Good news: Great to see George’s on Gallery Walk has finally re-opened and that a co-operative has opened in the winery building. The new carpark is progressing well.
Animal Management Task Force: I am Council’s representative on this State Government group which is reviewing dog destruction guidelines, the Regulated Dog Registry and QLD Dog Breeder Registry. The dog attack statistics, including hospitalisations, are horrendous across QLD. There was one attack in the Scenic Rim last week – the injuries caused by one unregistered and uncontained dog were horrific.
Domestic and Family Violence: Up to 80 per cent of police call-outs are related to DFV incidents. There is a misconception that “those sorts of things don’t happen here” – however the Mountain is no exception. I will be attending the Metro South Disaster Mental Health Recovery meeting later this month, which will include an introduction to services and supporting victim survivors. Incidents of DFV increase following natural disasters. Please don’t be a silent bystander if you think DFV may be in progress – ring Police.
Signage: The Auction sign opposite the hang-gliders site has finally been removed. The sign was only approved for the advertising of the Eden sub-division sales which were finalised quite some time ago. Broken signs at the end of Gallery Walk have been repaired or replaced.
Reports: Each month Councillors receive a report on new, resolved and unresolved issues relevant to their Division, including work requests, planning enquiries, compliance issues (this month’s highlight was reported maggots, rats and blowflies in two local food establishments), public toilet issues, vegetation issues, stolen/damaged bins etc. The majority of planning enquiries are around “what can I do with property x if I buy it?”. Doesn’t anyone want to move here anymore for the simple enjoyment of our unique environment as a resident? It does not appear so.
Recent enquiries related to tiny homes (popping up everywhere), unapproved tree clearing and earthworks, “eco cabins”, fences, multiple barking/unregistered dogs and “recycling” a dead dog’s tags to another dog (nice try!), septic and water tank encroachment where the property boundary was apparently only a “suggestion”, and adding more shops to existing shops on Gallery Walk.
If you do not reside in the existing residence on your property, why would you need to build a second one? I think we all know the answer to that one.
Warning: It does not matter how well you get along with your neighbour, ensure that all proposed works – such as building a retaining wall or shed right to the boundary – are approved by Council. A nod and a handshake won’t protect you when something goes wrong or a new neighbour moves in and queries setbacks etc and you end up at QCAT.
Planning applications: If it is a second dwelling you want to build, apply for a second dwelling – not a disguised shed or studio. The picture windows and balconies are a dead giveaway! Also, please be aware that any structure converted for habitation must be approved.
Development on our doorstep: and if you think this won’t impact the Mountain, think again. Google Canungra360 – 742ha proposed development near Canungra.
