Congratulations to the students and staff of TMSHS on their highly entertaining and energetic creative arts Garden of Expression event last week. Good to see so much talent and passion on display!
Submissions re Living Gems Kidd St development – 497 received. Contrary to a misconception held by at least one Councillor, Council is required to consider each and every properly made submission. A report will be brought to Council eventually.
Overnight stays in Council carparks are not permitted – please report these to Council or myself. These are not homeless people.
Some people just push the envelope that bit too far – take the unapproved and unregistered rehabilitation/mental health/substance abuse centre operating from a rented house. Compliance action underway.
Similarly, “Off-grid living – land to rent in gated community for three tiny homes” – advertised on Tamborine Mtn Community Facebook page for the bargain price of $500/week per tiny home would be great – if it had approval. Be aware – property owners cannot simply decide to do this. Contact Council first to save yourself grief. Facebook administrators: please ensure you only allow posts for approved activities.
Footpath safety and signage issues – Gallery Walk – currently being addressed.
Lomandra – I have requested Council to remove any lomandra from the planting scheme for the new Gallery Walk carpark and surrounds. If lomandra was Council’s biggest issue, I would be a happy Councillor indeed.
Dog walkers at Long Rd Sports Complex – the site has been experiencing repeated vandalism believed to be the result of the spreading of dog faeces in the toilet buildings. No volunteer should ever be expected to clean faeces from the walls of facilities and if the culprit/s is caught (cc tv produces remarkably clear images these days), they will be dealt with as this is a health risk. If the behaviour does not cease immediately there is a likelihood that the toilets will remain locked when sporting activities are not occurring on site. Feel free to dob in an idiot.
The Qld Arboricultural Assn Inc’s free-style tree climbing competition held at the Showgounds on Saturday (sponsored by Vermeer Australia for the past 30 years – thankyou Greg) was a nice distraction from my ruminations on Council’s Ordinary Meeting of July 23, 2025, which can be viewed at on Council’s website with this section commencing at the 44 minute 30 second mark of the meeting video.
MCU23/189 Cabin development at 19-25 Capo Lane – I moved a motion to refuse this application based on multiple areas on non-compliance with the Planning Scheme – which is in dire need of a review, however there is marked reluctance to rectify the problematic areas of Short-term Accommodation and Nature-based Tourism (among others).
The proposed use is inconsistent development as it is NEITHER CONSISTENT NOR POTENTIALLY CONSISTENT DEVELOPMENT in the Low Density Residential Zone – Mountain Residential Precinct.
“v. where not listed in Table 6.2.8.2.2 Consistent Uses and Potentially Consistent Uses in the Low Density Residential Zone – Mountain Residential Precinct, uses are inconsistent uses and are not intended to occur in the precinct.” The proposed short-term accommodation use is not listed within Table 5.5.8.2 and the development is located outside of the Minor Tourism Zone where such use is anticipated. I’m not sure how this is open to interpretation – it is clear to me.
Unfortunately, my motion was defeated four votes to three, with the Mayor speaking in favour of the proposed development. There is no demonstrated “need” for the development, particularly in that location. Will this set a precedent? Who knows. Submitters are entitled to appeal the decision in the P&E Court. I spent three full days putting together reasons for refusal. Why did I bother? I have been left wondering if I really want to remain a Councillor.
Why do Councils have Planning Schemes? According to one SRRC Councillor, they exist to “facilitate development”. My interpretation is somewhat different:
Planning schemes allocate zones and precincts to land to allow for different types of development in different areas. These zones describe the mix of uses (such as houses, shops or warehouses) intended in each zone or area. This provides the community with certainty about the types of development and land uses that can be expected on each parcel of land. Well, that’s the theory.
MCU24/043 – Dual Occupancy (36 Bartle Road) and Access Easement (62 Bartle Road – Heritage Wines). Contrary to the Planning officer’s recommendation, I moved a motion to refuse this application as the easement was proposed to provide a second driveway onto the Shelf Road and it does not meet the minimum width of 10m. Given the road collapse in 2022 which is about to undergo a multi-million dollar restoration and which has already resulted in the loss of vegetation at Jack Bartle Park and on the adjoining Council-controlled property, the advisability of permitting another property access in that location was highly questionable. The dual occupancy also did not meet the minimum five metre boundary setback on the western side. Fortunately, five other Councillors voted for my motion and the application was refused.
…and saving the best for last….the developer of 1-11 Eagles Retreat Pl, SDA Property Nominees P/L, along with at least 27 associated companies, went into liquidation on July 4, 2025. The property is now in the hands of an administrator and Lloyds Auctions will be handling the sale of properties. Who says there is no such thing as karma?
By Amanda Hay
