Tensions ran high at Scenic Rim Regional Council’s April meeting during discussion about whether a councillor should attend the Australian Local Government Association 2026 National General Assembly in Canberra.
Cr Stephen Moriarty said the motion to send a councillor was in breach of the Local Government Act, and that Mayor Tom Sharp should make the decision, according to the Act.
Cr Jennifer Sanders indicated interest in attending, however Crs Moriarty, Hay and Sharp argued that, given tight budget considerations, it was not in the public interest for a councillor to attend.
Cr Sanders attested twice that $3453 to attend was not significant.
“We’re not talking about Lear jets to Europe,” she stated.
Cr Hay questioned how much has been spent by each councillor on these types of trips.
She had asked the CEO for this information prior to the meeting but her email had not been answered.
It was also mentioned that a council officer might attend the Assembly, something councillors appeared unaware of.
This prompted Cr Duncan McInness to amend the motion, from allowing ‘councillors’ to attend to only one ‘councillor’.
Cr Cryer said any councillor should be trusted to attend, however when Cr Hay asked, none of the councillors could speak to the resolutions SRRC had submitted to the Assembly.
After an hours’s debate, the decision was that an interested councillor could attend, however it is not clear how it will be decided which councillor may attend.
TMSA funding
The future of Tamborine Mountain Sports Association is safe, following the decision by council to make a one-off payment to the embattled organisation of $30,000.
Previous approaches to council for financial support had been refused.
TMSA president, Alick Kilsby said the financial viability of the organisation is being turned around and the payment would enable them to honour current funding agreements.
“We’re happy that council has supported the new committee in the transition,” Mr Kilsby said.
“This will ensure a better future, better governance, and solvency.”
Dog keeping
An application for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use for Animal keeping at 1-9 Donald Court, Tamborine was refused.
Cr Kerri Cryer acknowledged a conflict of interest and left the room during discussions.
Councillors voted unanimously to refuse the application.
The big sign
An application for a Development Permit for a 7.9 metre sign at 165-183 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain was deferred following a motion by Cr Hay.
