FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 1 of 17
MINUTES OF THE 123R D BOARD MEETING
MONDAY 10 April 2017
Cairns Regional Council, Civic Reception Room, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns
REPR ES EN TAT IV E S: Cr Bob Manning, Mayor Cairns Regional Council
Cr John Kremastos, Mayor Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Deputy Chair Cr Peter Scott Cook Shire Council
Cr Trevor Pickering, Mayor Croydon Shire Council
Cr Julia Leu, Mayor Douglas Shire Council
Cr Warren Devlin, Mayor Etheridge Shire Council
Cr Ramon Jayo, Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Cr Mary Brown, Deputy Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Chair Cr Tom Gilmore, Mayor Mareeba Shire Council
Cr Joe Paronella, Mayor Tablelands Regional Council
Cr Desmond Tayley, Mayor Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
Cr Jack Bawden, Mayor Carpentaria Shire Council
CEO’ S : Mr John Andrejic, CEO Cairns Regional Council
Mr James Gott, CEO Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Mr Tim Cronin, CEO Cook Shire Council
Mr Bill Kerwin, Interim CEO Croydon Shire Council
Ms Linda Cardew, CEO Douglas Shire Council
Mr Norm Garsden, CEO Etheridge Shire Council
Mr Peter Franks, CEO Mareeba Shire Council
Ms Hurriyet Babacan, CEO Tablelands Regional Council
Ms Janelle Menzies, CEO Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 2 of 17
FNQR OC STA F F : Ms Darlene Irvine Executive Officer
Mr Travis Sydes Natural Asset and Sustainability
Coordinator
Ms Amanda Hancock Procurement Coordinator
OB SERV ERS : Cr Jeff Bains Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Cr Wayne Bing Chew Croydon Shire Council
Cr Jeff Norman Croydon Shire Council
The Hon. Warren Entsch MP Federal Member for Leichardt
Cr Alan Wilson Cook Shire Council
Ms Jo Stephenson DILGP
Mr Tony Goode LGAQ
Ms Jennifer Damon TMR
Ms Belinda Jones TMR
APO LO G IE S: Cr McLean Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
Mr Stephen Linnane, CEO Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
Ms Eileen Demaal-Hall, CEO Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
Mr Victor Mills Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
Cr Ross Andrews Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
2338 Chair’s Welcome & Acknowledgement Of Traditional Owners
The meeting commenced at 10:00am. Chair, Cr Tom Gilmore, Mayor Mareeba Shire Council welcomed
everyone to the meeting.
Cr Gilmore acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today and paid respects
to Elders past and present.
Cr Gilmore advised he’d recently had a meeting with Chair and Board members of Advance Cairns.
Ms Irvine & he had also met recently with staff members of Advance Cairns to discuss advocacy and
matters of common interest to develop a common view and narrative in terms of taking issues relevant to
local community going forward.
2339 Apologies
As noted above.
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 3 of 17
2340 Presentation - Cr Alan Wilson, Waste to Energy and Container Refund Scheme
Cr Gilmore introduced Cr Wilson to the meeting.
Cr Wilson provided a presentation on a landfill in Germany and their use of waste for power. Landfill used
to dispose ashes only and waste incinerated to produce power.
A copy of the presentation will be distributed with the minutes.
MP Warren Entsch arrived at 10:10am.
Following Cr Wilson’s presentation Cr Scott commented that this was potentially an opportunity
collectively which was individually unachievable.
The Hon Warren Entsch made a comment regarding:
the potential opportunity for waste from other areas being brought to the region to pay to have waste disposed at a regional incinerator facility rather than continuing to use landfill. Lots of opportunity in relation to generating income, and providing additional base load power resolving some problems in the area.
Now is the time to be working on waste to energy and stressed it is an opportunity for the region
ARENA would be excited at the prospect and looking at these types of projects.
Cr Wilson then provided information regarding the Container Scheme advising that going he was going to
a meeting next week regarding introduction to Council areas and feedback regarding benefits/issues
relating to the scheme. DEHP have sent a circular to Councils. 1 July 2018 will commence. Decision
required - will Councils operate or will private enterprise operate it? Baling & compacting main issue – Cr
Wilson is securing pricing to see if this is an option.
Meeting this afternoon with FNQ plastics re building a plant in MSC – looking at MSC as a hub as it is away
from the reef with plenty of land which is central. Cr Gilmore on side. Need to bring processing plants to
the North.
Tim Cronin arrived at 10:17am
Tony Goode & Cr Tom Gilmore left at 10:21am
Cr Bob Manning left at 10:22am
2341 Jennifer Damon, Far North Regional Transport Plan Update
Cr Gilmore introduced Ms Jennifer Damon who presented on progress of the Far North Regional Transport
Plan. Tony Good & Cr Tom Gilmore returned at 10:24am
Jo Stephenson left at 10:28am
Bill Kerwin left at 10:28am
Bill Kerwin returned at 10:32am
A copy of the PowerPoint presentation will be distributed with the minutes.
10:34 Cr Bob Manning returned.
General discussions:
Concern of covering road network require to get to Southern ports.
Technical working group made up of representatives advised by councils to participate.
Members asked Ms Damon to be flexible with the draft plan as information provided at officer level may not reflect elected member priorities.
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Query the opportunity for consultation on the draft plan – Ms Damon assured FNQROC that there would be an opportunity make a submission on the draft plan. It is likely the Director General will invite councils through a formal process and it would be beneficial if there was a collective submission from FNQROC.
The draft would be ready by the end of May 2017 with it hopefully to be release for consultation
in June/July 2017.
Bill Kerwin left at 10:43am
2342 The Hon. Warren Entsch MP
10:47am Jo Stephenson returned
10:49am Bill Kerwin returned
Lots of opportunity in the region. Waste to energy etc.
Roads & PDR – federally a problem has been identified. Unless the way in which contracts are tendered only big international companies will get the work as Tier 1. Local Government and contractors deliver a better price and they want to ensure local communities and indigenous business can tender for the work. Businesses established in this area – works being broken down into smaller chunks to ensure local contractors able to respond and benefit. This will flow onto other projects although not necessarily in the same form as each area is different. This has been a move away from the normal process and will happen across the region – PDR has been a test case. Feedback is that balance is right. Councils will benefit from this.
Re NDRRA – work in progress and focussed on Day Labour. Confident in the future of that it will be factored into the new model. If council has had a cost from 2014 please get it in and claim it.
Cr Peter Scott advised this echoed information provided by LGAQ at Local Government Elected
members session at TRC last week.
Break for morning tea 10:58am
Jennifer Damon & Belinda Jones left 11:08am
Meeting recommenced at 11:12am
2343 Confirmation Of Minutes
MOVED: Cr Bob Manning
SECOND: Cr Julia Leu
“That the minutes of the 122nd FNQROC Board Meeting held on 13 February 2017, be confirmed.”
CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES
2344 Bob Abbot’s notes to be included in the Draft FNQROC Advocacy Strategy
Cr Gilmore suggested that Mr Bob Abbots notes within the minutes should not be lost and asked for them
to be included in the advocacy strategy.
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 5 of 17
RESOLVED:
Ms Irvine to include Bob Abbot’s notes within meeting No. 122 on advocacy within the draft advocacy
strategy.
2310 Minute 2257 & 2279 – Mr Kitzelmann to forward a copy of the correspondence to FNQROC regarding the opportunity to re-link UHF repeater stations
CR Devlin confirmed not yet been able to action but will do so.
2311 Mr Sydes to update the board on the progression of minute no. 2269, strategic approach to Wildlife and animal management across the region
Mr Sydes gave and update and referred to pages 27 – 33 of the agenda.
Cr Desmond Tayley returned 11:17am
John Andrejic left 11:20am
General discussion:
It was queried regarding Asian Honey Bees being private contractor – Mr Sydes advised that the State had moved away from the Asian Honey bee and was only interested if they contained the Varroa mite.
It was queried if it was mandatory that local governments have to produce biosecurity plans and if so, if that was still required if we have our regional one. Mr Sydes advised that it is mandatory however there is no restriction on the timeline (previously 4 years), nor does it need community consultation or ministerial sign off. Regionally our approach has always been for:
o partnerships/collaboration with partner agencies
o regional prioritisation process and
o communication strategy
however a region wide master list of priorities was too challenging and not workable given
diversity of the region – councils needed to have flexibility to reflect their unique need through
their local plans – they are however being undertaken in a regionally consistent manner to ensure
alignment and process is the same.
Jo Stephenson left 11:26am
Cr Kremastos advised he was happy with the progress to date and going forward and Cr Gilmore thanked
Travis for the report.
Cr Jayo advised we need to push back and correct state government releases insinuating local government
as the responsible agent for certain animals such as bats so the public are correctly informed.
Mr Sydes asked for councils to nominate the appropriate personnel to attend the 1st workshop to develop
the draft policy for FNQROC consideration.
2345 ACTION: Councils to nominate appropriate personnel from Natural Asset Management, Local
Laws and Community engagement for a one off workshop to develop the draft FNQROC policy
“Strategic Approach to wildlife and Animal Management across the region.
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2317 Minute 2295b - FNQROC to prepare a pre-budget submission to the state and federal government.
Ms Irvine advised that the draft document included within the last agenda had been amended to include
Tablelands funding ask and the document has been used by Cr Gilmore.
2318A FNQROC to extend an invitation to the new minister for local government, the hon. Mark Furner to attend the next FNQROC board meeting to be held 10 April 2017
Ms Irvine advised that this had been done however we have an issue in that Cabinet meets on Mondays
and despite their desire to attend it proves difficult.
2318B FNQROC to extend an invitation to the shadow minister for local government, Mr Andrew Powell to attend the FNQROC board meeting to be held 12 June 2017
Ms Irvine advised that this had been done however we again have an issue with Cabinet meetings on
Mondays and despite their desire to attend it proves difficult.
2320 FNQROC requests LGAQ to raise at the next LGAQ planning & development advisory committee meeting the planning and regulatory issues for ‘shared accommodation’ services such as Airbnb and Stayz and consider whether further guidance or documented best practice approaches should be developed.
Ms Irvine advised that the LGAQ Planning and Development Advisory committee met 24 February and as a
result the Secretariat (LGAQ) is to prepare a summary of the NSW report for distribution to members;
Members to consider and identify council’s position/approach – not just as a planning position, and noted
Douglas Shire Council is on a working group (National) to consider the matter.
Cr Lue advised she is on the Australian Coastal Councils Executive and has raised the issue with them. A
survey had been sent out to councils and Cr Leu is to do a presentation at their conference (1st week of
May). She has asked member for information or points to raise.
Discussion regarding policing of identified ‘party houses’. Cr Scott advised CSC put a notice in the local
paper. Early notification to police enables police to warn householders and then manage and respond
(possible confiscation) earlier if a complaint is received.
2322 Mr Sydes to liaise with councils affected by crocodiles and support them with issues, needs and direction going forward
Statewide Queensland crocodile plan released mid-March. Essentially it simply combined all the plans in
one and moved from a 3 zone management system to a 6 zone management system. Not massively
different from before but does identify some additional strategies for managing beach areas.
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It is a moving feast, attended croc wise roundtable however the roundtable was supposed to only talk
about the new communication strategy about crocodile safety etc. Mr Sydes handed round internal
promotional material from the department.
What came across at the workshop was there are still a number of issues with the plan. We are still in the
process of working out our regional position – we are all agreed on the need for everyone to stay safe but
how do we consolidate a plan and response? A universal cull very unlikely even is passed through QLD
parliament it would need to be federally accepted and then international legislation which would be
unlikely.
Currently awaiting on results of state survey – we are very mindful that the census process has been very
sporadic and the survey is not based on consistent baseline it will still be difficult to really understand the
extent of the issues. Local Government is not the responsible agent for managing crocs nor do we want to
be however we do have a role in education but we need to be cautious of that and we should be mindful
when putting forward a regional position. Very complex issue on a range of levels; ecologically, economic
and social issues as well.
Cr Gilmore asked Travis to keep a watching brief and provide an update at the next meeting. Any
comments from the Board please liaise with Travis.
Cr Manning left at 11:43am
Cr Scott advised it an important issue for Mayors given impact on community.
Additional discussions included:
No consultation process with our aboriginal shires and zoning issues.
Lack of zone provisions for the Endeavour River. Feedback is that this is just the framework and will be flexible to address the issues when raised.
Key takeaway was how long it will take for anything to come out there does not seem to be any real timeline.
Circulated draft leaflet however there was a very short timeframe for response given Easter break.
We need to have more input into the timeline.
Need to bring State to the table as opposed to responded to their calls
Katter party has sent an email calling for a public meeting to discuss proposed cull at Mareeba, Innisfail and Port Douglas.
John Andrejic returned 11:48am
Cr John Kremastos is concerned, Innisfail zoning has changed from B to C which has implications. Zone C requires EHP to identify the croc to deem it a confirmed siting and before action is taken. This is an issue as by the time EHP gets there the croc has gone, therefore no action taken. For zone A & B anyone can report it and it is deemed a confirmed siting.
All activities involving water (lifesaving, nippers, etc.) are reducing in numbers as it is being deemed too risky by potential participants
Need to take a stronger stance and ask government to reconsider their options.
Hinchinbrook has to shut beach yesterday.
Warning is not sufficient we need to be more proactive.
Hinchinbrook will be putting money into budget to disprove the count if they do not think the survey numbers are accurate.
We are pro tourism and we invest significant funding into this and crocodiles are having an effect.
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2346
MOVED: Cr Warren Devlin
SECONDED: Cr Raymond Jayo
That FNQROC write to both State and Federal ministers outlining our concerns regarding crocodiles and
the management of them within our region.
CARRIED
2347
RESOLVED:
Mr Sydes to draft a position paper for Councils regarding crocodiles for discussion.
2323A FNQROC to extend an invitation to the Hon. Warren Entsch to attend the next FNQROC board meeting 10th April 2017 to discuss NDRRA funding.
Completed.
2323B FNQROC commence social and economic study of the impacts of NDRRA through Cummings Economics
Ms Irvine advised that this had commenced.
2331 FNQROC to organise the State Strategic and Operational Plan workshop for Monday 13 March 2017
Completed
2333A LGAQ to follow up and seek confirmation regarding the Works for Queensland program and the ability to transfer funds across projects and the conflicting information received regarding level of detail required to be provided
LGAQ have not provided advice as yet.
Mr Franks and Ms Menzies commented that they were able to move funds between existing projects.
Ms Babacan advised that for Tablelands, they advised the department and they requested a new project
plan be resubmitted for approval. It was then approved to move $80,000 from one project to another.
Peter Franks confirmed Janelle’s comment that funds can be moved between existing projects.
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2333B FNQROC to invite Tony Goode from LGAQ to attend the next FNQROC Board meeting to discuss the Local Government Award with Mayors and CEO’s
Completed – out of session workshop will be held today at 1.30pm
BOARD STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
2348 Draft Advocacy Strategy
Feedback to bring in Bob Abbot’s advocacy actions contained in meeting No. 122
Need to identify how we can push our message. ALGA conference accepted goes to COAG. State
Government champions need contact points etc. Ideally would like to see this within our strategy
document. Add this as an appendix to the strategy.
RESOLVED:
Ms Irvine to include Bob Abbot’s points to the advocacy strategy and include an appendix to identify
options to push our message.
Bill Kerwin left at 12:12
2349 Draft Goals for Consideration
The board considered the draft documents presented.
It was acknowledged that as a council/s had written the paper they may not have captured each member’s needs.
We need decent figures to back up statements. Can we put facts and figures around statements
made? Data needs to be added to the elevator speech.
RESOLVED:
Ms Irvine to work with Dr John Martin to:
a. Better reflect the region within the elevator notes, and
b. Obtain regional consistency (how they are written, look and feel) between each of the elevator
notes.
2350 Proforma Terms of Reference
Bill Kerwin returned 12:15am
Ms Irvine advised members that a proforma terms of Reference had been drafted based on discussions at
our March 13 meeting on the future of our technical committees. The draft proforma would be our
minimum stance and that each committee will have some modifications based on need. Ms Irvine had
included within the agenda those proposed modifications to existing committees based on their request
and closing out current projects.
Discussion:
It was queried why no minutes. Ms Irvine advised that at the workshop (13 March) it was discussed how we could reduce the administration burden and at the time it was felt that perhaps at these meetings we didn’t need to record everything and that records should be kept by
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 10 of 17
exception i.e. reporting back to the board on directed projects or where the committee would like the board to be informed. We could keep attendance records to keep track of the relevance of these committees.
Ms Irvine also provided some commentary around quorums – with 13 councils now members of
FNQROC obtaining a quorum (8 councils) at technical committee meetings may not always be
achieved – especially when you have the one officer potentially attending a number of them. A
quorum would be required for project specific actions and that quorum would be 50%+1 of the
participating councils.
No objections were raised on these two points.
It was suggested that for number of meetings, it was amended to include ‘up to’ x number of
meetings.
RESOLVED:
a. That with the exception of the Water Alliance, all technical committee amendments be accepted;
b. That the meeting times include the wording ‘up to’; and
c. Ms Irvine sends a list of Council Officers currently sitting on technical committees to the CEO’s to
confirm they are the appropriate officers to represent their council on these committees to
undertake the projects identified.
BOARD DIRECTED PROJECTS
2351 Strategic Approach to Wildlife and Animal Management
Update given within business arising.
2352 Cummings Economics – Social and Economic Impacts of NDRRA
Cummings economics have been engaged and the project has commenced.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
2353 No. 20 – Regional Economic Data Proposal
The proposal was discussed:
The accuracy of the data was queried, noting that ABS data could be 4 years old.
Members would love to have a suite of data on which they could rely
It was acknowledged that the State and Federal governments were using this ABS data
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 11 of 17
Can they develop their data sets further, can they incroproate different data panels to provide us with a more accurate breakdown, this said, if they cand do that it is still worth having in the absence of anything else. Our advocacy is evidence based and we don’t have sufficient evidence at the moment.
DSC have found it useful – particularly for grant funding. Data is also on the website which businesses find useful.
It is thought some data is better than no data, if the data is perceived as being credible and realistic that is half the battle.
Peter Franks left 12:39pm
RESOLVED:
Ms Irvine to invite Economy i.d to present at the next FNQROC Board meeting 12 June.
Peter Franks returned 12:42pm
CORRESPONDANCE
2354 Letter from Cassowary Coast Regional Council regarding proliferation of Telecommunication facilities
Discussion regarding telecommunication facilities.
Concern was raised about the number of towers being erected within Cassowary Coast and queried why service providers were not sharing infrastructure – each seemed to be building their own.
Looking to apply pressure to share services – Telstra tower could also host Optus.
Need to find out background to this issue and what we can do.
Agreed it would be sensible to get more information on this particular issue before proceeding further.
RESOLVED:
Mr Tony Goode to identify if LGAQ have any information to share with FNQROC on the issue of
telecommunication facilities and retail service providers building their own rather than sharing
infrastructure.
2355 Membership request from Carpentaria Shire Council
MOVED: Cr Tom Gilmore
SECONDED: Cr Joe Paronella
That FNQROC welcome Carpentaria Shire Council as a member.
CARRIED
Tim Cronin returned 12:49pm
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2356 Profit and Loss and Balance sheet for the financial year to date.
MOVED: Cr John Kremastos
SECOND: Cr Peter Scott
“That the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet for the current financial year to date be accepted.”
CARRIED
MINUTES OF MEETINGS
2357 Meetings Attending by Executive Officer
Noted
2358 Technical Committee Meeting Minutes
Noted
2359 Natural Asset Management – Notes to Board
Noted and discussed:
Staffing levels of Biosecurity Officers which usually number 5.5FTE are currently at 2 officers. 1 position is
expected to filled shortly, one is a short term secondments, the 0.5 and senior position out of Mareeba
will not be filled in the near future leaving a capacity gap.
Vacancies in BQ have direct impacts on LG capacity in routine programs such as 1080 baiting and rapid
response to new issues. All service levels are diminished by remaining staff attempting to service all the
region’s needs.
RESOLVED:
That FNQROC send a letter to Biosecurity with our concerns regarding the impacts of vacancies on the region.
2356 Waste and Recycling Committee
Noted the committee’s proposal from Arcardis report:
Short term recommendations from report:
Wanting to progress with regional data and consistent definitions
Wanting to progressing with education opportunities
Remaining 8 short term priorities are divided into:
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 13 of 17
o Waiting on CRS
o EHP driving through State infrastructure report and or Stage 2, and Industry already driving
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2357 Regional Water Alliance
Noted and discussed the committee’s question and proposal:
a. Clarification is requested regarding FNQROC participation in QWRAP post 30 June 2017.
b. Seek comments from the FNQROC Board on the preliminary draft direction forward (to be drafted by Graham O’Byrne by 31 March and sent to the committee for comments prior)
It was noted that a preliminary draft direction forward was not drafted for the Boards consideration.
Ms Irvine advised the board that Qld Water Regional Alliance Program (QWRAP) was a joint arrangement between the State and LGAQ. Currently there is $600k in funding available across the State to undertake QWRAP projects – that is joint council projects related to urban water supply.
FNQROC currently receives $30,000 to coordinate within this region but regional projects needed to be undertaken as a result of receiving this funding.
She clarified that you do not have to be a member of QWRAP to access funding for Water and Sewer projects – the $600k was specifically for joint council operational projects.
It was noted by one council that historically we considered this in Innisfail and at that time resolved that we would not participate in a joint arrangement for urban water.
The reasoning for QWRAP was queried.
Cairns advised that it was preparing to set up a number of QWRAPs
RESOLVED:
FNQROC requests an appropriate representative from LGAQ to discuss participation within QWRAP at
the next meeting 12 June 2017 prior to making a decision on our participation post 30 June 2017.
COUNCIL UPDATES BY EXCEPTION
Cr Devlin introduced Mr Norm Garsden, CEO of Etheridge Shire Council and advised that he would like to
give an update at the next FNQROC Board meeting.
Cr Scott acknowledged that there was no RRTG meeting today and sought an update re Herbert River
Bridge, noting they had to move $400k works - community issues noted. Ms Babacan advised despite
consulting with the community and the community agreeing to this time, the water was not a high as the
community expected and they were still trading (cattle movement, staff movement and camping over
Easter) causing negative feedback from the community when they proceeded with the work.
Cr Jack Bawden thanked FNQROC for welcoming Carpentaria Shire as a member.
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LGAQ POLICY EXECUTIVE UPDATE
A copy of the LGAQ Policy Executive distributed prior to the meeting.
Mr Tony Goode provided an update.
Advised that LGAQ was also working on a data lake and putting a lot of investment into this as well as the
possibility of employing a data scientist - may be worthwhile to get Greg Hallam to present on the subject.
GENERAL BUSINESS
2358 ALGA Conference
Cr Scott advised of an opportunity to support the submission on power costs submitted by Queensland
Energy Users Network (QEUN). Cr Scott will keep a watching brief and ask FNQROC to send as a Flying
Minute if /when action required.
2359 Native Title
Cr Scott advised that Native Title is delaying/stopping potential development of essential infrastructure
and development.
MP Warren Entsch advised this was progressing via the Australian White Paper.
This would be another watching brief.
2360 Board Meetings
After a brief discussion agreed this will remain as is.
2361 Decommissioned Wash Down Bays
Cr Wilson advised they cannot continue to run the wash down bay at Lakeland - would like support to
lobby State Government to take over.
Discussion included:
Mount Surprise – Cr Devlin advised that their bay is currently decommissioned – it has not been in operation for 6 months. However they would be getting it back up and running when the irrigation project gets underway. Their community used it regularly and encourage trucks to go through it before entering their property.
It is necessary but expensive (clean pits, must to Springmount, sprays being changed to wash-down trucks.
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 122 Monday 13 February 2017 Page 16 of 17
It appeared unfair that one (generally with a low rate base) council was responsible for these assets which serviced an area greater than their local government. They either need compensation for the service or for the State to take it over.
Cr Scott was concern about how effective they really are - if we were to continue he would like to better understand the effectiveness of it. If it is effective, we would need to ask the State to support at 50% or more of the costs.
Cr Pickering advised he feels the design needs to be better – he has a bad experience of using one.
Cr Scott proposed that a letter is written to the State government.
Mr Sydes advised that there had been lots of research due to coal seam gas operations and Panama disease etc. Looks like the systems in place are historic – Regional Weed Spread Management strategy to be reviewed this year. Need to understand the assets that needs protecting, where are the strategic places, how do we manage it given that it is a state wide benefit – lots of considerations.
All agreed this should be a State Government responsibility.
Cr Paronella advised that TRC are planning to put in an additional 2 wash down bays on top of the 2 bays currently in place. They are concerned and wish to limit the spread of invasive weeds in their area.
Cr Gilmore advised that as we have Councils affected we write a letter to the State setting out the
issues.
RESOLVED:
FNQROC to send correspondence to the State outlining the issues with regard to wash down bays within
our region.
Next meeting date: - 12 June 2017 in Cairns commencing at 10am
Meeting Close: 1:37pm
………………………………….
Cr Tom Gilmore
Chair
ACTION ITEMS
Minute Number
Action Responsible Person(s)
2344 Ms Irvine to include Bob Abbot’s notes within meeting No. 122 on advocacy within the draft advocacy strategy.
Ms. Irvine
2345
Councils to nominate appropriate personnel from Natural Asset Management, Local Laws and Community engagement for a one off workshop to develop the draft FNQROC policy “Strategic Approach to wildlife and Animal Management across the region.
Member Councils
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2346 That FNQROC write to both State and Federal ministers outlining our concerns regarding crocodiles and the management of them within our region.
Ms. Irvine / Mr. Sydes
2347 Mr Sydes to draft a position paper for councils regarding crocodiles for discussion.
Ms. Irvine / Mr. Sydes
2348 Ms Irvine to include Bob Abbot’s points to the advocacy strategy and include an appendix to identify options to push our message.
Ms. Irvine
2349
Ms Irvine to work with Dr John Martin to: a. Better reflect the region within the elevator notes, and b. Obtain regional consistency (how they are written, look and
feel) between each of the elevator notes.
Ms. Irvine / Dr. John Martin
2350
a. That with the exception of the Water Alliance, all technical committee amendments be accepted;
b. That the meeting times include the wording ‘up to’; and
c. Ms Irvine sends a list of Council Officers currently sitting on technical committees to the CEO’s to confirm they are the appropriate officers to represent their council on these committees to undertake the projects identified.
Ms. Irvine / Member councils CEO’s
2353 Ms Irvine to invite Economy i.d to present at the next FNQROC Board meeting 12 June.
Ms. Irvine / Ms. Schmidt
2354
Mr Tony Goode to identify if LGAQ have any information to share with FNQROC on the issue of telecommunication facilities and retail service providers building their own rather than sharing infrastructure.
Mr. Goode
2357
FNQROC requests an appropriate representative from LGAQ to discuss participation within QWRAP at the next meeting 12 June 2017 prior to making a decision on our participation post 30 June 2017.
Mr. Goode
2359 That FNQROC send a letter to Biosecurity with our concerns regarding the impacts of vacancies on the region. Ms. Irvine / Mr. Sydes
2361 FNQROC to send correspondence to the State outlining the issues with regard to wash down bays within our region.
Ms. Irvine / Mr. Sydes