minutes of ordinary meeting - 11 october 2017

MINUTES

of the

ORDINARY MEETING

CHAIRMAN: Cr MW Curran (Mayor)

Held in the Boardroom

Town Hall

2 Caledonian Hill

Gympie Qld 4570

On Wednesday, 11 October 2017

At 9am

Ordinary Meeting Minutes 11 October 2017 1

Gympie Regional Council

Gympie Regional Council ORDINARY

Mayor MW Curran (Chairman)

Crs MA McDonald, GC Hartwig, MS Gear, DW Dodt, DH Stewart, HT Smerdon,

WR Leitch and JK Cochrane

CONTENTS:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 3

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS ............................................................................... 3

SECTION 1: OPEN WITH PRAYER .................................................................................................. 3

SECTION 2: APOLOGIES / LEAVE OF ABSENCE ............................................................................ 3

SECTION 3: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES .................................................................................. 3

SECTION 4: PETITIONS ................................................................................................................... 5

4.1 PETITION - AMAMOOR TIP HOURS ............................................................................................................................................ 5

4.2 PETITION - MARY VALLEY TRANSFER STATION OPERATING HOURS ..................................................................................... 6

SECTION 5: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT .............................................................................. 7

5.1 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HIGH IMPACT INDUSTRY (EXTENSION TO

EXISTING ENGINEERING WORKSHOP) AT 532 UPPER WIDGEE ROAD, WIDGEE................................................................... 7

5.2 UPDATE ON SOUTHSIDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AREA .......................................................................................................... 39

SECTION 6: CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ........................................................... 45

6.1 PROPOSED RENEWAL OF TRUSTEE AGISTMENT LEASE - LOT 39 MCH4838 - WOLVI MOUNTAIN ROAD,

WOLVI ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

6.2 PROPOSED RENEWAL OF FREEHOLD LEASE TO COUNCIL - PART OF LOT 1 RP197493 - 402 WOLVI

MOUNTAIN ROAD, WOLVI........................................................................................................................................................ 48

6.3 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - MANAGEMENT OF GYMPIE SALEYARDS CANTEEN ................................................................ 51

6.4 RADF REPORT TO COUNCIL ..................................................................................................................................................... 53

6.5 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANTS ......................................................................................................................................... 59

SECTION 7: OFFICE OF THE CEO .................................................................................................. 66

7.1 NOTIFIED MOTION - REPORTS TO COUNCIL .......................................................................................................................... 66

7.2 NOTIFIED MOTION - OPERATIONAL EXPENSES ...................................................................................................................... 68

7.3 NOTIFIED MOTION - WASTE MANAGEMENT ......................................................................................................................... 71

7.4 NOTIFIED MOTION - PREMISES FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISATION .................................................................................... 72

SECTION 8: INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES ................................................................................... 77

SECTION 9: ATTACHMENTS......................................................................................................... 78 5.1 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HIGH IMPACT INDUSTRY (EXTENSION TO EXISTING

ENGINEERING WORKSHOP) AT 532 UPPER WIDGEE ROAD, WIDGEE

ATTACHMENT 1 2016-0797 WIDGEE ENGINEERING - PUBLIC NOTIFICATION ATTACHMENT ............................. 79



5.2 UPDATE ON SOUTHSIDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AREA

ATTACHMENT 1 TEMPORARY LOCAL PLANNING INSTRUMENT 1 – SOUTHSIDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

AREA ..................................................................................................................................................... 83

6.5 COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE GRANTS

ATTACHMENT 1 GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS ROUND 1, 2017/2018 .................................................................. 95

ATTACHMENT 3 INFORMATION RE: ROUND 2, 2017/2018 ..................................................................................... 96



The meeting commenced at 9.01am.

PRESENT: Mayor Cr MW Curran (Chairman), Crs MA McDonald, GC Hartwig,

MS Gear, DW Dodt, DH Stewart, HT Smerdon, WR Leitch and

JK Cochrane.

Also in attendance were Chief Executive Officer (Mr BJ Smith), Director

Corporate and Community Services (Ms P Gordon), Acting Director

Infrastructure Services (Mr L O’Brien), Director Planning & Development

(Ms G Vereker), Manager Development and Compliance

(Mrs T Stenholm), Senior Officer Planning (Ms S McCormick) Manager

Property (Mrs D Jenkins), Senior Officer Community Development

(Ms N Schellback), Community Development Officer Administration

(Mrs E Cummings) and Minutes Clerk (Ms T Condon).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Cr Stewart gave the following acknowledgement:

Let me acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we

meet today, I pay my respects to the elders of the past, present and

emerging.

Disclosur e of Inter ests by C ouncillors

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS

M04/10/17 – Material Personal Interest – Cr GC Hartwig

M05/10/17 – Material Personal Interest – Cr JK Cochrane

Section 1: Open with Pr ayer

SECTION 1: OPEN WITH PRAYER

Pastor Scott Lucas from the Cooloola Wesleyan Methodist Church

offered a prayer for the advancement of the region and the true welfare

of its people.

One Minute’s silence for family and friends of deceased residents of the

region.

Section 2: Apologies / Leave of Absence

SECTION 2: APOLOGIES / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Section 3: Confirmati on of Minutes



SECTION 3: CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

M01/10/17 Moved Cr DH Stewart Seconded Cr MA McDonald

That the Minutes of the Gympie Regional Council Ordinary Meeting held

on 20 September 2017 be taken as read and confirmed.

Carried

FOR: Cr MW Curran, Cr MA McDonald, Cr WR Leitch, Cr JK Cochrane,

Cr DW Dodt, Cr MS Gear, Cr GC Hartwig, Cr HT Smerdon and Cr DH Stewart

AGAINST: Nil



Section 4: Petitions

SECTION 4: PETITIONS 4.1 Peti tion - Amamoor Tip H ours

4.1 Petition - Amamoor Tip Hours

PORTFOLIO: Infrastructure Services

DIRECTORATE: Office of the CEO

DOC ID: 1957031

1. REPORT

Petition received with 149 Signatories.

“We the undersigned respectfully petition the Gympie Regional Council to:

1. Increase the Amamoor Tip hours from the current service level of 12 hours a

week, which was reduced on 1st July 2017 from 7 days a week.

2. Note that the reduced hours at Amamoor Tip are not acceptable to the

community and that the current operations do not provide a satisfactory or

reasonable level of essential community service.

3. Note community concerns that this significant decrease in service levels to

Amamoor Community and the Mary Valley in general will also increase the

level of illegal dumping in our region.”

M02/10/17 Moved Cr JK Cochrane Seconded Cr GC Hartwig

That the Petition be received and tabled for consideration at a future

ordinary meeting.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



4.2 Peti tion - M ar y Valley Trans fer Stati on Oper ati ng Hours

4.2 Petition - Mary Valley Transfer Station Operating Hours



DOC ID: 1957034

1. REPORT

Petition received with 837 signatories.

“We the undersigned respectfully petition the Gympie Regional Council to:

Reinstate the original Mary Valley Transfer Station (Imbil Tip) operating hours to

those prior to the changes made on the 1st July 2017

This petition advises that the reduction of the Imbil Tip hours to 22 a week is not

acceptable to the community and that the current operations do not provide a

satisfactory or reasonable level of essential community service to the Mary

Valley region, its businesses and its residents.

Given the closure of surrounding tips resulting in a loss of 224 operating hours,

the Imbil Tip usage will automatically increase and its hours need to , at the very

least, remain as they were and not be reduced.”

M03/10/17 Moved Cr JK Cochrane Seconded Cr HT Smerdon

That the petition be received and tabled for consideration at a future

ordinary meeting.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



Section 5: Planni ng and D evel opment

SECTION 5: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 5.1 D evel opment Application for M aterial C hang e of Use - Hig h Impact Industr y (Extensi on to Existi ng Engineering Wor kshop) at 532 Upper Wi dgee R oad, Wi dgee

5.1 Development Application for Material Change of Use - High Impact

Industry (Extension to Existing Engineering Workshop) at 532

Upper Widgee Road, Widgee

MATERIAL PERSONAL INTEREST

In accordance with Section 172 of the Local Government Act 2009;

Cr Hartwig declared a Material Personal Interest in Minute M04/10/17

as he operates a business within the same industry as the applicant.

Cr Hartwig left the meeting at 9.09am.

PORTFOLIO: Planning and Development

DIRECTORATE: Planning and Development

DOC ID: 2016-0797

LINKS TO CORPORATE/OPERATIONAL PLAN

STRATEGIC THEMES:

3. Our Organisation – accountable, responsive, efficient and innovative

1. BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION

Executive Summary

The application seeks retrospective approval for a significant

intensification of an existing engineering workshop on Upper Widgee

Road, Widgee.

The business was originally approved at 216m2 in 1993 but has grown

exponentially in scale without the required planning approvals to 5,925m2

(current). The applicant has expanded the development significantly

beyond its original land use approval and has not obtained building or

plumbing approvals for parts of the expansion.

The development site and surrounding area is located within the Rural

Zone.

The closest dwelling house is approximately 288 metres from the very

southern edge of the existing fabricating shed utilised for steel

sandblasting and painting.

The Development Application was publically advertised and a total of 60

submissions were received. Some of the submissions raise valid planning

issues about the negative amenity impacts of the proposal on nearby

properties and the inappropriateness of the development in the Rural

Zone.



The application is considered to be contrary to elements within the

Strategic Framework of the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme

2013 (Planning Scheme).

The subject site is zoned Rural in the Planning Scheme where high impact

industry is generally not intended to be located.

The proposal is in conflict with the purpose of the Rural Zone and the

overall outcomes of the Rural Zone Code.

Two (2) noise reports were submitted by the applicant as part of the

application and Council’s independent peer review of these reports

identifies a number of shortcomings, including that the mitigation

measures provided are generic and may not be applicable for the subject

site. The report further indicates that predicted noise levels are likely to

exceed the background creep noise at three (3) sensitive receivers (i.e.

houses). Any approval of the development will therefore result in

continuing noise impacts and subsequent ongoing compliance issues for

Council.

Significant works would be necessary should Council consider the

approval of the application, including installation of an on-site stormwater

management system and upgrading of external roads. Ideally, enclosing

of the existing workshops should also be imposed to assist in reducing the

impact of noise emissions at noise sensitive receptors. However, the

practicality of ensuring adequate ventilation within the closed workshop

would also need consideration. All of these works, particularly upgrading

of the on-site stormwater management system, external roadways and

ventilation of existing buildings should they be enclosed, may likely

present a significant financial impost on the business.

In the absence of sufficient planning grounds to justify the non-

compliance with Council’s Planning Scheme, the application cannot be

recommended for approval.

2. REPORT

SUMMARY SHEET

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applicant: Widgee Engineering

Proposal Material Change of Use – High Impact

Industry (Extension to Existing

Engineering Workshop)

Properly Made Date: 31/05/2016

Information Request Date: 17/06/2016

Information Response Received

Date:

16/09/2016

Public Notification Stage ended 18/10/2016

Number of Submissions: 60 (4 objections, 56 in support)

PROPERTY DETAILS

Division: 6

Property Address: 532 Upper Widgee Road, Widgee

RP Description Lot 1 RP199738

Land Area: 20.55ha

Existing use of Land: Engineering workshop



STATUTORY DETAILS

Planning Scheme: Gympie Regional Council 2013

Planning Zone/Precinct: Rural

Overlays: Bushfire Hazard (Medium &

High)/Conservation Significant

Assessment Type: Impact

Figure 1 - Subject Land

Figure 2(a) - Aerial Photo 2014 – Development Site



Figure 2(b) - Aerial Photo 2014 – Development Site from Gympie CBD

Figure 2(c) - Aerial Photo 2014 – Development Footprint

2.1 Purpose

Gympie

CBD

Subject Site



The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s determination of an application

for a material change of use for high impact industry to expand an existing

engineering workshop in Widgee.

2.2 The Proposal

The proposed development is most appropriately defined under the current

Planning Scheme as ‘High Impact Industry’. Widgee Engineering indicates it

employs 16 employees and provides the following services:

Fabrication of Structural Steel Work;

Sandblasting; and

Transport with Extendable 22 metre Rhino Trailer.

By way of the subject Development Application, the applicant has requested

approval for:

Office Building (GFA: 145m2);

Open covered workshop (Total Use Area (TUA): 1 060m2);

Three (3) Shipping Containers (TUA: 295m2);

Shed (GFA: 850m2);

Metal Stockpiles (TUA: 3 575m2);

A proposed total use area for the development of 5,925m2.

There are two (2) access driveways proposed from Upper Widgee Road, one

(1) in close proximity to the northern boundary for employees, external

company representatives and visitors and one (1) traversing the site in the

middle of the eastern boundary for heavy vehicles only (refer to Figure 7 (a)).

The applicant has proposed an unsealed car parking area to accommodate 26

car parking spaces.

The applicant has advised the traffic movements for the use include a

maximum of ten (10) employee vehicles (based on car-pooling) and one (1) to

two (2) medium rigid/HC heavy combination vehicles per week. The applicant

has further stated the amount of night transport since October 2015 has

consisted of 11 loads requiring a pilot escort between the hours of midnight

to 6am.

The applicant has proposed landscaping of a minimum width of 3.5m

(exclusive of the access driveways) along Upper Widgee Road to visually

screen the development from the surrounding area. A landscaping plan

detailing the proposed landscape strip has been submitted with the

Development Application (Figure 3 (i)).

The applicant has nominated the following hours of operation:

Monday to Friday: 7.00am – 6.00pm

Saturday: 8.00am – 1.00pm

The hours of operation were recently amended from those originally

submitted, in addition to reducing the number of employees from 32 to 16

(four (4) office staff and 12 boiler makers). In the original application, the

applicant has stated the business intended to operate outside of these hours

‘occasionally’.



Figure 3(a) – Proposal Plan (Site Plan)

Figure 3(b) – Proposal Plan (Below ground hopper blaster room)



Figure 3(c) – Proposal Plan (Below ground hopper concept)

Figure 3(d) – Proposal Plan (Floor Plan – Building A)



Figure 3(e) – Proposal Plan (Floor Plan – Building B)

Figure 3(f) – Proposal Plan (Elevations – Building A)



Figure 3(g) – Proposal Plan (Elevations – Building A)

Figure 3(h) – Proposal Plan (Elevations – Building B)



Figure 3(i) – Proposal Plan (Landscaping Plan)

2.2.2 Site Description

The subject site is described as Lot 1 RP199738 and situated at 532 Upper

Widgee Road, Widgee.

The site is 20.55ha in size and zoned Rural under the Gympie Regional Council

2013 Planning Scheme (Planning Scheme). It is further identified under the

Planning Scheme overlay maps as having bushfire hazard (medium and high)

prone land and contains conservation significant areas.

Aerial photography (refer to Figure 2(a)) demonstrates that the site is mainly

cleared of vegetation in the eastern portion of the site close to Upper Widgee

Road. The western portion of the site is densely vegetated. The subject site

ranges in height from 135m AHD at the road frontage and rises up to 245m

AHD in the south-western corner of the site.

Since 1993 the eastern side of the property has been used as an engineering

workshop. On the western side of the development site is an existing dwelling

house, associated shed structures and swimming pool. An electricity easement

also traverses through the eastern portion of the development site.

2.2.3 Site History

The existing engineering workshop had a development approval (DA30) for

Land Use (Engineering Workshop) granted on 10 September 1993 by the

former Kilkivan Shire Council (KSC). The approved gross floor area (GFA) was

216m2.

The proposal was approved subject to conditions requiring power supply to

the workshop, vegetation screening, access and parking area construction.

With the exception of a written certification from the Wide Bay Burnett

Electricity Board (power supply), there is no evidence documented to



demonstrate the applicant has complied with the conditions of approval. A

site inspection confirms that conditions relating to access, parking and

vegetation screening have not been implemented.

Figure 4(a) – Approved Site Plan (DA30 – Engineering Workshop)

Figure 4(b) – Approved 3D Plan (DA30 – Engineering Workshop)

The site was also the subject of a Building Permit No 91/93 for Workshop

Shed (216m2) and Septic Tank Approval 46/93 issued by KSC on 8 September

1993.

The application states that over the past 23 years the business has diversified

from general engineering to specialising in structural steel work for the

commercial sector to accommodate demand in the construction industry

Australia wide. Through the diversification process the business has physically



grown unlawfully without obtaining required planning, building and plumbing

development approvals with the exception of the following:

DA06062 – Building Work (Abrasive Blasting Shed): Issued by KSC on 30

July 2007; and

2011-0255 (Material Change of Use – Environmentally Relevant Activity -

#17 (Abrasive Blasting): Issued by Gympie Regional Council on 23 March

2011.

Figure 5(a) – Aerial Photography Rural 2010

Figure 5(b) – Aerial Photography Rural 2014

2.2.4 Surrounding Land Uses

The surrounding land uses are rural in nature and include dense forestry to the

west and the grazing of animals. The rural allotments range in size from

15.08ha up to 555.22ha. The closest house is approximately 288 metres from

the very southern edge of the existing fabricating shed utilised for steel

sandblasting and painting.



To the north-east of the development site is the township of Widgee, while

the subject land is 20.58km west of the Bruce Highway and 26.87km west of

the centre of Gympie.

2.3 Assessment

2.3.1 Framework for Assessment

Instruments for Statutory Assessment

Under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) the application must be

assessed against each of the following statutory planning instruments to the

extent they are relevant to the development:

State Planning Policies;

Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan;

State Planning Regulatory Provisions; and

the Planning Scheme for the local government area.

Of these, the statutory planning instruments relevant to this application are

discussed in the sections that follow.

2.3.2 State Instruments – State and Other

State Planning Policies

The Queensland Government established the State Planning Policy (SPP) in

December 2013 to simplify and clarify matters of state interest in land use

planning and development.

In accordance with Part E interim development assessment provisions of the

SPP, there are three (3) codes triggered and addressed below:

Biodiversity

The subject site is identified under the new SPP mapping as being subject to

Matters of State Environmental Significance (MSES) – Regulated Vegetation

(intersecting a water course) and MSES – Regulated Vegetation.

Figure 6 - SPP Interactive Mapping System (DA): Biodiversity (Regulated

vegetation – intersecting a watercourse)

The areas mapped as remnant vegetation (intersecting a watercourse) on the

site are located from the middle to the western portion of the allotment. These



areas are also mapped as conservation significant areas in the current Planning

Scheme. The proposed extensions to the engineering workshop are located

approximately 278m to the east of the mapped conservation significant areas.

The applicant does not propose to clear any further vegetation on the site

than that which has already occurred.

Water Quality

The subject site is identified under the SPP as being in a climatic region

requiring stormwater management design. As the proposal is a material

change of use for urban purposes with a site area of more than 2,500m2,

assessment against these provisions is required.

A levee bank has been constructed on the western side of the fabricating

sheds and metal stockpile areas to prevent stormwater runoff through these

areas. The runoff from the levee bank is directed to Upper Widgee Road and

the resulting concentrated flow has caused damage to the road shoulder in

the past. A detention system will likely be required to be installed to control

the flows to Upper Widgee Road.

A water quality treatment system should also be installed to ensure

stormwater runoff from the development site is not contaminated and meets

the quality requirements of the SPP. This system will help prevent the silting of

the road table drain and also filter out metal, and other contaminates that may

be present on the development site. The required drainage system will need to

be designed by an appropriately qualified professional.

Complaints have been received regarding stormwater runoff from the subject

site with concerns regarding silt entering the property across the road via the

road table drain.

Should the development be approved, it is recommended conditions of

approval be imposed to manage the stormwater on the subject site as

indicated above.

Natural Hazards:

The subject site was identified as potentially being subject to a local

government flood mapping area. However, as the subject site is not subject to

any flood hazard overlays, assessment against this provision is not required.

The subject site was also identified as having land medium, high, very high and

being within a bushfire buffer zone on the SPP interactive mapping:



Figure 7 - SPP Interactive Mapping System (DA): Bushfire hazard area

The engineering workshop is located approximately 215m away from the

areas of medium to very high bushfire prone land. However, the development

is located within the potential impact buffer zone and the subject land is

heavily vegetated in the western portion of the allotment.

The applicant has advised “since Widgee Engineering has been operating since

1993, bushfire has not been a major concern”, it is recommended the applicant

submit a bushfire management plan for the proposed development should an

emergency event occur.”

The applicant was asked to submit a Bushfire Assessment by a suitably

qualified and experienced person in the request for further information stage.

A Bushfire Hazard Assessment & Management Plan authored by North Coast

Environmental Services dated 30 August 2016 was submitted by the applicant.

Section 6 of the report recommends bushfire impact reduction measures and

suggested conditions of approval including the following:

Asset Protection Zones (APZ’s):

A 10m wide fully cleared APZ is to be provided about the external

perimeter of the development footprint to reduce the risk of direct flame

contact to buildings, people and plant and equipment.

The APZ be maintained clear of flammable material such as hazardous

vegetation, including unmanaged grassland, as well as other flammable

items including all unroofed storage areas host to flammable materials

(i.e. discarded battery stockpiles, oil drums, equipment and machinery

host to combustible liquids).

The APZ be maintained for the life of the development including the

removal of surface fuels such as twigs, leaf litter, grass and woody

regrowth on an annual basis and prior to the fire season (i.e. August to

early September).

The APZ is to be readily trafficable and not constrained by access gates

and the like.



Water Supply:

One (1) water supply tank is provided within 100m of each class 1, 2, 3 or

4 building and has:

(a) fire brigade tank fittings; and

(b) if the buildings are in a high or medium risk area identified in the

bushfire hazard overlay, the buildings take off connection from the

tank is at a level that allows 5 000 litres to be dedicated for fire-

fighting purposes.

Fire Breaks:

A 10m wide fully cleared fire break is to be provided about the external

perimeter of the development footprint to reduce the risk of direct flame

contact to buildings, people and plant and equipment.

The fire break is to be located external of the working footprint of the

development and shall be maintained clear of flammable material such as

hazardous vegetation, including unmanaged grassland, as well as other

flammable items including all unroofed storage areas host to flammable

materials (i.e. discarded battery stockpiles, oil drums, equipment and

machinery host to combustible liquids).

No activities associated with the development including storage of

machinery and waste is to be located external of the encompassing fire

break.

The fire break shall be continuous from the front entry point from Upper

Widgee Road so that if forms a continuous loop around the development

footprint.

Vehicular Access:

The development site is to be serviced by safe access/exit points for both

occupants and emergency services personnel.

It is considered the concerns relating to bushfire risk can be effectively

managed should the above recommendations be incorporated into conditions

of approval.

Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan

The subject land is included within the Regional Landscape and Rural

Production Area (RLRPA) of the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan (WBBRP).

The application is considered to be in conflict with the following principles of

the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan:

“2.3.1 The environment is protected to maintain the health and wellbeing of

the community and the natural environment through effective

management of air and noise.”

“3.4.1 The region’s primary production areas are protected and sustainably

managed to ensure their continuing contribution to the economy, and

to mitigate the anticipated effects of climate change.”



“4.1.3 The urban–rural interface is appropriately managed to reduce potential

land-use conflicts.”

“4.2.3 Development does not detract from the established character and role

of rural townships.”

“10.8.3 Impacts from freight operations, including freight movement on

sensitive land uses, are minimised.”

2.3.3 Local Instruments – Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme

2013

The applicable Planning Scheme for the application is the Gympie Regional

Council Planning Scheme 2013 (Planning Scheme). The following sections

relate to the provisions of the Planning Scheme.

Rural Zone Code

The purpose of the Rural Zone is to:

“(a) provide for a wide range of uses including cropping, intensive horticulture,

intensive animal industries, animal husbandry, animal keeping and other

primary production activities;

(b) provide opportunities for non-rural uses that are compatible with

agriculture, the environment, and the landscape character of the rural

area where they do not compromise the long-term use of the land for rural

purposes; and

(c) protect or manage significant natural features, resources, and processes,

including the capacity for primary production.”

Figure 7 – Zone Mapping (Rural) – 2013 Planning Scheme

It is considered the development is in conflict with the purpose of the Rural

Zone as stated above as the land use is not for rural or agricultural purposes. It

is considered the use is not compatible with agriculture, the environment or

the landscape character of the Rural Zone due to the noise stormwater, and

visual impacts which have not been adequately addressed in the application

and in relation to noise, are unable to be adequately resolved.



Overall Outcome (a) of the Rural Zone Code states:

“(a) The establishment of a wide range of rural pursuits is facilitated,

including cropping, intensive horticulture, intensive animal industries,

animal husbandry and animal keeping and other compatible primary

production uses.”

The Planning Scheme requires that non-rural uses (other than outdoor

recreation and small scale tourism facilities) not be established in Rural Zones

unless they are:

Separated from rural uses to ensure that existing and future rural

activity is protected from the intrusion of incompatible land uses; and

Hold significant benefits to a local or wider community, but where

circumstances or characteristics are such that they are not suited to

conventional urban areas; or

Ancillary or subsidiary to principal rural land uses to widen the

economic base for rural production provided that rural production in

surrounding areas is not alienated.

In regards to this, the application states:

“Due to the scale and size of Widgee Engineering, the use cannot be

accommodated at a typical industry zoned land parcel … Re-locating Widgee

Engineering to an alternative Industry Zone site is not possible due to the limited

supply of suitable Industry Zoned land …”

The applicant was asked to further substantiate this statement given the

amount of zoned industrial land in the Gympie Urban area has more than

tripled since 2009 with vacant zoned land increasing six-fold. The applicant’s

response to this question focused on the business being established on the

site since 1993, the lack of industrial land in Widgee at the time it was

established and the cost of re-locating the business being substantial. It did

not address the potential of other appropriately zoned industrial land.

It is acknowledged a development approval was granted on the site in 1993 by

the former KSC for an engineering workshop and the proposed use is not a

new use on the site. However, the intensity and scale of the business has

grown significantly requiring a material change of use Development

Application to be lodged with Council. At the time the business commenced

the size of the proposed use (216m2) was considered to be appropriate for the

site, zone and locality. It is considered the size of the business now requires a

property zoned for high impact industry uses. Approval of a significant

industrial use outside of the preferred appropriately zoned areas has the effect

of undermining the viability of the zoned areas and the enforceability of the

Planning Scheme.

If the development was proposed today on the site, an industrial use of this

scale and intensity would not be anticipated or likely to be supported in the

Rural Zone. The original GFA approved in 1993 (216m2) is 3.64% of the

proposed TUA proposed in this Development Application (5 925m2).



As stated above, the applicant has advised at the time the business located in

Widgee there was no industrial zoned land available. The applicant has also

highlighted the significant cost of re-locating the business taking into account

that since the time the original planning approval was given in 1993 the

operators have invested significant capital into onsite infrastructure. However

the expansion of the business has occurred in the absence of obtaining the

relevant Council approvals, therefore the existing investment by itself cannot

be considered sufficient grounds to not consider relocation or warrant

approval.

The applicant has not demonstrated a specific need for the business to be

located in the Rural Zone in Widgee. The Planning Scheme requires that non-

rural activities in rural areas should not compromise rural production on the

site or in the surrounding area. It is acknowledged the site is not mapped as

good quality agricultural land, however the property is zoned rural and in

accordance with the Planning Scheme it is difficult not to conclude that the

development does compromise any future rural use of the land.

Overall Outcome (b) and (f) of the Rural Zone Code requires:

“(b) Development embraces sustainable land management practices and

contributes to the amenity and landscape of the area.”

“(f) Uses that require isolation from urban areas as a consequence of their

impacts such as noise or odour may be appropriate where land use

conflicts are minimised.”

The Planning Scheme does foreshadow the possibility of some industry uses

with high impacts being established in areas where amenity is already

compromised, subject to maximum mitigation of those impacts. An acoustic

assessment of noise associated with activities conducted at Widgee

Engineering prepared by GHD dated March 2016 was provided as part of the

Development Application. In the discussion section of the report, GHD make

the following statements:

“Observations made during the attended noise measurements taken on the

Widgee Engineering site boundary indicated that site activities (including

grinding, welding, sandblasting, forklift operations, etc.) were the dominant

noise sources.

Observations made during the attended measurements at the complainant’s

residence indicated that the ambient noise environment was dominated by

insects, animals and traffic noise. Operations from the Widgee Engineering site

were not audible from this location”.

This statement is contradictory to the observations of Council Officers made in

October 2015 as detailed in their written statements. The question was raised

by Council Officers as to whether the noise assessment was a true

representation of noise emissions from all activities being conducted at

Widgee Engineering. As a result, a revised environmental noise emission

impact assessment report was requested.

Specifically, the revised report was to include the following specific criteria:



Assess noise impacts at the Nuisance Sensitive Places (dwellings)

detailed in Table 1 of the letter;

Consider all noise sources detailed in Table 2 of the letter. Note: noise

sources include but are not limited to all sources detailed in the table;

Consider all noise sources individually and cumulatively;

Provide a comparison of the noise emissions with the “Acoustic quality

objectives” as detailed in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection

(Noise) Policy 2008. As appropriate, adjustments are to be considered for

all noise emissions that have impulsive and / or tonal characteristics;

Identify all exceedances and the level of all exceedances of the “Acoustic

quality objectives” as detailed in Schedule 1 of the Environmental

Protection (Noise) Policy 2008. and

Include the submission of a Noise Management Plan detailing mitigation

methods to be implemented to achieve compliance with the “Acoustic

quality objectives” and how the impact of noise sources that are

impulsive and / or have tonal characteristics including grinding, reversing

alarms, truck loading / unloading, hammering, yard storage / stacking

operations and metal cutting will be managed so as not to cause an

environmental nuisance at Nuisance Sensitive Places including all

existing dwellings located on the properties detailed in Table 1.

A Noise Investigation Report by the applicant’s consultants GHD dated March

2017 was submitted to Council for review on 31 March 2017. Submission of

the report was delayed by the applicant as they requested the “acoustic

assessment be carried out during a medium-busy working period in order for the

assessment to be worthwhile and hold weight”.

The report concluded:

“A noise monitoring survey at seven nearby receivers determined that site noise

was not continuous, and that the site was typically inaudible at the furthest

receivers from site …

… Site noise from Widgee Engineering was found to be significantly lower

than the ‘Acoustic Quality Objectives’ set out in Schedule 1 of the EPP

(Noise), at all identified receiver locations.

Site noise from Widgee Engineering was found to exceed the ‘Controlling

background creep’ criteria set out in Part 4 of the EPP (Noise) at the three

nearest receiver locations, but complied with at all other identified

locations (including the complainant). It is noted that Widgee Engineering

have never received a complaint from the three nearest receiver locations,

and that two of these receivers are employed by the site.”

Mitigation measures proposed by GHD in this report included:

Where practical, machines would be operated at a low speed or power and

switched off when not being used rather than left idling for prolonged

periods.



Keep truck drivers informed of designated vehicles routes, parking

locations and delivery hours.

Avoid dropping materials from height and avoid metal to metal contact on

material.

All engine covers would be kept closed while equipment is operating.

Use structures (such as the large workshop) to intersect the line of sight

between particularly noise activities (such as grinding) and sensitive

receivers (such as the complainant).

Locate activities further away from sensitive receivers were practicable.

A sign at the entrance of the site to be erected with a phone number and

permanent site contact so that noise complaints can be received and

addressed in a timely manner.

Upon receipt of a noise compliant, consider how the activity of concern

could be performed to minimise noise impacts, where practicable.

Council engaged independent consultants, Air Noise Environment (ANE), to

review the applicant’s report, given concerns with the methodology,

conclusions and the proposed mitigation measures.

Key concerns and comments raised by Council’s consultants ANE are

summarised below:

GHD proposed background noise levels to determine the noise limits for

the surrounding receivers. These are not conservative or representative

for each location.

The completed noise prediction was not based on the worst-case

weather conditions nor did it consider the cumulative impacts on the

subject site. Therefore, ANE do not agree with the GHD concluding

remarks that only three receivers (R3, R4 and R5) will experience noise

levels over the background creep noise limits.

The GHD Noise Investigation Report (NIA) indicated that predicted noise

levels are likely to exceed the background creep noise at three receivers,

but the report did not demonstrate any investigative effort to minimise

the noise impacts at these locations.

The issued NIA has not adequately addressed the noise impact of the

operation of the subject site at the surrounding residential receivers.

No site-specific recommendation or mitigation measures were

prescribed to attenuate the noise impact to an acceptable level.

ANE consider a review of potential mitigation options should be

undertaken and their reasonableness reviewed.

The GHD report makes no attempt at such an investigation and assumes

that it is not reasonable to comply with the adopted noise limits due to

the rural nature of the site.



The peer review and the observations of Council Officers indicate the

development will impact upon noise sensitive receptors. Even if the applicant

implemented significant noise mitigation measures, there are likely to be long

term issues for Council and the community in managing compliance. The

applicant already has a track record of non-compliance with Council

conditions and the use has expanded well beyond its original land use

approval with no building or plumbing approvals obtained for a substantial

part of the work.

Given the uncertainty of the outcomes of the noise report and that the use

includes potential night time and ongoing outdoor activities, it is considered

the proposed development is not appropriate for the rural locality in which it is

located.

The applicant has advised the proposed hours of operation for the

development include:

Monday to Friday: 7.00am – 6.00pm

Saturday: 8.00am – 1.00pm

The original proposed hours of operation were recently reduced to that listed

above. However the application also states the business intends to operate

outside of these hours ‘occasionally’.

Should the application be approved, it is recommended restrictions on

operating hours be imposed to manage the noise impact on the surrounding

area, to protect the rural amenity as well as the local character. However, given

the nature of the use it is questionable as to whether the business can be

contained to reasonably operate only during these times, which may likely

burden Council with on-going compliance obligations.

In regard to Overall Outcome (h) and (k):

“(h) Water supply catchments are protected from activities that may

endanger water quality.”

“(k) Natural features such as creeks, gullies, waterways, wetlands and

bushland are retained, managed, enhanced and separated from

adjacent development where possible.”

Pollutants, Dust and Runoff

The applicant has proposed to use the existing open ended buildings for steel

sand blasting and painting. Concern has been raised by the Mary River

Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC) through a submission objecting

to the development approval as follows:

“Widgee Creek is known (sic) habitat for the endangered Mary River Cod and the

importance of Widgee Creek for its habitat is recognised in the Mary River Cod

Recovery Plan developed jointly by the Queensland and Australian Government.

Although the location of the property does not directly (sic) located on Widgee

Creek, we have strong reason to believe that flow from the works can enter the

creek. The MRCCC and local landholders are concerned about the impact this

development has on species, in particular, water quality through inappropriate



stormwater management. Neighbours report potential contaminants from the

property in overland water flows following significant rain events. From

information they have provided it would appear that the existing activity on the

site has been well in excess of its original approval, both in terms of its footprint

and in hours of operation …

… It is plain that this business has prospered. This is good, but it is equally plain

that it should be relocated to a suitable industrial site. The enterprise in its

expanded form is scarcely compatible with surrounding rural properties It is

difficult to see how council could impose conditions that would provide adequate

mitigation …

… Professionally designed swales and bio-retention basins for the capture and

on-site processing of site runoff and appropriate visual and mitigation

vegetation buffers should be fully exploited to maintain existing (or better) water

quality exiting the site and into Widgee Creek if this development application is

approved for this site.”

Figure 8 – Water watch network map (Wide Bay – Widgee Creek Waterwatch

Network Report 2012/2013, MRCCC)

The applicant was asked to provide details of how dust produced by abrasive

blasting would be managed. In response to this the applicant advised that as

an outcome of a work, health and safety audit by the state an abrasive blasting

enclosure (booth) including a garnet reclaimer and dust extraction fans has

been installed. The applicant has advised this will meet all of the requirements

and standards for Queensland Sandblasting Code of Practice.

As discussed earlier in this report, a levee bank has also been constructed on

the western side of the fabricating sheds and metal stockpile areas to prevent

stormwater runoff through these areas. The runoff from the levee bank is

directed to Upper Widgee Road and these flows have caused damage to the

road shoulder. Should the application be approved, a detention system should

be required to be installed to control the flows to Upper Widgee Road. For the

remainder of the development site, a bio-retention system should be installed

to control the flow of stormwater runoff from the site to prevent the silting of



the road table drain and to also filter out metal, other materials and

contaminates that may be present on the development site.

It is also noted the consultant’s planning report and site plan for the

development reveal toilets, septic tanks and an effluent disposal area are

installed on the site. Council’s records indicate these installations have not

been approved by Council.

Should the proposal be approved, it is recommended conditions of approval

be imposed to ensure appropriate maintenance of the abrasive blasting

enclosure (booth) including the garnet reclaimer and dust extraction fans,

manage the stormwater as stated above and obtain the relevant Plumbing &

Drainage approvals to have a compliant effluent disposal area on site.

In summary, it is considered the relevant provisions of the Rural Zone Code

have not been met and the development compromises the outcomes for the

Rural Zone.

Infrastructure and Operational Work (excluding Advertising Device) Code

The purpose of the Code is to be achieved through a number of overall

outcomes including:

“(a) Infrastructure is to be provided to an appropriate standard.

(b) Vehicle parking and access arrangements reflect the nature and

intensity of the proposal.

(c) Landscaping softens built form and provides relief from buildings and

hard infrastructure.

(d) Filling or excavation avoids adverse environment impacts.

(e) Development is established where the impacts of natural hazards are

avoided or safely managed.

(f) Development is reflective of and responsive to the environment

constraints of the land.”

As previously stated, the site is not connected to reticulated water and

sewerage and has access to electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.

Traffic and Parking

The Planning Scheme states industrial activities are to be located in areas of

high accessibility as they are reliant on long-distance road networks and major

transport access points. The applicant has advised that the transport route

typically utilised by Widgee Engineering to reach the Bruce Highway is via Bells

Bridge (refer to Figure 8). This route entails travel along Gympie Woolooga

Road and Wide Bay Highway; both of which are State-controlled roads.



Figure 8: Typical Transport Route

A 3km (approximately) section of Gympie-Woolooga Road from Tooth Drive

(Widgee Industrial Estate) north to Reuben Road is constructed to a single lane

sealed standard including the bridge adjacent to Marg McIntosh Park.

Prior to the transport vehicles entering onto Gympie Woolooga Road and on

to the Bruce Highway, the route from the subject site takes freight along

Upper Widgee Road and Thornside Road. Upper Widgee Road, leading from

Glastonbury Road (Gympie-Woolooga Road – State controlled road), is

constructed to bitumen sealed standard of various widths from 3.6m wide to

6.0m wide. To widen the narrow sections (i.e. 3.6m to 5.4m totalling 2.57km) to

the ultimate construction widths of 7.0m and 8.0m for this road the estimated

cost would be in the order of $2.0 million to $3.0 million.

The applicant’s consultant has advised the expected traffic generation for the

development consists of traffic generated by 16 employees, plus

delivery/dispatch vehicles of one to two medium rigid or articulated vehicles

per week. Since 1993, Widgee Engineering has had two large loads

transported required to be off the road by 6.00am (December 2010) requiring

police and traffic escorts from the site at midnight. Since 2015, eleven loads

have required a pilot escort and leave the site at 6.00am.

It is considered 16 employees will potentially generate 32 trips per day on

Upper Widgee Rd. With car-pooling (as suggested in the original application),



this may reduce to 20 – 25 trips per day. It would also be expected that some

passenger and/or commercial vehicle trips would be generated on a daily

basis to source the various materials and services necessary to operate the

business.

The traffic generated on Upper Widgee Road by this business is a significant

proportion of the total traffic on the road – approximately 25% at the property

entrance. However, the additional traffic generated (both light and heavy

vehicles) on Gympie – Woolooga Rd would be minor compared to the existing

traffic on that road.

The additional traffic poses two concerns on the single lane sealed sections of

Upper Widgee Road:

(i) potential safety concerns due to increased conflict between

approaching vehicles; and

(ii) increased wear on gravel shoulders creating an extra maintenance

burden for Council.

With respect to safety, an argument could be made for requiring the applicant

to widen the 2.57km of narrow seal to two lanes. However, an alternative

would be to target the locations where the road geometry limits sight distance

and creates the greatest potential safety risk. Taking this approach the

developer should be required to extend by 150m in both directions, the

existing bitumen widening on the crest at chainage 4500 (650m north of the

development site). Note that the estimated cost of this work (involving 300m

widening in total) is $100,000 - $125,000.

The impact of increased wear and tear on the remaining gravel shoulders

could be mitigated by the application of a benefitted rate on the property.

$7,500 per year would fund an additional annual grading of the remaining

gravel shoulders on Upper Widgee Road north of the development site.

The internal driveway to the office and car parking areas is constructed in

some sections to the gravel standard, other sections with road screenings and

the remainder mowed grass. .The majority of the car parking area is mowed

grass. The internal driveway for heavy traffic to the fabricating sheds,

unloading/loading areas, manoeuvring area and stockpile areas has sections of

gravel, some screening and a lighter granular material.

Table 9.6 Minimum Vehicle Parking Requirements in the Infrastructure and

Operational Work (excluding Advertising Device) Code states “high impact

industry” requires one (1) space per 100m2 or part thereof of GFA and one (1)

space per 200m2 or part thereof of external use areas. There is 995m2 of GFA

(9.95) and 4 930m2 (24.65) of external use area. Therefore, 34 car parking

spaces are required for the development.

The applicant has proposed 26 car parks and has justified a reduction in

numbers by excluding some of the external use areas (stockpiles) and advising

the 16 employees will car pool. Given the amount of employees proposed for

the business and any overflow can easily be accommodated on site, it is

considered non-compliance with this provision can be accepted on this

occasion.



Landscaping

A landscape plan has been submitted with the application. There is no

specified minimum landscaping required in the Rural Zone as indicated in

Table 9.7 Landscaping. In the High Impact Industry zone a minimum width of

2m is required unless adjoining a major State-controlled road where a

minimum of 6m is required.

The proposal is within 350 metres of two (2) dwelling houses on Rural

Residential properties, and is approximately 800 metres from an additional two

(2) dwelling houses (also Rural Zoned land). These properties are all located

along Upper Widgee Road. There are additional houses on rural properties

located within a greater distance, all to the east of the subject site.

The applicant has proposed a landscape buffer of 3.5m wide along the road

frontage of Upper Widgee Road to assist in screening the development and

protecting amenity.

It is considered that the proposal is inconsistent with the type of rural uses

anticipated within the zone, and will not preserve the anticipated amenity of

the predominantly rural area. Environmental issues relating to noise and dust

may still affect neighbouring properties regardless of the landscaping strip.

Although once established to a reasonable height landscaping will certainly

assist in addressing visual impact it will not act as a sound/noise buffer.

The development is considered inconsistent with the above overall outcomes

of the Infrastructure and Operational Work (excluding Advertising Device)

Code. Whilst conditions can be imposed to ensure compliance with some of

these provisions, the cost of implementing those conditions may likely be

significant.

Strategic Framework

As the application is not consistent with the purpose of the Rural Zone, it is

necessary to consider the Strategic Framework of the Planning Scheme.

For a development proposal to be consistent with the Planning Scheme, it

must meet the Strategic Framework in its entirety. It is not the case of being

selective with only some of the provisions that apply. Where an inconsistency

with part of the Strategic Framework is found, grounds must be established to

overcome any conflict.

The Strategic Framework considers the following matters:

Settlement Pattern

Rural Futures

Strong Economy

Natural Systems and Sustainability

Strong Communities

Infrastructure and Servicing

The application has been assessed against each of the matters above and is

found to be inconsistent with the themes of settlement pattern and rural

features.



Section 3.3 Settlement pattern (Urban form) of the Strategic Framework

highlights

“(h) Industrial, commercial and other high-employment generating activities

are located in areas of high accessibility; …”

The development is inconsistent with the Strategic Framework of the Planning

Scheme as it conflicts with the settlement pattern intended for the Widgee

area. The development site is approximately 20.58km west from the Bruce

Highway and 26.87km west from the centre of Gympie. The current

development location and its distance to major transport routes does not

meet the requirement for high accessibility especially noting the strategic

location of high impact industry zoned land available in the region.

Specific outcome (3) (b) in Table 3.1 Theme components – Settlement pattern

in Section 3.3 Settlement pattern of the Planning Scheme states:

“Rural centres and townships include a range of small-scale retail, business and

industrial activities to facilitate growth in services and provide employment

opportunities.”

The original development approval over the site is considered to be a small

scale industrial activity. The proposed development is considered to be of a

large scale and more appropriately located on land zoned for high impact

industry.

Therefore, as the development proposal does not meet the Strategic

Framework in its entirety, it is considered to be in conflict with the Planning

Scheme and sufficient grounds are required to be able to support it.

2.3.4 Other Planning Considerations

Infrastructure Charges

Council’s Adopted Infrastructure Charge Resolution allocates $38.00 per m2 of

GFA for a high impact industry use with no credits applicable as all current

uses are remaining on the site. The infrastructure charges are allocated to the

roads network (50%), water supply (30%) and sewerage system (20%).

As the site is not connected to reticulated water and sewerage infrastructure

charges will not be allocated to these networks. Therefore, the total

infrastructure charges applicable for the development should it be approved

equate to $18,905.00 (until 30 June 2018).

3. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

If approved, it is recommended the developer be required to construct

approximately 300m of road widening on Upper Widgee Road and contribute

via a benefitted rate an amount of $7,500 per year towards additional road

maintenance.

There may be an expectation from some ratepayers that the rest of the narrow

seal should be widened if the development is approved. The cost of this would

be over $1,000,000.



4. POLICY IMPLICATIONS

The proposal is in conflict with Council’s Planning Scheme and sufficient

grounds have not been provided to justify approval despite the conflict.

5. CONSULTATION

IDAS Referral Agencies

Concurrence Agencies – Nil

Advice Agencies

Ergon Energy

The proposal required referral to Ergon Energy due to an electricity easement

accommodating an overhead 11kV powerline being within the property

(Schedule 7, Table 3, Item 7 in the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009).

As an advice agency conditions of approval can only be suggested to be

imposed. Ergon Energy has provided the following response:

“Plans provided as part of the referral material suggest stockpiling of metal is

proposed within the easement area. This is not supported by Ergon Energy and

could be in breach of the easement conditions relevant to the site. We request

council seek an amendment to the plan removing these stockpiles from the

easement area, or amend the plans (in red) to illustrate that the stockpiles are

not approved.”

Ergon Energy acting as an advice agency has recommended that if approved

Council apply the following conditions:

“1. All easement conditions remain relevant and applicable to the

burdened parcel.

2. Access to the easement and access along the easement must be

available to Ergon Energy personnel and equipment at all times. Where

fencing prohibits access to and along the easement area, gates must be

supplied and installed at the developer/owner’s expense.

3. Should changes to any Ergon Energy infrastructure be proposed or

required as part of the development, those changes are made with

Ergon Energy’s consent and at the developer/owner’s expense (unless

otherwise agreed to by Ergon Energy).”

Other Referrals

The application was forwarded to the following internal Council specialists and

their assessment forms part of this report:

Design Services Division; and

Environmental Health.

Public Notification

The development application was advertised for public comment in

accordance with the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 from 14 October to

4 November 2016. In response to the advertising, a total of 39 properly made

and 21 not properly made submissions were received (60 in total). It is noted

35 of the submitters (58%) were located in Widgee.

56 submissions were lodged in support of the proposed use on the following

grounds:



Major employer in the district

Supporter of other local businesses

Appropriate site location away from dense urban areas

Four (4) submissions objected to the proposal and the key issues raised by

submitters include:

Hours of operation

Effective visual screening to help minimise dust and noise

Environmental impacts of dust produced from the existing business e.g.

abrasive blasting and vehicle movements

Noise produced from the developments operations

Night lighting

Effects on health, well-being and stock

Reduction in property values

Stormwater runoff

Air, water and land pollution

Appropriateness of business in the Rural Zone

Suitability of Upper Widgee Road for access for the proposed transport

vehicles

Inconsistency with intent for the Rural Zone and its character

Inappropriate scale and design for the Rural Zone

Potential for noncompliance with conditions and/or further

development

Impacts on Widgee Creek

Attachment 1 details the issues raised by the submitters and officer comments

in response to these concerns.

6. CONCLUSION

The application seeks a retrospective development permit for the extension of

an engineering workshop at 532 Upper Widgee Road, Widgee. The proposal

consists of 995m2 of GFA and 4 930m2 of external use area.

The subject land is included in the Rural Zone where high impact industry is in

conflict with the Planning Scheme, unless there is specific justification for its

location and there are no adverse impacts on the surrounding area. In this

respect the applicant has not provided any argument to support a specific

locational need for development to be situated on the subject site, and even

with the imposition of stringent conditions of approval not all of the current

adverse impacts on the surrounding area would be able to be satisfactorily

mitigated. In particular it cannot be ruled out that the impact of noise

emissions from the operation of the business will not continue to have a

detrimental effect on residents in the area.



Grounds submitted by the applicant to warrant approval include:

- the site being currently used as an engineering workshop;

- the lack of industrial land at the time of establishment (ie 1993);

- Widgee Engineering being a major employer in the Widgee area; and

- the financial capital invested to date.

The existing approval is for less than 300m2 of gross floor area and the

business currently has a total use area of almost 6,000m2. The grounds

presented by the applicant are not considered sufficient to justify the

intensified development outside of a zoned industrial area.

The application is considered to be inconsistent with the purpose and Overall

Outcomes of the Rural Zone Code as well as matters within the Strategic

Framework of the Planning Scheme. The application is therefore unable to be

recommended for approval.

It is acknowledged that the business is well established and has significant

infrastructure on site. Therefore, should Council determine the application by

way of refusal, consideration should be given to allowing a reasonable time

period for the business to relocate to an industrial site. Alternatively, should

Council be of a mind to approve the application despite its non-compliance

with the Planning Scheme it is recommended that the approval be for a

limited period of time with a requirement that the business relocates to an

appropriately zoned site prior to the expiry of the approval.

ATTACHMENTS

⇩1. 2016-0797 Widgee Engineering - Public Notification Attachment



M04/10/17 Moved Cr MA McDonald Seconded Cr MS Gear

A. That Council as Assessment Manager, REFUSES development

application (2016-0797) for Material Change of Use of Premises for a

High Impact Industry at 532 Upper Widgee Road, Widgee on Lot 1

on RP199738 for the following reasons:

1. The proposed development conflicts with elements of the

Strategic Framework and the purpose of the Rural Zone Code

in the 2013 Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme.

2. The proposed development is in conflict with the Wide Bay

Burnett Regional Plan.

3. The proposed development is not compatible with the rural

uses in the locality and will have significant adverse impacts

upon the amenity of the area due to noise and dust generated.

4. The application is deficient in that the applicant has not

adequately demonstrated that the proposed development is

suitable for the site and can operate without causing significant

adverse impacts.

5. Noise impacts on sensitive receptors – there is significant risk

that any approval will result in continuing noise impacts on

sensitive receptors and subsequent ongoing unreasonable

compliance burden for Council.

6. The approval of the application would necessitate significant

works, including upgrading of the on-site stormwater

management system and upgrading of external roads required

as a consequence of the inappropriate location of the business

within the rural zone. These works may be considered to be an

unreasonable condition in accordance with Section 345 of the

Sustainable Planning Act.

7. Noting the rural zoning and scale of the development, the

proposed development does not reflect what is anticipated in

the zone and what community would reasonably expect to be

established on the site.

8. Insufficient grounds have been identified that warrant approval

of the development proposal despite the significant level of

conflict identified with the Planning Scheme.

B That Council advises the applicant that the development is to be

relocated within two years from the date of the refusal.

Carried

FOR: Cr MA McDonald, Cr WR Leitch, Cr DW Dodt, Cr MS Gear and

Cr DH Stewart

AGAINST: Cr MW Curran, Cr JK Cochrane and Cr HT Smerdon

Cr GC Hartwig returned to the meeting at 09:43am.



5.2 U pdate on Southside Local D evelopment Ar ea

5.2 Update on Southside Local Development Area

MATERIAL PERSONAL INTEREST

In accordance with Section 172 of the Local Government Act 2009;

Cr Cochrane declared a Material Personal Interest in Minute M05/10/17

due to being a land owner in the Southside Local Development Area.

Cr JK Cochrane left the meeting at 09:44am and did not return to the

meeting.

PORTFOLIO: Planning and Development

DIRECTORATE: Planning and Development

DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:

4. Our Environment – sustainable, well-managed and accessible


Council would be aware that a series of amendment packages are currently in

the process of being prepared for the Gympie Regional Council Planning

Scheme 2013 v1.3 (the Planning Scheme). As part of this process the need has

been identified to review the approach taken by the current Planning Scheme

and its policy response to the identification, protection and management of

environmental values, including the regulation of vegetation clearing. The

need for review is primarily based on the inadequacy of the current Planning

Scheme which does not regulate any vegetation clearing.

2. REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS - SOUTHSIDE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AREA

The structure plan for the Southside Local Development Area (Southside LDA)

was endorsed by Council in January 2017 as a high level policy document,

guiding future land use intent for one of the three local development areas.

The structure plan intended that developers undertake detailed ground-

truthing of environmental matters on their property and prepare

accompanying environmental reports to be submitted to Council as part of a

Development Application. However the expectation that each individual

developer (or land owner) engage an expert consultant to undertake ground

truthing of their property to determine the location and extent of the

environmental corridor and size is not ideal, either from an economic

development or environmental perspective. It may create uncertainty in terms

of facilitating development as well as the potential for erosion of

environmental values within the structure plan area.



As the structure plan has been approved by Council, and was endorsed by

Council to be used as a guide for development assessment purposes, it is now

appropriate to undertake detailed investigation of various elements of the

plan including refining the extent of zones and provisions that should relate to

the environmentally significant areas to achieve the structure plan intent.

By Council undertaking ground-truthing based on the identified

environmental priorities, this enables a sensible approach to encouraging

future development in the Southside LDA whilst mitigating adverse impacts on

the environmental matters identified as Council priorities. The onus will then

be taken off the developer to engage consultants to ground-truth the

environmental priorities on their property, and will subsequently provide

certainty in clarifying the areas that need to be protected.

The ground-truthing of environmental matters will assist in establishing the

precise boundary of the district open space/environmental corridor that serves

various functions for the LDA including wildlife habitat and movement,

waterway protection, passive recreation and landscape amenity. The

realisation of this corridor for the intended purpose is a key anchoring

element for the success of a balanced approach to development in the

Southside LDA and in delivering good planning outcomes for future residents.

RISK OF PRE-EMPTIVE CLEARING AND STATUTORY TOOL TO ALLEVIATE

RISK

In order to undertake ground-truthing within the Southside LDA, engagement

will occur with land owners in the structure plan area and permission will be

sought for access to properties to enable survey and environmental

assessment to be carried out by Council and its consultants.

While the environmental corridor and environmentally constrained areas are

identified within the structure plan and are required to be protected, the

current Planning Scheme provides no statutory protection and does not

restrain or control any clearing within the environmentally significant areas.

The possibility of pre-emptive vegetation clearing is therefore considered to

be a significant risk to the protection of environmentally sensitive areas within

the LDA pending the inclusion of the structure plan into Council’s Planning

Scheme by way of a Major Amendment.

A Major Amendment to the Planning Scheme can take up to 12 months from

commencement of the statutory process to adoption into the Planning

Scheme noting that full public consultation and consideration of State

interests is part of the process. If Council were to wait until the completion of

all survey and ground truthing of the corridor and the inclusion of this

information along with appropriate written provisions to be incorporated into

the Planning Scheme, there is the potential for pre-emptive clearing to occur

up until the day that the Major Amendment is adopted into the Planning

Scheme (potentially a 12 month period).



Opportunity to introduce a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI)

Under the Planning Act 2016 (the Act), there is a statutory tool Council is able

to utilise to avoid the risk of pre-emptive vegetation clearing in the Southside

LDA, called a Temporary Local Planning Instrument. A Temporary Local

Planning Instrument provides Council with the ability to set out planning and

development assessment policies to protect all or part of a local government

area from adverse impacts in urgent or emergent circumstances as set out

under the Act. The circumstances set out in the Act include:

there is significant risk of serious adverse cultural, economic,

environmental or social conditions happening in the local government

area; and

the delay involved in using the process in sections 18 to 22 to make or

amend another local planning instrument would increase the risk; and

the making of the TLPI would not adversely affect State interests.

Essentially, the policy and provisions set out in a TLPI override the Planning

Scheme. A TLPI can be valid for a period of up to two (2) years; however the

instrument can be repealed by Council resolution at any time. A TLPI is not

required to undergo public consultation; rather, it goes direct to the Minister

for consideration and review due to the urgency and risk of adverse outcomes.

The Minister has 20 business days to assess and determine whether the

proposed TLPI is approved.

It is proposed to establish a TLPI for Vegetation Clearing in the Southside LDA

(see proposed TLPI in Attachment 1) to ensure the immediate protection of

environmental values within the Southside LDA until the final structure plan

has been appropriately integrated in to the Planning Scheme.

Noting that the Southside LDA is identified for significant future urban growth,

with a forecast demand for an additional 1,200 dwellings to house the 2,950

increase in population that is projected for the whole of the Gympie-South

Statistical Area 2 by 2036, it is vital that Council commence the more detailed

planning process of putting in place the policy and mechanisms to protect

priority environmental values in the LDA.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSED TLPI

The proposed TLPI for Vegetation Clearing in the Southside LDA encompasses

the following elements:

Regulating (not prohibiting) vegetation clearing;

Two new maps that identify two new precinct areas indicating:

o areas of environmental significance; and

o steep slopes equal to or greater than 15%;

Priority flora and fauna species list.

In the proposed TLPI, Table 1 prescribes the following Categories of

development for Operational Work for vegetation clearing:

Accepted development (no application required to Council) if for

accepted vegetation clearing identified in Table 2 – Definitions;



Code assessment (application required to Council) if for Operational

Work for vegetation clearing, unless identified as impact assessable (so

essentially any area in the Southside LDA that is not included in the

new precincts); and

Impact assessment (application required to Council) if for Operational

Work for vegetation clearing if located in the Southside Environment

and Conservation Precinct or the Southside Steep Slopes equal to or

greater than 15% Precinct.

As outlined above, for the purposes of the proposed TLPI, two new maps that

identify two new precinct areas have been created. This is to allow Council to

focus on the areas where priority environmental matters are most likely to be

located, and accordingly tailor the provisions in the TLPI to suit.

The Southside Environment and Conservation Precinct comprises the area

currently identified in the open space/environmental corridor in the Southside

LDA structure plan, as well as State government identified Matters of State

Environmental Significance (MSES) that adjoin, or are located where there is

linkage or connectivity to the corridor. An application for Operational Work for

vegetation clearing in this precinct would require an impact assessable

Development Application to be submitted to Council. The provisions in the

proposed TLPI that are called up by this precinct recommend an applicant

undertake an ecological assessment to demonstrate that there are no priority

environmental matters located in the proposed clearing area. Alternatively, a

property owner wanting to clear in the area identified as the Southside

Environment and Conservation Precinct has the option to wait until Council has

undertaken the ground-truthing exercise, and the final Southside LDA

structure plan is adopted into the Planning Scheme. This would alleviate the

costs for applicants that will be associated with the ecological assessment and

provide certainty in relation to the extent of developable area.

The Southside Steep Slope equal to or greater than 15% Precinct identifies

sloping land of 15% or greater in the Southside LDA. An application for

Operational Work for vegetation clearing on land identified in this precinct

would require an impact assessable Development Application to be submitted

to Council. The provisions in the proposed TLPI that are called up by this

precinct require an applicant to demonstrate that the proposed vegetation

clearing does not increase the risk of soil erosion or landslip hazard. An

ecological assessment to demonstrate that there are no priority environmental

matters located in the proposed clearing area is also recommended.

An application for Operational Work for vegetation clearing in the Southside

LDA, not located in the Southside Environment and Conservation Precinct or

the Southside Steep Slope equal to or greater than 15% Precinct, would require

a code assessable Development Application be submitted to Council, or in

some circumstances (as identified in Table 2 – Definitions) would be accepted

development and therefore not require any application to Council.




The processing of applications for Operational Works for vegetation clearing

in the Southside LDA will be undertaken by existing resources and as such, no

budget implications are identified.


The Southside LDA structure plan was approved by Council, and endorsed by

Council to be used as a guide for development assessment purposes in

January 2017. Following this endorsement, it is now appropriate to undertake

detailed investigation of various elements of the structure plan including

refining the extent of zones and provisions that should relate to the

environmentally significant areas to achieve the structure plan intent. This

information will form the basis of a Major Amendment to the Planning

Scheme. In the interim a TLPI is proposed to regulate vegetation clearing in

accordance with the land use intent for the structure plan and to protect

identified environmental values.

5. CONSULTATION

Extensive consultation with Southside LDA land owners was undertaken

throughout the preparation of the structure plan. Consultation involved

discussions regarding the introduction of an open space/environmental

corridor which establishes wildlife movement corridors and protects natural

vegetation and waterways and from these discussions an expectation has been

set that a corridor would be secured and protected.

With respect to the TLPI, consultation has been undertaken with relevant staff

and State government agencies to ensure the appropriateness of the policy

set out in the proposed TLPI, as well as to gauge the State government’s

support for implementing the TLPI. The Department of Infrastructure, Local

Government and Planning and Department of Natural Resources and Mines

have agreed that the proposed TLPI is appropriate to address the emergent

risk of pre-emptive clearing in the Southside LDA, and both agencies have

indicated support for the implementation of the proposed TLPI.

Should the Minister approve the TLPI and Council subsequently resolve to

adopt and commence the TLPI, a letter will be sent to each land owner in the

Southside LDA advising of the commencement of the TLPI. A public notice will

also be placed in The Gympie Times advising of the adoption and

commencement of the TLPI.

With respect to the ground-truthing of the corridor to be undertaken by

Council, discussions will be held with each affected landowner to ensure that

owners understand the purpose of the ground-truthing and how the

information gathered will be incorporated into the Planning Scheme and

utilised for the purpose of development assessment.

6. CONCLUSION

The Southside Local Development Area is a greenfield site with the capacity to

accommodate the forecast demand for an additional 1,200 dwellings to house



the 2,950 increase in population that is projected for the whole of the Gympie-

South Statistical Area 2 by 2036.

A Temporary Local Planning Instrument for Vegetation Clearing in the

Southside LDA is proposed to ensure the immediate protection of

environmental values within the Southside LDA, given the projected significant

growth in this area, until the final structure plan has been appropriately

integrated in to the Planning Scheme.

The Minister has the ability to agree to an earlier ‘effective day’ for the

proposed TLPI (the day the TLPI comes into effect and is applicable) and it is

proposed that the effective day for the TLPI be 11 October 2017 to minimise

the risk of pre-emptive clearing occurring between 11 October 2017 and the

date the Minister endorses the TLPI (approximately 20 business days after this

date). Should the proposed effective date be endorsed by the Minister, this

would mean any clearing undertaken from 11 October 2017 onwards within

the Southside Local Development Area without Council approval (with the

exception of the exemptions included in the TLPI) would be unlawful.

It is proposed that the TLPI remain in place until detailed investigations

including ground-truthing environmental priorities to determine the precise

boundary for the open space/environmental corridor are completed and a

Major Amendment has been undertaken incorporating the Southside LDA

structure plan into the Planning Scheme. Once the final Southside LDA

structure plan has been adopted into the Planning Scheme, Council should

repeal the TLPI for Vegetation Clearing in the Southside LDA as it will no

longer be required.

ATTACHMENTS

⇩1. Temporary Local Planning Instrument 1 – Southside Local Development

Area

M05/10/17 Moved Cr MA McDonald Seconded Cr DH Stewart

That Council:

1. Makes a Temporary Local Planning Instrument for Vegetation

Clearing in the Southside Local Development Area.

2. Submits the proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument 1 –

Southside Local Development Area to the Minister for Infrastructure

and Planning, seeking approval for the making of the Temporary

Local Planning Instrument and commencement from 11 October

2017.

Carried

FOR: Cr MW Curran, Cr MA McDonald, Cr WR Leitch, Cr DW Dodt, Cr MS Gear,

Cr GC Hartwig, Cr HT Smerdon and Cr DH Stewart

AGAINST: Nil



Section 6: Corporate and Communi ty Ser vices

SECTION 6: CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 6.1 Pr oposed R enewal of Trustee Agistment Lease - Lot 39 MCH 4838 - Wol vi M ountain Road, Wol vi

6.1 Proposed Renewal of Trustee Agistment Lease - Lot 39 MCH4838 -

Wolvi Mountain Road, Wolvi


DIRECTORATE: Corporate and Community Services

DOC ID: 1950472


STRATEGIC THEMES:

1. Our Infrastructure – well planned, integrated and safe

2. Our Community – active, diverse, creative and engaged

4. Our Environment – sustainable, well-managed and accessible



The existing Trustee Agistment Lease between Council and the Lessee for the

agistment/maintenance over the area currently known as the Reserve at Wolvi

Mountain expired on 5 August 2017.

Previous Council Resolution F08/11/11 refers:

“Recommend that Council considers calling tenders for a Standard Trustee

Agistment Lease over Recreation and Camping Reserve (No. 1120), Lot 39 on

MCH 4838 Wolvi Mountain Road, Wolvi Mountain, subject to the Minister’s

consent to include the following terms and conditions:

(a) Term of Lease – 5 years;

(b) Rental – Most suitable Tender PA + GST + CPI;

(c) Use – Agistment (as a maintenance provision and not to inhibit the

purpose of use of the Reserve (Camping and Recreation in the

designated area);

(d) The Lessee to hold public liability insurance in a sum not less than

$20,000,000.00 or such other amount that Council shall determine from

time to time in the name of the Lessee and Gympie Regional Council;

(e) All costs associated with the preparation, stamping and registration of

the Lease be borne by the Lessee; and

(f) That all relevant legislative requirements, including any necessary

permits are obtained.

That the Director of Engineering be required to set any special conditions in

regards to maintenance requirements for the site.”

2. REPORT

Property Description: Lot 39 MCH4838

Location: Wolvi Mountain Road, Wolvi

Area: 42.397ha



Zoning: Rural

Tenure: Council as trustee for Reserve for Recreation and

Camping purposes

Current Use: Grazing livestock as a maintenance provision

Locality Plan:

Council is currently trustee of this land and it is preferable to agist the whole

of lot to ensure the site is maintained appropriately. The lessee is required to

ensure that unrestricted daily access is made available to the picnic area within

the site in accordance with the purpose of this Reserve.

The current lessee has advised Council that the land is required for the

purposes currently being undertaken in conjunction with farming activities on

adjoining freehold land.

In accordance with Chapter 6 Section 236 (1)(c)(iii) of the Local Government

Regulation 2012, Council may dispose of a valuable non-current asset other

than by tender or auction if the disposal is for the purpose of renewing the

lease of land to the existing tenant of the land.


In accordance with current budget allocations.


Local Government Regulation 2012

5. CONSULTATION

Infrastructure Services Directorate

Water Business Unit

6. CONCLUSION

It is considered appropriate to renew the existing Trustee Agistment Lease as a

maintenance provision in accordance with the current legislative requirements.



M06/10/17 Moved Cr DH Stewart Seconded Cr HT Smerdon

That Council:

1. Provides an exemption from calling for tenders for the lease of the

property described as Lot 39 on MCH4838 and obtaining a market

valuation to determine the lease fee, in accordance with Chapter 6,

Section 236 (1)(c)(iii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012; and

2. Offers a lease to the current lessee in Council’s standard trustee

agistment lease format, over Lot 39 on MCH4838, Wolvi Mountain

Road, Wolvi, subject to the Minister’s consent to include the

following terms and conditions:

a) Term of Lease – 10 years;

b) Rental – $1.00 if demanded;

c) Use – Agistment (as a maintenance provision and not to inhibit

the purpose of use of the Reserve);

d) The Lessee to hold public liability insurance in a sum not less

than $20,000,000.00 or such other amount that Council shall

determine from time to time; and

e) All costs associated with the preparation, stamping and

registration of the Lease be borne by the Lessor.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



6.2 Pr oposed R enewal of Freehol d Lease to C ouncil - Part of Lot 1 R P197493 - 402 Wol vi M ountain Road, Wol vi

6.2 Proposed Renewal of Freehold Lease to Council - Part of Lot 1

RP197493 - 402 Wolvi Mountain Road, Wolvi



DOC ID: 1950472


STRATEGIC THEMES:





The existing freehold lease between the landowner and Council for the

maintenance and use of the 535 Repeater Station UHF and transmission tower

(Wolvi Mountain Repeater Station) expired on 5 August 2017.

Council resolved to accept responsibility for the management of this site from

the Gympie Emergency Monitoring Service in 2005 and this tenure agreement

expired in 2012. At this time, Council accepted the option to renew the tenure

agreement for a further five year term expiring in 2017.

2. REPORT

Property Description: Part of Lot 1 RP197493

Location: 402 Wolvi Mountain Road, Wolvi

Area: 59m2

Zoning: Rural

Tenure: Freehold

Current Use: Maintenance and use of a 535 Repeater Station UHF

and transmission tower.

Locality Plan:



Council requires access to this site for the purposes of operation and

maintenance of key infrastructure associated with Council’s

telecommunications network located on the tower.

Council has requested to renew the existing freehold lease for a further term

of ten years under the same terms and conditions, which has been confirmed

as acceptable by the landholder.


In accordance with current budget allocations.


Local Government Act 2009

5. CONSULTATION

Engineer – Construction and Maintenance

General Manager – Construction and Maintenance

Coordinator – Disaster Management

6. CONCLUSION

Council requires access to this site due to key telecommunication

infrastructure being constructed on the site. It is considered appropriate to

renew the existing freehold lease for a further term of ten years under the

same terms and conditions.



M07/10/17 Moved Cr DW Dodt Seconded Cr MA McDonald

That Council accepts the offer to renew the Freehold Lease from the

current registered owner over part of Lot 1 RP197493, located at 402

Wolvi Mountain Road, Wolvi to include the following terms and

conditions:

a) Term of Lease – 10 years;

b) Rental – $1.00 if demanded;

c) Use – Maintaining and using a 535 Repeater Station UHF and

transmission tower for telecommunications;

d) The Lessee to hold public liability insurance in a sum not less

than $20,000,000.00 or such other amount that the Lessor shall

determine from time to time; and

e) All costs associated with the preparation, stamping and

registration of the lease be borne by the Lessee.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



6.3 Expr essions of Interes t - M anagement of Gympie Saleyards Canteen

6.3 Expressions of Interest - Management of Gympie Saleyards

Canteen

PORTFOLIO: Business Activities


DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:



3. Our Economy – dynamic, productive and resilient



Tenders were previously called for the Management and Operation of the

Canteen Facilities at the Gympie Saleyards Complex for a term of three years

with a further two year extension, subject to agreement of both parties. This

agreement is due to expire on 31 December, 2017.

2. REPORT

The previous tender was for the management and operation of the canteen

facilities which were located at both the main Gympie Saleyards and the Pig

and Calf Saleyards complex. In 2016 Council resolved to close the pig and calf

saleyards complex with all saleyard operations now occurring from one

location with the facility operating once a week with specialised sales

occurring throughout the year.

The canteen is currently being operated from a permanent onsite building

which includes a covered outdoor eating area. Bookings for the Gympie

Saleyards are coordinated through Council’s Infrastructure Services in

consultation with the Council’s Saleyard staff, the Authorised Selling Agent

and the canteen operator.

Council is responsible for ensuring the facility complies with all relevant

legislation with the operator being required to hold the necessary approvals to

operate a Food Business and applicable public liability insurance. It is

proposed to call for Expressions of Interest to identify opportunities for the

provision of a food and beverage service at this facility.

The current canteen operator has advised that he will be retiring after being

with Council since 1997.




Within current budget allocations.


In accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government

Regulation 2012 and Council’s Procurement Policy.

5. CONSULTATION

Director Infrastructure Services

Engineer – Construction and Maintenance

Officer – Saleyard Operations

Coordinator – Community Facilities

Manager – Development & Compliance

Coordinator – Environmental Health Services

Councillor – Social Wellbeing Portfolio

6. CONCLUSION

It is considered that the provision of the canteen facility at the Gympie

Saleyards provides economic and social opportunities for the users of this

facility.

M08/10/17 Moved Cr MS Gear Seconded Cr GC Hartwig

That Council:

1 calls for Expressions of Interest in accordance with the Local

Government Regulation 2012 for the Management of the Gympie

Saleyards Canteen on Lot 3 SP116459 Saleyard Road, Gympie for

a Term of three years.

2 Undertakes maintenance and repairs to the existing facility

including public amenities prior to awarding any contract.

Carried

FOR:Cr MW Curran, Cr MA McDonald, Cr WR Leitch, Cr DW Dodt,

Cr MS Gear, Cr GC Hartwig, Cr HT Smerdon and Cr DH Stewart

AGAINST: Nil



6.4 RAD F R eport to Council

6.4 RADF Report to Council

PORTFOLIO: Social Wellbeing


DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:




The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the

Queensland Government and Gympie Regional Council to support quality arts

and cultural experiences through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

RADF promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers

of diverse and inclusive communities and strong regions. RADF invests in local

arts and cultural priorities, as determined by local communities, across

Queensland.

RADF objectives are to supports arts and cultural activities that:

• provide public value for Queensland communities

• build local cultural capacity, cultural innovation and community pride

• deliver Queensland Government’s objectives for the community.

Council endorsed the Regional Arts Development Fund Grant Guidelines 2017

at its Ordinary Meeting on 7 December 2016, thereby enabling the RADF

grants to be administered in accordance with the allocated budget and

endorsed grant guidelines.

GYMPIE RADF priorities

Gympie Regional Council’s Arts and Cultural Plan 2015-2025 outlines Council’s

cultural vision for the Gympie Region and establishes four key themes (people,

place, past, possibility) through which cultural life is supported across the

region.

RADF funds are aimed at the development of emerging and professional

artists and creative arts workers. RADF funds individuals and businesses for

new and established creative projects that clearly establish a community need

and benefit. The 2017 goals and priorities for the Gympie RADF program are

offered in three categories as in the table below. Although there will be an

intentional shift away from the individual grant application to a bigger picture

cultural planning, implementation of the Cultural Plan and evaluation.



Who Can Apply

Individuals, organisations and businesses that:

• are based in, or provide direct benefit to, the Gympie Region

• hold appropriate insurance and demonstrate sound workplace health and

safety practices

• are over 18 years of age (if individual), or have an auspice arrangement

• have satisfied all requirements of previous RADF and/or Gympie Regional

Council funding.

Who Cannot Apply

Applications cannot be made by:

• government agencies or departments of state or federal government

• educational, religious or medical organisations, where the application is

for the organisation’s core business.

RADF is not intended to be used for:

• the purchase of capital items

• operational expenses

• the main income source for any professional artist or arts worker.

Applications are assessed by their ability to meet one or more of the following

objectives.

• Project supports locally determined arts and cultural priorities.

• Project supports local artists and arts and cultural activity.

• Provides opportunities for local communities to participate in arts and

cultural activities.

• Supports artists to develop and practice their creative endeavours.



• Engages local communities.

• Builds the capacity of local artists.

• Builds existing partnerships and develops new partnerships.

• Supports individual professional development opportunities.

To be eligible for assessment applicants:

• discuss their idea / project with the RADF Liaison officer

• follow the application process

• have appropriate insurance and adhere to sound workplace health and

safety practices

• be able to demonstrate viability, and

• have acquitted any previous council grants.

Funds are not available for projects that:

• begin before the date specified on the application

• include entertainment for events without a specific developmental

outcome for artists

• are to fund a competition, a prize or an eisteddfod

• provide majority funding for publishing and/or printing costs

• are craft workshops

• seek costs of purchase of capital items, e.g. equipment, buildings or

vehicles

• seek ongoing operational expenses.

Successful recipients of grant funds must complete and submit an outcome

report online no more than eight weeks after completing the funded activity.

This acquits the RADF monies spent. Failure to acquit any grant will result in

the recipient being ineligible to apply for future funding through RADF and

Arts Queensland.

The outcome report must show evidence of the outcomes of the activity and

how the recipient spent the RADF money. It is used as a reflection on the level

of success of the activity achieved by:

• identifying key outcomes

• assessing the benefits and drawbacks

• checking financial estimates against actual expenditure

• learning from any difficulties — these can often teach more than

successes

• recognising the potential for growth or new directions in the recipients

work

• setting new priorities.

RADF funded activities must acknowledge the Queensland Government and

Gympie Regional Council in all promotional material, publications and

products by inclusion of the RADF acknowledgment text and logos.

2. REPORT

Five applications were received totalling $25,705 in funding requests. Table 1

below outlines the number of applications received per category, amount of



requests and recommendation summary and Table 2 shows the breakdown

across each category.

Table 1: Number of Applications Received and Recommended Summary

Category Applications

received

Total funding

requests

Recommended

Projects

Recomm.

funding

Community

Projects

3 $19,505 2 $11,800

Concept

Development

1 $2,200 1 $2,200

Individual

Skills

Development

1 $4,000 1 $1,500

TOTALS 5 $27,505 4 $15,500

Table 2: Breakdown of recommended applications in each Category

I

n

t

h

i

s

r

o

u

n

d

o

f

R

A

D

F

2.1 Assessment process

All applications have been assessed against specified eligibility and

assessment criteria detailed in the Regional Arts Development Fund Grant

Guidelines 2017. Section 9 of the Guidelines sets out the Council endorsed

assessment process as follows:

Eligibility check: All applications are checked against eligibility criteria to

ensure the applicant type, project type, amount requested and timeframes are

eligible.

Assessment: Applications are assessed against specified assessment criteria by a

panel comprised of: The Portfolio Councillor (Chair), Manager Arts and Culture,

COMMUNITY PROJECTS CATEGORY (maximum $8,000)

Name of

Applicant Project Name Amount granted

Zodiac Players Inc. Youth Theatre Production $4500

Five Mile Radius Jungle Love Train $7300

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY (maximum $5,000)

Name of

Applicant Project Name Amount granted

Kim Guthrie Gold Mine $2200

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY (maximum $1500)

Name of

Applicant Project Name Amount Granted

Community

Information and

Resource Service

Association Inc.

Community Art Class – Oil

Painting with Robin Hines $1500



Radf Liaison Officer and community members serving on Council’s Arts and

Cultural Reference Panel where conflict of interest does not exclude their

involvement.

Endorsement: Panel recommendations are provided to Councillors for

endorsement of the grant recommendations.

2.3 Notification

Following Council’s endorsement of grant recommendations, applicants will

be formally notified to advise of the grant round outcomes. Councillors will be

invited to contact Cr Dan Stewart (Social Well-being Portfolio Chair) or the

Manager Arts and Culture if they require further information.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome via a letter and with the amount

of funding distributed to successful applicants. The list of successful applicants

will be displayed on Council’s website after 15 October 2017.


Summary of applications and funding

A total of $52,735 was available for RADF for the two rounds in the 2017

calendar year. Round One awarded $19, 534 in March 2017 with council

initiated projects accounting for $14,765. Of the total available funds, $3000

was allocated to two Quick Response Applications. At the time of writing this

report a total of $15, 436 is available for this Round.

Little Kids Day Out, Round 1 recipient



Holly Hughes and Mary Valley Artslink Round 1 Recipient


Recommended funding is in accordance with the Regional Arts Development

Fund Agreement.

5. CONSULTATION

Applications were formally assessed at a meeting on Thursday 21 September

by the Arts & Culture Reference Panel chaired by Portfolio Councillor Dan

Stewart.

6. CONCLUSION

Council directly supports arts and culture through a range of cultural facilities

across the region and delivery of many community programs and activities.

Successful partnerships with other tiers of government enables a greater

funding pool for programs like the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)

that support individuals and groups to achieve their own creative pursuits.

Council is committed to ensuring the delivery of these services continues to

support and celebrate the distinctiveness and creativity of the people and

places in the community.

M09/10/1

7

Moved Cr DH Stewart Seconded Cr DW Dodt

That Council:

1. Endorses the 2017 Regional Arts Development Fund Round 2

recommendations totalling $15,500.

2. Thanks the Arts and Culture Assessment panel for the time and

effort taken in assessing applications.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



6.5 C ommunity Assis tance Gr ants

6.5 Community Assistance Grants

PORTFOLIO: Governance, Finance, Disaster Management


DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:



Council’s Community Assistance Grants program provides financial assistance

to incorporated, not for profit organisations to support the provision of

projects which respond to identified community needs and contribute to

building stronger communities.

There are two grant rounds per financial year. Round one of 2017/18 was

open from 1-31 August 2017 with assessment undertaken in September.

2. REPORT

2.1 Summary of applications and funding

A total of $155,000 is available for community grants in 2017/18 (excluding

RADF). In Round 1, thirty-four applications were received, with twenty-nine of

those being eligible applications totalling $118,000 in funding requests. Six of

these applications were from community organisations that had not received

prior Community Assistance Grant funding.

Table 1 below outlines the number of eligible applications received per

category, amount of requests and recommendation summary.

Table 1: Number of eligible applications received and recommended for

funding

Category Eligible

applications

received

Total

funding

requests

Recomm.

projects

Recomm.

funding

Community Capacity

Building

9 $41,661 4 $9,232

Community Equipment 11 $20,314 8 $14,795

Community Facilities

Development

8 $55,625 5 $25,922

New and Emerging

Community Events

1 $400 1 $400

TOTAL 29 $118,000 18 $50,349



2.2 Assessment process

All applications have been assessed against specified eligibility and

assessment criteria detailed in the Community Assistance Grants Guidelines

2017/18. Section 7.3 of the Guidelines sets out the Council endorsed

assessment process as follows:

Eligibility check: All applications are checked against eligibility criteria to

ensure the applicant type, project type, amount requested and timeframes

are eligible. Ineligible and incomplete applications will not progress to the

assessment stage.

Assessment: Applications are assessed against specified assessment criteria

by a panel comprised of: Councillor/s, Council staff who have knowledge

and experience in the respective grant categories and subject matter

experts (if required).

Endorsement: Panel recommendations are provided to Council for

endorsement.

Categories:

Community Capacity Building

Purpose

To support community-led projects that increase the social

wellbeing of residents

To increase the capacity of community organisations and clubs

to deliver services to their members and the broader

community.

Amount Up to 80% of total project costs, maximum $5,000 grant

Priorities

Priority will be given to projects which enhance:

Social connection and sense of belonging between residents,

neighbourhoods and/or the broader community;

Volunteering opportunities and retention;

Active and healthy lifestyles including sporting, recreational or

social initiatives that encourage active community participation

and wellbeing;

Partnerships and collaborations between community

organisations in improving community outcomes;

Learning and skills development for particular target groups,

residents and/or the general community;

The organisational capacity of community organisations and

clubs including strategic planning, governance, financial

management, leadership skills, training for members or

management committees;

Positive outcomes for specific target groups or community

issues, for example young people, seniors, access and inclusion.

Specific

Eligibility

Criteria

Equipment purchases may be eligible under this category if the

equipment is integral to the delivery of the community capacity

building project.



Examples

of eligible

expenses

Training programs for volunteers, preparation of a club’s strategic

plan, community workshops for young people.

Facilities Development

Purpose To support community organisations to plan, develop and

improve community facilities to enable increased community

participation, healthy and active lifestyles and social wellbeing.

Amount Planning: Maximum $5,000 grant, no contribution required

Capital works: Up to 75% of project costs, maximum $10,000

grant

Priorities

Priority will be given to projects which:

Enable greater community participation, healthy and active

lifestyles and/or social wellbeing;

Enhance Council assets used for broad community purposes;

Encourage collaboration between community groups and

shared use of community facilities;

Maximise the use of the community facility;

Demonstrate sound asset management processes, including

safety and risk management;

Are sympathetic to the surrounds of the reserve or building.

Lower priority may be given to projects which are considered routine

maintenance or emergency repairs.

Specific

Eligibility

Criteria

Eligible applications

Applications for:

Planning projects involving the planning and design of new

facilities or improvements to existing facilities; or

Capital works projects involving purchase of materials and/or

construction.

An organisation applying under this category must:

have an existing tenure agreement with Council and be

compliant with all relevant conditions of the agreement; or

own or be trustee of the land/facility and demonstrate how

the project will benefit the broader community.

Applications for projects on land owned by the State

government may be considered where there is a formal public

use arrangement in place between Council and the State

government.

Ineligible applications

Organisations applying to develop or improve facilities on

properties owned by an individual or commercial entity.



Land

Owner

Consent

Required

For projects relating to Council owned land: consent from

Council’s Manager, Property or delegate (email:

[email protected]);

For projects on non-Council land: written consent from the land

owner or trustee of the land must be submitted with the

application. If the applicant organisation is the owner of the

subject land, submission of this application is considered

evidence of consent.

Additional

Support

Material

A concept and site plan for buildings works must be readily

available upon Council request.

Examples

of eligible

expenses

Planning: Architectural or engineering plans, concept, site,

feasibility plans, consultation studies or other planning

documents generally required prior to commencement of capital

works.

Capital works: materials, construction and contractor costs

associated with new construction and/or maintenance projects,

e.g. building repairs, plumbing and electrical works, playing

surface or lighting upgrades to sporting fields, safety fencing.

New and Emerging Events

Purpose

To support community organisations to develop and deliver new

or emerging events which generate social and/or economic

benefits.

Amount Up to 20% of total event costs, maximum $1,000 grant (for local

events) and $5,000 grant (for regional events)

Event

Definitions

Emerging event: event in its early stages of development and

delivery, having occurred only once or twice prior to the grant

application being submitted

Local event: event likely to attract less than 1000 people, have

high significance to local residents, low tourist demand, high

local social benefits

Regional event: event likely to attract more than 1000 people,

potential tourist demand, reasonable economic and tourist

impact, substantial social benefit.



Priorities Priority will be given to events that:

Celebrate identity, creativity, diversity and/or lifestyle

Have unique characteristics (i.e. different to other exiting events)

Encourage social benefits, such as community pride or social

connection

Attract residents from within the Gympie region

Build the capacity of local event management talent and

suppliers

In addition, for regional events, priority will be given to projects

that:

Enhance the reputation of Gympie region as a desirable event

and tourism destination

Attract visitors from outside the Gympie region

Provide reasonable economic benefit and substantial social

benefits

Specific

Eligibility

Criteria

An applicant can only receive Council grant funding for the

same event for a maximum of three times

Celebration activities where attendance is limited to individual

organisations or their members are ineligible

Events that have the potential to adversely affect existing

community events may be given lower priority

Examples

of eligible

expenses

Community celebrations, sporting carnivals, expos that are

community focused, music festivals.

Equipment

Purpose To assist community organisations to purchase equipment so

they can better serve their members and the broader

community.

Amount Maximum $2,500 grant, no co-contribution required

Priorities

Priority will be given to equipment requests which:

Enable the effective functioning of a community organisation

Support volunteers to undertake their roles in a safe and

enjoyable manner

Encourage shared use of resources between community

groups (where possible)

Examples of

eligible

expenses

White goods, storage solutions, sporting equipment, safety

and/or training resources, office furniture, computers.

Content experts from across Council were involved in assessment panels. This

included Portfolio Councillor for Social Well Being, Manager - Community

Development and Facilities (Acting), Senior Officer - Community Development



Officer (Acting) and Officer Community Development (Acting) formed the final

moderation panel which met on Wednesday 20 September 2017.

Attachment 1, at the end of this report, lists the projects recommended for

funding including information on any funding the applicant has received in

2016/2017. Attachment 2 lists unsuccessful and ineligible applications for

information.

2.3 Notification

Following Council’s endorsement of grant recommendations, all applicants will

be notified of the outcomes via a letter and funding distributed to successful

applicants.

The list of successful applicants will be displayed on Council’s website

following endorsement by Council.

2.4 Round 2, 2017/2018

Applications for Round 2 will open on 1 March 2018 and close 31 March 2018.

An Information Session will be held in the first week of Round 2 and

prospective applicants are encouraged to attend. The Information Session

held during Round 1 recorded an attendance of 75 people from 40 local

community organisations.

Attachment 3 refers to available funding categories during Round 2.


Recommended funding is within 2017/18 budget allocation and in accordance

with the Community Assistance Grants Policy (CSPOL353).


The 2017/2018 Community Assistance Grant allocations were adopted by

Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 28 June 2017. Council then endorsed the

Community Assistance Grants Guidelines 2017/18 at its Ordinary Meeting on

19 July 2017, thereby enabling the grants to be administered in accordance

with the allocated budget and grant guidelines.

5. CONSULTATION

A/Senior Community Development Officer

A/Community Development Officer

Facilities Officers

Manager, Parks Design

Manager, Property

A/Manager, Community Development and Facilities

Councillor, Social Wellbeing Portfolio

6. CONCLUSION

All grant applications were assessed against approved eligibility and

assessment criteria and recommendations for funding are within budget.



ATTACHMENTS

1. Grant Recommendations Round 1, 2017/2018

2. Unsuccessful and Ineligible Applications Round 1, 2017/2018 -

CONFIDENTIAL

⇩3. Information re: Round 2, 2017/2018

M10/10/17 Moved Cr DH Stewart Seconded Cr DW Dodt

That Council:

1. Endorses the Round One 2017/2018 Community Assistance Grant

recommendations totalling $50,349.

2. Advises and promotes successful recipients

3. Advises unsuccessful applicants and offers further assistance with

future grant applications.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



Section 7: Office of the C EO

SECTION 7: OFFICE OF THE CEO 7.1 N otifi ed M oti on - R eports to Council

7.1 Notified Motion - Reports to Council



DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:


1. REPORT

Councillor Stewart has given notice of the following proposed motion:

Currently there appears to be a disconnect between the financial matters and

Council operations. The budget does not include much on what the money is

used for (hence the associated notified motion). On the other hand, reports we

receive from managers throughout the year have little or no comment on the

financial side. This motion seeks to address the later.

Proposed Motion:

“That a report be brought back by the end of the year that considers that when

council receives reports from business units that describe their activities and

achievements, the report shall also provide a summary of the finances of the

business unit that includes how much has been spent thus far in the current

year, how that compares to the current budget and the actual result of the

previous financial year, and how much income has been received from what

sources thus far in the financial year, and how that compares to the current

budget and to the previous financial year. Where reports are provided early in

the financial year, income and expenditure figures from the previous two

financial years with a comparison to the current budget shall suffice.”

Officer comment

Following previous Council resolutions, Council will be receiving reports in the

near future on a revised reporting structure, the intent of which is to have a

more comprehensive integrated reporting structure for Council which includes

both quantitative and qualitative reporting. This should address the intent of

most of the notified motion.

The intent of the current business unit reporting at workshops was to ensure

councillors and the community are briefed on activities which could be of

particular interest.



M11/10/17 Moved Cr DH Stewart Seconded Cr GC Hartwig

MOTION

That a report be brought back by the end of the year that considers that

when council receives reports from business units that describe their

activities and achievements, the report shall also provide a summary of

the finances of the business unit that includes how much has been spent

thus far in the current year, how that compares to the current budget and

the actual result of the previous financial year, and how much income has

been received from what sources thus far in the financial year, and how

that compares to the current budget and to the previous financial year.

Where reports are provided early in the financial year, income and

expenditure figures from the previous two financial years with a

comparison to the current budget shall suffice.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING

The Meeting adjourned for morning tea at 10.21am.

RESUMPTION OF MEETING

The Meeting resumed at 10.41am.

7.2 N otifi ed M oti on - Operati onal Expenses

7.2 Notified Motion - Operational Expenses



DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:


1. REPORT

Cr Stewart has given notice of the following proposed motion:

“In the lead up to the 2017-18 budget we had presentations in regard to the

budget. However in some instances the information appeared quite broad.

Our ratepayers need to know their rates are being well used. The official budget

papers are light on detail and ratepayers can be forgiven for being unaware of

how their rates are spent.

Council needs to be presented with income and expense figures broken down to

at least business units with an explanation of how the money is spent, and how

it helps meet the needs of the community and meets regulatory requirements.

Greater community consultation on the budget will help residents understand

the need for their level of rates and how their money is spent, as well as being

able to make suggestions in regard to these matters. The last part of the motion

includes capital expenditure on assumption that my previous motion on capex

will mean there will be a reasonable understanding of what capital expenditures

will be in the next budget.

The end result will be a budget that gives sufficient detail to residents and

ratepayers that their money is being wisely spent. It also means that if they want

to object, they can have greater understanding of what they are objecting to and

thus provide potentially better solutions.



Proposed Motion

“That a report be brought back by the end of November regarding the following

proposal:

Council will receive for discussion at workshops in March reports from each

department in regard to the following financial year:

a) Expected income and proposed expenditure for each business unit;

b) How that expected income and proposed expenditure compares with the

current year budget and actual amount to date, and previous year actuals;

c) Explanation for the expected level of income;

d) The reason for the proposed expenditure in regards to how it meets the

Corporate Plan objectives, community needs, and legislative and

regulatory requirements;

e) Explanation for any significant changes in proposed income or

expenditure.

A report of the outcome of the deliberations will be tabled at a Council meeting

by the end of April of the same year, with the intention that it be released to the

public and be open for the public to comment on. This publicly available report

will as a minimum include proposed operational and capital expenditures down

to at least business unit level, the reasons for the expenditure items, and the

expected overall change in rates and charges.”

Officer Comment:

Any amendments council makes to the budget process will need to take into

account the regulatory framework in place regarding budget information.

Council's budget papers are in line with the relevant legislation.

A significant part of councils operational budget is non discretionary and the

majority of the capital budget is underpinned by previously adopted

strategies, masterplans or previous specific council decisions. The opportunity

for extensive discussion on the details of the capital budget was provided.

In the case of major road projects, detailed business cases were provided to

councillors.



M12/10/17 Moved Cr DH Stewart Seconded Cr WR Leitch

MOTION

That a report be brought back by the end of November regarding the

following proposal:

Council will receive for discussion at workshops in March reports from

each department in regard to the following financial year:

a) Expected income and proposed expenditure for each business unit;

b) How that expected income and proposed expenditure compares

with the current year budget and actual amount to date, and

previous year actuals;

c) Explanation for the expected level of income;

d) The reason for the proposed expenditure in regards to how it meets

the Corporate Plan objectives, community needs, and legislative and

regulatory requirements;

e) Explanation for any significant changes in proposed income or

expenditure.

A report of the outcome of the deliberations will be tabled at a Council

meeting by the end of April of the same year, with the intention that it be

released to the public and be open for the public to comment on. This

publicly available report will as a minimum include proposed operational

and capital expenditures down to at least business unit level, the reasons

for the expenditure items, and the expected overall change in rates and

charges.”

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



7.3 N otifi ed M oti on - Waste Management

7.3 Notified Motion - Waste Management



DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:


1. REPORT

Councillor Smerdon has given notice of the following proposed motion:

“The recent changes to Council Transfer Station opening days and hours are not

working for the Community. The amended opening days and hours are too

restrictive and very unfair to certain sections of the community. The community

deserves and expects a level of service of a high standard. This is a core business

for council, a service council is by duty required to provide.”

M13/10/17 Moved Cr HT Smerdon Seconded Cr MS Gear

MOTION

That the recent changes to council's waste management services be taken

back to a council workshop with a view to looking at reforms to the

service to alleviate the problems being encountered by the general public.

Reforms to be considered include:

1. Days open

2. Hours Open

3. Sites Provided

4. Charges on Green waste

5. The investigation of the purchase of a mulcher and the subsequent

sale of mulch back to the public.

6. The investigation of the option of giving ratepayers coupons for a

number of free visits to transfer station sites.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



7.4 N otifi ed M oti on - Pr emises for C ommunity Organisation

7.4 Notified Motion - Premises for Community Organisation

PORTFOLIO: Social Wellbeing


DOC ID:


STRATEGIC THEMES:



1. REPORT

Councillor Curran (Mayor) has given notice of the following proposed motion:

“Gympie Regional Council (GRC) currently provides support (both financial and

in-kind) to numerous sporting and community not for profit groups and

organisations.

This support assists the facilitation of those sporting and community groups to

enhance the well-being of our community. Council has also provided land

and/or facilities, as they become available, to various groups right across our

region. Council also assists these community minded not for profit organisations

through the GRC community assistance grants program. This support adds to

the well-being of individuals as well as enhancing the liveability of our region in

general.

Whilst council does not and arguably should not, provide direct medical services

(responsibility of State and Federal Governments) GRC has at times provided

assistance to groups, wherever possible, to enhance the provision of those

services within our community.

Some examples are the provision of land to Supporting Chemotherapy in

Cooloola, providing medical consulting rooms in Kilkivan as well as supporting

Cooloola Medical Transport through our community assistance grants, all

services which are vital and needed for our community.

One such community group, Little Haven palliative Care, has had limited

assistance from council.

The information below has been provided by Little Haven Palliative Care to

support this motion.



Little Haven’s model of care values

24/7 support ~ genuine after hours care (not just telephone support)

educating and empowering families to care for their loved ones –

backed up by our support

High Tech / High Touch care –

Clinically our patients are very well supported with many local GP’s

providing extremely good palliative support, home visits and after hours

advice. This relationship – one of mutual professional respect has been

fostered across the years.

The role of the GP in management of community palliative patients

with access to specialist palliative services (SCSPCS) for patients with

complex symptom management issues.

Early intervention of palliative care to support patients from their

point of diagnosis

Of note the average number of patients on our books at any given time

has nearly doubled in less than 5 years; from 38 in 2012 to a current

average of 76 patients on our books at any given time. Families are

accessing support earlier and staying with us longer– just as we’d

hoped.

Supporting patients through active treatments (palliative chemo &

radiotherapy)

We receive regular referrals from the visiting oncologists for support

during their cancer treatments. With one carer recently saying she was

simply told by her oncologist, “go and see Little Haven, patients who

have their support do better than those that don’t”.

Providing support in the patients environment of choice – “At the

right time, in the right place”

From the Gratten institutes report into dying well.

Dying in Australia is more institutionalised than in the rest of the world.

Community and medical attitudes plus a lack of funds for formal

community care mean that about half of Australians die in hospital, and

about a third in residential care. Often they have impersonal, lingering

and lonely deaths; many feel disempowered. Seventy per cent of people

want to die at home, yet only about 14 per cent do so. People are twice

as likely to die at home in countries such as New Zealand, the United

States, Ireland and France.

This places a high cost burden on the health system, and potentially a

poorer quality of death. Little Haven consistently averages well above

these stats supporting 60% of our patients remaining at home to die in



the past reporting period and a further 24 % dying with less than 5 days

in Hospital.

Shaping compassion by community engagement in care of the

dying – Little Haven sources more that 65% of our funds from the local

community.

Equitable access for all through provision of all services on a no

fee basis

Little Haven also provides

Advanced Clinical Management of all symptoms – Physical and

Spiritual

All the equipment needed in that care

Respite care volunteers

A comprehensive list of Complementary therapies

Bereavement support service

Resource Library and Education –

Advance Health Planning

Social work support to assist with Advanced Care plans / Aged Care

Assessments etc

QHealth Funding

Little Haven receives QHealth funding through

Project funding through the Community Funding Unit – Contract 2015 –

2018 - $255860 per year (provided in quarterly instalments) Project Id

$38960 Scripted funding SCPCHSD (2015/2016)



As can be derived from the above information, Little Haven provides an

important, if not essential service for our community. It can also be seen that,

whilst some funding is provided by the State government, the majority of funds

necessary to provide services comes from community support.

Little Haven currently leases both a storage shed and a pop-up shop front in the

Gympie area at commercial rates. This arrangement has a financial impact on

the organisation which could be better served by providing those commercial

costs back to the provision of care services.

$0

$100,000

$200,000

$300,000

$400,000

$500,000

$600,000

$700,000

$800,000

$900,000

Little Haven / Qld Health funding gap 2005 / 2016

LH Annual Expenses Qhealth funding



Little Haven have previously approached the office of the Mayor GRC seeking

assistance in regards to both storage and shop front space however on that

occasion no such facilities were available.

With GRC’s acquisition of a commercial premises at the corner Jaycee Way and

River Road (locally known as the ‘Don Cameron’ building) for future planned

CBD and inner city development, an opportunity exists to locate Little Haven at

those premises pending development of the site by GRC (no specific estimate of

time-frame) as the premises provides both storage and shop front facilities.”

M14/10/17 Moved Cr MW Curran Seconded Cr DW Dodt

MOTION

That Community Services staff commence discussions with Little Haven

Palliative Care regarding the feasibility of it occupying the premises

known as ‘the Don Cameron Building’ (inclusive of storage and shop front

facilities) at the corner of Jaycee Way and River Road.

Carried



AGAINST: Nil



Section 8: Infr astr ucture Ser vices

SECTION 8: INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES



Section 9: Attachments

SECTION 9: ATTACHMENTS

5.1 Development Application for Material Change of Use - High Impact

Industry (Extension to Existing Engineering Workshop) at 532 Upper

Widgee Road, Widgee

ATTACHMENT 1 2016-0797 WIDGEE ENGINEERING - PUBLIC NOTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT .............................................................................................. 79

5.2 Update on Southside Local Development Area

ATTACHMENT 1 TEMPORARY LOCAL PLANNING INSTRUMENT 1 – SOUTHSIDE

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AREA ...................................................................... 83

6.5 Community Assistance Grants

ATTACHMENT 3 INFORMATION RE: ROUND 2, 2017/2018 ............................................. 91

There being no further business the meeting closed at 11.06am.

Confirmed this FIRST day of NOVEMBER 2017

________________________

Cr MW Curran

CHAIRMAN


Item 5.1 Development Application for Material Change of Use - High Impact Industry (Extension to

Existing Engineering Workshop) at 532 Upper Widgee Road, Widgee

Attachment 1 2016-0797 Widgee Engineering - Public Notification Attachment


ATTACHM ENT 1 - R efer I tem 5.1 2016-0797 Wi dgee Engineering - Public N otificati on Attachment


Item 5.2 Update on Southside Local Development Area

Attachment 1 Temporary Local Planning Instrument 1 – Southside Local Development Area


ATTACHM ENT 1 - R efer I tem 5.2 Tempor ar y Local Planning Instr ument 1 – Southside Local D evelopment Ar ea


Item 6.5 Community Assistance Grants

Attachment 1 Information re: Round 2, 2017/2018


ATTACHM ENT 3 - R efer I tem 6.5 Infor mation r e: R ound 2, 2017/2018


Item 6.5 Community Assistance Grants

Attachment 3 Information re: Round 2, 2017/2018


minutes of ordinary meeting - 11 october 2017

Documents