Mayor Tom Sharp and I attended a special and moving event on October 27.
Ian Hart, one of our 100 year old mountain residents, was belatedly presented with his WW2 medals at Parliament House by the Premier, David Crisafulli (see article in this issue).
Thanks go to the Tamborine Mountain RSL sub-branch and Arran Hassell for initiating this important recognition of Ian’s service.
From October 20-21 inclusive, I, and three other councillors attended the annual Local Government Association of Queensland conference in Cairns.
This is the only conference I attend as this one covers issues relevant to our corner of the world, including roads, inadequate infrastructure for the housing growth forced on us by the State Government, AI, and cost shifting from State to Local government.
Voting on more than 130 motions took place after debate.
Gallery Walk works – the carpark should be open by December 23, however the roadworks could continue until February 2027.
Recent rain resulted in some work requiring road surface repairs.
Complaints about the lack of soap in the amenities block have been referred to Council.
Businesses which have suffered loss of trade as a result of the ongoing roadworks can apply for compensation from Council if there is evidence.
Several traders have applied. Such claims are handed by Council’s insurers.
The land on Eagles Retreat Place containing the failed massive home and court-approved cabin development is back on the market.
Meanwhile, the entities associated with the person behind the development are still under investigation by ASIC and subject to ongoing court action.
Council has now voted to re-introduce a Planning Standing Committee (previously disbanded in 2019).
Meetings will be open to the public and live-streamed, commencing February 2027, improving transparency on how Councillors reach decisions on significant planning matters.
The issue of who will chair this committee will be determined by vote at an Ordinary meeting, although there were several attempts to pre-empt this and if the Ordinary Meeting on October 28 was anything to go on, someone who was not that keen on a committee may well end up as chair.
Unfortunately, some Councillors now vote for the person rather than the issue.
It is all about the numbers, not what is best for the ratepayers.
Another 18 months of this should be fun.
For those who are not aware, there is a split of Councillors – those who support the Mayor and those who support the CEO.
This is an untenable situation – bring on the next election!
A petition relating to the dingo (wild dog) was presented to Council by Cr Kerri Cryer at last week’s Ordinary meeting.
For those critical of my non-attendance at the recent dingo session at the Showground, I prefer to wait for the balanced session to be held at the Vonda Youngman Centre from 4-7pm on November 18.
Council will provide accurate, factual info on the Queensland legislation and requirements with which it must abide – without the emotion.
Dog registrations are now overdue and all fees were required to be paid by October 26. Fines will now be issued.
Reminder: Next chat with the Mayor is from 9am to 10am Friday 13 November 13 outside the library. I will also be available for a drop-in session from 10.30am to 12noon.
