These are my own personal views. I do not purport to speak on behalf of Council. Decisions of Council are made only by majority vote, legislative authority or under authority delegated by Council.
Strategic purchase & disposal – Council has had its offer of $520,000 to purchase vacant land opposite the Tamborine Mtn Botanic Gardens accepted – settlement pending. Councillors voted in favour of this acquisition as it will be utilised as an additional carpark, which will alleviate local residents’ concerns re haphazard parking on the narrow residential road. The home previously on the site was severely damaged during the tornado and was demolished. The auction of the Council-owned winery on Gallery Walk is set for 22 November 2024.
Out and about – a busy fortnight with attendance at the 3-day annual Local Govt Association of Qld conference in Brisbane which was attended by more than 1,100 Councillors and CEOs. I attended the Long Sunset music festival, the Scarecrow Festival and the Community Preparation Day “Get ready for storm season” event at the Long Rd Sports Complex.
Planning matters – Last week’s Council meeting included a development application for 78 lots at Kalbar where the Planning Scheme clearly intends a minimum lot size of 4,000m2 yet 5/6ths of the proposed lots were smaller than this, with some as small as 3,000m2. At some point developers need to consider the impact of their maximum-yield developments on small rural towns. I voted against this and the application was refused thanks to the casting vote of Mayor Sharp. I am not anti-development, only anti inappropriate development.
On a brighter note, MCU24/011 a Change (Other) Development Permit for Material Change of Use (Community Use) at 154-172 Main Western Road was approved unanimously, with conditions. This site (previously the Bavarian) will now become home to a motorcycle museum. I supported this as it adds diversification of tourism attractions and is on a site already approved in 2014 for tourism uses, rather than attempting to establish a new tourism use on land zoned rural residential as is often the case.
30 Kidd St – the developer is yet to lodge a revised application and plans with Council. An extension of time to early Dec 24 has been granted for compliance with Council’s extensive information request. Aren’t you glad we live on “Tambo”!!!
36 Young St – the appeal commenced on 27 Feb 2024 slowly wends its way through the Planning and Environment Court process. I am a co-respondent by election in the appeal, having been a submitter against the development. At the most recent review on 11 Oct 2024 I brought the appellant’s non-compliance with Court rules to Her Honour’s attention, consequently she did not make the orders sought by the appellant but merely ordered a review on 22 Nov 2024.
Dogs – QCAT has upheld Council’s decision of October 2023 to issue destruction orders for three impounded dogs (located in Division 2) previously declared dangerous. The owner has appeal rights which have not as yet been exhausted. Please be a responsible pet owner.
Have you considered volunteering? Our Visitor Information Centre is seeking volunteers. To find out more, please email secretary@tamborinemtncc.org.au or drop in to the Centre at Doughty Park.
