projects that will deliver the greatest economic benefits to the Cassowary Coast Region and its residents. In providing these additional reductions in infrastructure charges payable, Council is proactively seeking to deliver significant and sustainable growth, diversity and value-adding that is aligned to Council’s planning and economic objectives.

Application for Reduction in Infrastructure Charges

Council received the below applications for the Reduction in Infrastructure Charges.

  • The application for RAL22/0004: Reconfiguring a Lot (1 Lot into 3 Lots and Access Easement) on land described as Lot 4 on RP738694, situated at Giufre Crescent, Wongaling Beach and was approved by Council.
  • The application forRAL21/0006: Reconfiguring a Lot (1 Lot into 2 Lots) on land described as Lot 2 on RP709276, situated at Feluga Road, Feluga was not approved by Council due to it not aligning with Council’s policy.

Mission Beach Tourism Area: Monetary Contributions in Lieu of the Provision of Car Parking Policy (Policy Number TBA)

It was requested that Council adopt the Mission Beach Tourism Area: Monetary Contributions in Lieu of the Provision of Car Parking Policy with a currency period up to and including the 30 June 2022.

An amendment was made to the recommendation of the monetary contribution to amend the total from $21,927.00 to $12,429.00 (exl. GST). This amendment to the recommendation was endorsed by the Councillors.

General Business

Bingil Bay Pathway

The design and information on the proposed Bingil Bay Pathway will be made available on Council’s website in the coming week.

Kirrama Range

Work along the Kirrama Range is planned to be undertaken within the next fortnight.

Thank you to the below:

Those that participated in Clean Up Australia Day.

Feast of the Senses – Congratulations to the organisation, volunteers and stall-holders for the success of the Feast of the Senses.

Thank you to the Community, World Trails Representative and the Council Team members who attended the Cardwell Pump Track Update.

Upcoming events; ANZAC Day 25 April 2022. Events will be held across the region.

Port Hinchinbrook Update – Sewerage and Dredging

Funding for the Sewerage Treatment Council has been committed and executed on our behalf, and Council is waiting for formal communication to be issued from Commonwealth announcing the funding. The State funding agreement is at the last stages of negotiations and Council officers are considering that agreement currently along with the dredging funding agreement. Several iterations have occurred on these documents however everything is moving along. Council is currently out for tender for the Sewerage Treatment Plant and has been working with the Liquidator to gain access to dredged soiled ponds.  Everything is moving in line with the project plan.