AGENDA FNQROC BOARD MEETING NO. 134 11 February 2019 at 08:30 AM
Civic Reception Room, Cairns Regional Council, Spence St, Cairns
1 Chairs Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
2 Apologies noted
3 Board Presentations
3.1 Ms Sarah Webster (QTC) re Digital Connectivity/Fibre (10 Mins + 5 Mins Q&A) 15 Mins
3.2 Ms Jen Damon (DTMR) re DRAFT FNQ Regional Transport Plan 30 Mins (15 Mins + 15 Mins Q&A)
4 Confirmation of Previous Minutes 4.1 Minutes of Meeting held on 10th December 2018 Pages 1-13
5 Business Arising from Previous Minutes: 10 December 2018
Minute Action Responsible Number Person(s) Status 2582 FNQROC to extend Calendar FNQROC Invite for meeting with Minister L Richardson Complete Enoch to Cr Scott for consideration.
2584 Finalise Regional Road FNQROC Assessment and table at D Irvine See agenda February 2019 board meeting. item 7.1
2586 Seek feedback from individual ALL Councils Councillors and provide appetite for support of the Cairns 2050 See agenda Shared Vision at February 2019 item 8.1 meeting. 2591 Engage with individual councils LGAQ to identify examples of the L Hannan impact on the ability to do In Progress business locally and explore ways to progress Beyond Belcarra amendment. 2592 LGAQ to prepare a one (1) page LGAQ briefing note relating to DRAFT L Hannan End of Waste Code by COB 13th Complete December, in preparation to inform FNQROC of current status prior to meeting with Minister Enoch MP.
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 134 Monday, 11 February 2019 Page 1 of 3 2593 LGAQ to provide FNQROC with a LGAQ copy of the Workforce Report T Goode once released Pending release
2594 Develop proposal re shared FNQROC Tourism Development Officer with D Irvine TTNQ In Progress
2595 FNQROC to re-circulate the email FNQROC from Mr Greg Hannam re LGAQ L Richardson Complete Council Comparison Website to councillors for further consideration. 2596 D Irvine to provide a FNQROC recommendation of a more D Irvine collective approach between In Progress State and LG in the event of a reoccurring heat event impacting wildlife. 2597 ADD Animal Management and FNQROC Wildlife Stewardship update to L Richardson See agenda FEB agenda item 7.2
2599 Send Calendar Invites re 2019 FNQROC Board Meetings L Richardson Complete
6 Advocacy 6.1 Advocacy update from member Councils
6.2 Advocacy update from FNQROC
6.2.1 FNQROC Canberra Federal Delegation (12-14 Feb ‘19) Included in Meeting Schedule Packs
7 Strategic Operational Plan To be circulated 7.1 FNQROC Regional Roads Assessment Update separately 7.2 FNQROC Animal Management and Wildlife Stewardship Update Verbal
8 Discussion Topics
8.1 Cairns 2050 Shared Vision: Seeking FNQROC support Verbal
8.2 LGAQ Council Comparison Website re Public reporting on See LGAQ
Council Performance – Appetite to support Website
9 Incoming/Outgoing Correspondence (23 Nov 2018 – 23 Jan 2019) 9.1 Incoming Nil
9.2 Outgoing Letter to DG, Department of Environment & Science re Interim EOW Code – Bio-solids (DM5970131) 10 FNQROC Policy Review
10.1 Nil to report
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 134 Monday, 11 February 2019 Page 2 of 3
11 FNQROC Reports and MOUs
11.1 FNQROC Operational Plan and Budget Report (B-74) Pages 14-18
11.2 FNQ Waste Infrastructure Plan (B-75) – In Principle support Pages 19-23 PDF attached (See Arcadis DRAFT 2 Plan - In Progress, for comment) separate 12 Financial Statements Pages 24-26 12.1 Profit & Loss Statement: Current FY to 23 Jan 2019 Page 27 12.2 Balance Sheet: Current FY to 23 Jan 2019 Page 28 12.3 Expenses to Budget
13 Meetings attended by FNQROC Executive Officer Pages 29-30
14 Minutes of FNQROC Advisory Committee Mtgs (23 Nov 2018– 23 Jan 2019) 14.4 FNQ RRTG Technical Committee Meeting (09/11/18) See FNQROC Website
14.4 FNQ RRTG Technical Committee Meeting (09/11/18) See FNQROC Website
14.2 FNQROC Western Councils Forum (28/11/18) See FNQROC Website
14.3 FNQ Regional Waste Management Group Meeting (07/12/18) See FNQROC Website
15 Confidential Meeting Minutes (23 Nov 2018 – 23 Jan 2019)
15.1 FNQROC 2018/19 Bitumen Resealing Meeting (14/12/18) Confidential Appendix
16 LGAQ Policy Executive Update (Standing Item) Pages 31-37
17 General Business
Pages 38-49 17.1 TNQ Destination Tourism Plan – Raised by CCRC
17.2 Bloomfield Track Feasibility Study – Raised by Wujal Wujal For discussion
17.3 Closure of BoM Cairns office – Raised by TRC For discussion
18 Next Meeting Date Monday 08 April 2019 in Cairns from 10:00am
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 134 Monday, 11 February 2019 Page 3 of 3 MINUTES OF THE 133RD BOARD MEETING
MONDAY 10 December 2018 at 10:00am
Civic Reception Room, Spence Street, Cairns
REPRESENTATIVES: Cr Bob Manning , Mayor Cairns Regional Council
Cr Jack Bawden, Mayor Carpentaria Shire Council
Cr John Kremastos, Mayor Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Acting Chair Cr Peter Scott, Mayor Cook Shire Council
Cr Annette Haydon Tablelands Regional Council
Cr Trevor Pickering, Mayor Croydon Shire Council
Cr Julia Leu, Mayor Douglas Shire Council
Cr Warren Devlin, Mayor Etheridge Shire Council
CEO’S: Mr John Andrejic, CEO Cairns Regional Council
Mr James Gott, CEO Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Ms Linda Cardew, CEO Cook Shire Council
Mr Bill Kerwin, CEO Croydon Shire Council
Mr Mark Stoermer, CEO Douglas Shire Council
Mr David Munroe, Acting CEO Etheridge Shire Council
Ms Janelle Menzies, CEO Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
Mr Stephen Linnane, CEO Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
OBSERVERS: Cr Jeff Baines Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Cr Wayne Bing Chew Croydon Shire Council
Cr Kim Gaynor, Deputy Mayor Croydon Shire Council
FNQROC STAFF: Ms Darlene Irvine Executive Officer
Mr Lachlan Rankine Regional Strategic Infrastructure Coordinator
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 1 of 13 001
Ms Amanda Hancock Procurement Coordinator
Ms Linda Richardson Office & Project Coordinator
APOLOGIES: Mr Mike Hayward, CEO Carpentaria Shire Council
Cr Ramon Jayo, Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Cr Mary Brown, Deputy Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Mr Alan Rayment, CEO Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Cr June Pearson, Deputy Mayor Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
Cr Tom Gilmore, Mayor Mareeba Shire Council
Cr Joe Paronella, Mayor Tablelands Regional Council
Mr Justin Commons, CEO Tablelands Regional Council
Cr Desmond Tayley, Mayor Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
Ms Eileen Demaal-Hall, CEO Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
Cr Ross Andrews, Mayor Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
Mr Scott Britain LGAQ
Mr Travis Sydes FNQROC
Shadow Minister for State Development, INVITED GUESTS Mr Andrew Powell MP Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
Ms Jo Stephenson DLGRMA
Mr Julian Chan DES
Mr Adrian Jefferies DES
Ms Kylie Hughes DES
Ashley Bunce DES
Mr Simon Hawker QTC
Ms Sarah Webster QTC
Mr Jan Xanthopoulo QTC
Ms Clare Chan QTC
Mr Brendan Colley QTC
Mr Luke Hannan LGAQ
Mr Tony Goode LGAQ
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 2 of 13 002 2578 Chair’s Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The meeting commenced at 10:00am.
Cr Peter Scott, Deputy Chair opened the meeting and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, paying respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
2579 Apologies and welcome to guests
Apologies as noted and roundtable introductions conducted.
BOARD PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Mr Julian Chan DES re FNQ Waste Infrastructure Plan
J Chan provided a presentation in relation to the DRAFT FNQ Regional Waste Infrastructure Plan designed to support the needs of Regional Qld, support investment and policy decisions around planning and waste infrastructure and assist in implementing State Government Programs and Initiatives, such as Container refund scheme and Waste Levy Provided overview of gap analysis and strategic objectives focussed on 4 key objectives (Local economic development, Planning for right infrastructure at the right time, Protecting essential infrastructure and coordinated regionally efficient systems) Highlighted Existing waste transfer flows and provided an overview of challenges, opportunities and potential solutions Next Steps: Early 2019 review, finalise and release FNQ Plan – looking for in principal support View copy of presentation here.
3.2 Mr Adrian Jefferies, DES re Waste Levy
10.29 am – Cr Annette Haydon, Tablelands Regional Council arrived at the meeting A Jefferies provided a presentation on the Waste Levy providing an overview of the key features, consultation process, exemptions, annual advance payments and Waste Programs (detailing how the levy will be spent) Noted that Qld is the only state that doesn’t have a levy as part of a Waste Management Plan Bill expected to be debated in early 2019 and levy to commence in July ’19, in line with FYs Provision for levy waiver in the event of severe local events such as storms and flooding (up to 28 days with the option to extend if required) Regional Transport Assistance Program – $6m approved for this program Levy Ready Grant program – announcement eminent View copy of presentation here.
10:43 am – Mr Andrew Powell MP, Shadow Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning arrived at the meeting
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3.3 Mr Simon Hawker, QTC re Waste Implementation Plan
S Hawker provided a presentation on the Waste Implementation Plan and the overview of QTC’s role in waste partnering with Department of Environment & Science (DES) Overview of Qld Waste generation and recovery rates, highlighted key issues as identified by Local Governments including Data/Technology, Infrastructure, Market Conditions, Policy Consistency, Contracts and Cost Pressures, Overview of the “future state” including infrastructure planning, education, supportive policy, data and performance tracking, economic opportunities and recycling/environmental benefits Noted national uplift in employment opportunities associate with waste management In summary, LG’s have the ability to influence outcomes, collaborate to realise opportunities within the plan and seize current government, industry and community momentum. View copy of presentation here. The Chair invited comments/questions from the floor in relation to all three (3) presentations provided and relating to Waste Infrastructure, Levy and Implementation Plans.
What consideration has been given to the distance constraints of FNQ? The Regional Transport Assistance Program and grants for Indigenous communities are available. The Waste Container Refund Scheme has provided opportunities to see how logistics work in remote communities and solutions are up for further discussion (i.e. getting a crusher out into region, etc.) What steps are being taken in relation to alignment between Government Departments (i.e. Recycling/Waste Management versus End of Waste Code which will see bio-solids into land fill)? Working on levels of contamination and DES confident a solution will be found before the Waste Levy is implemented. What consideration has been given to the logistics of the Container Refund Scheme in remote communities (i.e. limited registered collection sites)? DES has identified that logistics are a problem within remote communities with small scale infrastructure and the need for further collection points or opportunities with back-loads. Currently working to solve. What future exemptions may be available to rural and remote communities of FNQ? Regulation can be amended to provide for additional exemptions if required (and DG can create an exemption in extreme conditions). Important to recognise that current exemptions are time limited and that the whole legislative framework will be reviewed after three (3) years. Is there any incentive/compensation available to councils who have been proactive in landfill planning and budget allocations? QTC are not the policy makers, however have highlighted in their report a notation in relation to councils that have not received compensation for being proactive (restoration costs).
3.4 Ms Janelle Menzies, Grants Commission re FAGs Methodology
J Menzies provided a brief overview of the Finance Assistance Grants methodology and highlighting the National Principles including Horizontal Equalisation, effort neutrality, minimum grant, other grant support, Aboriginal Peoples and TSI, identified road grant and council amalgamation Provided snapshot of historical figure from 2013-14 to date and noted Cost Adjustors based on scale, location and demography Annual Report 2017 now available via http://www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/resources-ilgp/plans- strategies-reports/local-government-comparative-reports.html (2018 due for sign off)
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 4 of 13 004
The Chair invited comments/questions from the floor:
Can the Grants Commission play a role in advocacy? Unfortunately no, advocacy support for LG must be via LGAQ, local, state and federal MPs Is there any allowance for inaccurate ABS figures, particularly within the Indigenous communities? Methodology is based on ABS figures only and capped at a 3% increase/decrease.
Welcome to Mr Andrew Powell MP, Shadow Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
The Chair formally welcomed Mr Andrew Powell MP, Shadow Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.
Mr Powell conveyed his thanks to Cr Gilmore for his standing invitation to attend a FNQROC Board Meeting whenever in region.
He noted that he has previously met with the Mayors during State delegations and taken advantage to hold 1:1 meetings with a number of Mayors today to discuss specific regional matters.
Mr Powell extended Christmas Greetings from Mrs Deb Frecklington and the team to the FNQROC Board and extended an invitation for further 1:1 engagement at 11:30am prior to his departure.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2580 Confirmation of Minutes
MOVED: Cr Jack Bawden SECOND: Cr Trevor Pickering That the minutes of the 132nd FNQROC Board Meeting held on 08 October 2018 be confirmed.
CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES
2569 Minute – Member councils to send any new/amended Briefing Notes for Brisbane Mayoral delegation to Ms Irvine ASAP
Complete
2569 Minute – Ms Irvine to send list of heavy vehicle network within our Regional Investment Strategy Request for Quote to member councils to review as this will be the list FNQROC will submit for ROSI consultations
Complete
2569 Minute – Amend FNQ Road Investment and Planning Advocacy Briefing to request “If we are able to attract 80% Federal Funding on roads in our region will the State contribute 20%”
Complete
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 5 of 13 005
2569 Minute – To reduce time out of the office, when we have Brisbane Mayoral delegations, the FNQROC Board meeting is to be held on the Monday morning in Cairns before the Mayors and Executive Officer fly out
Noted as part of 2019 Diary Planning
2571 Minute – That the FNQ Regional Roads Investment Strategy evaluation report be sent to FNQROC board for adoption via flying minute
Complete
2527 + 2549 Minute – Mr Sydes to circulate Biosecurity Queensland written update (re Local Government Biosecurity Plans policy) to board once received, or provide further update at next Board meeting.
Complete
A policy statement has been written and is sitting with the Chief Biosecurity Officer for sign off. In short, the FNQROC ‘query’ initiated a state-wide policy (see attached appendix).
ADVOCACY
2581 Advocacy update from member Councils
Nil
2582 Advocacy update from FNQROC
FNQROC Brisbane Delegation (15-17 Oct 2018) Advocacy Summary Report Noted that FNQROC Advocacy briefs and summary reports from 2018 Federal and State Mayoral Delegations available on the website. FNQROC Advocacy Matrix (Federal and State) Advocacy matrix has been completed identifying Federal and State Ministers and/or Shadow Minister whom FQNROC have engaged with to date. This will assist in identifying ‘gaps’ and enable targeted appointments for 2019 clearly aligned to FNQROC priorities and portfolios. Advocacy Meeting with Minister Enoch MP, Minister for Environment, Science, GBR and the Arts A meeting has been secured for Friday 14th December with the Minister to discuss matters relating to the DRAFT End of Waste Code submission. D Irvine requested support from an elected member to attend the meeting.
ACTION: D Irvine to extend the Calendar Invite for meeting with Minister Enoch to Cr Scott for consideration.
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 6 of 13 006
STRATEGIC OPERATIONAL PLAN
2583 FNQ Regional Roads Investment Strategy
D Irvine noted that data request has been extended to RRTG TC members seeking information due 4th January 2019, focussed on:-
Road characteristics and condition
Bridges and culverts
Traffic volumes, and
Heavy vehicle permits
2584 FNQ Regional Road Assessment
D Irvine tabled the FNQ Regional Road Assessment detailing initial summary information based on individual regional road data.
Initial findings highlight a drop in forward planning (see Table 1 and Table 2) and the number of new projects showing in Year 1 and not previously identified within RIP/QTRIP, have increased significantly to 69% (see Table 3).
Findings to date raise real concerns around the lack of forward planning by TMR. The assessment work is still in progress and will be finalised by February 2019 for further commentary.
ACTION: D Irvine to finalise Regional Road Assessment and table at February 2019 board meeting.
2585 FNQROC Our Natural Assets Regional Strategic Framework: For endorsement
Updated provided by D Irvine on behalf of T Sydes.
The strategy is the next iteration of the FNQROC Regional Pest Management Strategy. The central tenet of the strategy is that our natural assets are central to our culture, well-being and prosperity. The strategy expands its scope from the sole focus on pest management in the original strategy to now consider the core themes of biosecurity, community, economy and natural systems all in the same whole-of-system approach. The strategy is guided by three fundamental principles, that it is strategic, culturally aware and climate ready.
Program logic is used to map the desired outcomes which will assist in achieving the strategic vision over a 10 year timeframe. These are supported by key strategies shared across each of the four core themes. A monitoring and evaluation framework sites external to the strategy to guide the ongoing maintenance of the regional partnerships and programs. Key projects and programs are identified within the strategy but develop, delivered and evaluated through the NAMAC and within councils own operations.
MOVED: Cr John Kremastos SECONDED: Cr Julia Leu
That the FNQROC Our Natural Assets Regional Strategic Framework be adopted.
CARRIED
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 7 of 13 007
DISCUSSION TOPICS
2586 Cairns 2050 Shared Vision: Seeking FNQROC support
The Chair invited Cr Manning to provide an overview of the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision.
Cr Manning advised that the vision was initially driven by a desire by Cairns Regional Council to make sure that there was a bigger picture moving forward and that State and Federal Governments could be made aware of the future vision.
Whilst a very detailed document including the logic and identification of what the major projects are that need to be undertaken, as a ‘living’ document it also incorporates the flexibility/agility to respond quickly to policy and/or government changes at both a State and Federal level.
Strong engagement was undertaken with key stakeholders to ensure collaborative development of the vision designed to take Cairns through to 2050. Whilst the document outlines the strategic vision for the Cairns vision, it very much incorporates FNQROC as a critical stakeholder.
Noted the importance at a State/Federal level that they see broad based support and believes that this visionary document adds real value to the overall advocacy efforts of FNQROC.
Cr Manning recommended the Cairns 2050 Shared Vision to the FNQROC Board for support.
The Chair invited comments/questions from the floor:
Noted that whilst a 30 year vision was bold, it was necessary for regions to progress Noted the strength of FNQROC is collaboration
Douglas Shire raised query relating to Key Project – Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest (Pages 9-10) in relation to the idea of merging with GBRMPA? Cr Manning advised whilst governments are reluctant to show support too early, good response has been provided by two senior Labor members to date. Reinforced the need to look at what is the best model, when it comes to the management of the GBR and Wet Tropics. Mr Powell MP advised that this is not a foreign concept and there is an appetite in State Government to consider a new model.
Douglas Shire noted no reference to Climate Change within the document. Cr Manning advised that this document is a long-term vision and that the fundamental concept/ideas are critical, rather than getting caught up in the detail of the document.
The Chair sought conceptual support from around the table (seven (7) votes received) and asked for individual councils to seek feedback from councillors for further consideration.
ACTION: ALL councils to seek feedback from individual Councillors and provide appetite for support at February meeting.
11:50 am – Mr Andrew Powell MP, Shadow Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning departed the meeting
CORRESPONDENCE
Noted
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 8 of 13 008
FNQROC POLICY REVIEW
Nil
FNQROC REPORTS AND MOU
Nil
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2587 Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Financial YTD
D Irvine noted that expenses relating to the State and Federal Mayoral Delegations had been circulated separately and noted that the final costings were more than expected or originally budgeted for. MOVED: Cr Warren Devlin SECOND: Cr Trevor Pickering That the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Reports for the financial year to date be accepted. CARRIED
ATTENDANCE & MINUTES OF MEETINGS
2588 Meetings Attending by Executive Officer (23 Sept – 28 Nov)
Noted
2589 FNQROC Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes (23 Sept – 28 Nov)
Noted
2590 Confidential Meeting Minutes (23 Sept – 28 Nov)
Noted
LGAQ POLICY EXECUTIVE UPDATE
A copy of the LGAQ Policy Executive distributed prior to the meeting.
Mr Hannan introduced Mr Tony Goode, LGAQ Workforce Executive to the board and provided a brief verbal update of the following key items, with other items accepted as noted in the tabled Executive Summary.
2591 Beyond Belcarra
Noted that at the LGAQ Annual Conference a resolution was passed calling on the State Government to immediately amend the law to provide a practical definition of what constitutes a ‘gift’. The Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) has produced a series of fact sheets, in particular referenced ECQ Fact Sheet 9 on “Is Receiving Hospitality a Political Donation?”
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 9 of 13 009
Noted that the amendment package may be pushed out to May 2019 for introduction (originally Nov). Questioned what the appetite is to pass legislation? LGAQ advised not waning intent to change, it is the timing. Frustrations voiced re delays and the impact on doing business locally. Asked what we can do collectively to progress using practical examples of the local impact.
ACTION: LGAQ to engage with individual councils on beyond Balcarra to identify examples of the impact on their ability to do business locally and explore ways to progress.
2592 DRAFT End of Waste Code / Bio-solids
Noted that this matters relating to the draft are evolving and the Department have acknowledged errors in implications and poor communication between departments.
ACTION: LGAQ to prepare a one (1) page briefing note relating to this matter by COB Thursday 13th December, in preparation to inform FNQROC of current status prior to meeting with Minister Enoch MP.
2593 IR/Workforce Matters
Mr Goode provided brief update in relation to IR and Workforce matters, particularly noting:
Noted whilst an increase in IR and matters being referred to the Commission, well handled by LGs Undertaking research in conjunction with Griffith University re the future of Enterprise Bargaining. Determining the success/outcomes of EB and consider alternative models. Overview provided of the LGAQ Workforce Report and noted the ability to breakdown data per ROC to compare and identify regional challenges / opportunities / solutions, which may be of interest to FNQROC? Report will be endorsed Friday 14th December and then available for release, including cheat sheets.
ACTION: LGAQ to provide FNQROC with a copy of the Workforce Report once released
GENERAL BUSINESS
2594 TTNQ Proposal re Tourism Development Coordinator – For Discussion
Mr Peter Franks arrived.
TTNQ have suggested a proposal for a shared tourism development role. It is requested that a formal proposal is put forward detailing costs and position description.
ACTION: D Irvine to request TTNQ to put forward a formal proposal detailing costs and position description of a shared position to be considered at the February meeting.
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2595 LGAQ Council Comparison Website re Public Reporting on Council Performance
The Chair invited roundtable discussions to gauge overall consensus.
Currently not mandated in Qld, as it is in other States. Opportunity for LGAQ to manage and as a sector have some control over our own destiny. 10 councils have signed up to date. Noted that all information is already in the public sphere via individual council websites and annual reports. Designed to grown and promote transparency. Incorporates 16 metrics and the ability to compare your council + 3 others, detailing comparative data. Ability to include comments to explain any abnormalities Good tool re transparency for rate payers and could benefit advocacy efforts If don’t sign up, rate payers perception could be that there is something to hide or we leave ourselves open to moving into a State compulsory version. EOI is asking for views/feedback re interest to participate (no end date noted) ACTION: FNQROC to re-circulate the email from Mr Greg Hallam re Public reporting on Council Performance to councils for further consideration of an “all in or all out” position.
2596 Extreme Heat impact on Flying Fox population
Cr Manning noted as a result of the recent extreme heat event experienced in Cairns, approx. 10,000 Flying Foxes died creating a costly and difficult clean-up problem for CRC. A public health warning resulted and support from the State was disjointed. It may be a one-off event, but need to consider a more collective approach moving forward.
ACTION: D Irvine to provide a recommendation of a more collective approach between State and LG should this type of event reoccur.
2597 FNQROC Animal Management and Wildlife Stewardship
Cr Kremastos requested an update from T Sydes on the FNQROC Animal Management and Wildlife Stewardship program at the next meeting
ACTION: An update on the FNQROC Animal Management and Wildlife Stewardship program be presented at the next FNQROC Board meeting in February.
Mr Linnane noted that all Indigenous Mayors were currently attending parliamentary meetings in Brisbane and extended apologies.
2598 FNQROC Executive Officer: Employment Contract
The Chair requested all members, except FNQROC Mayors leave the meeting whilst the FNQROC Executive Officer employment contract was discussed. MOVED: Cr Jack Bawden SECONDED: Cr John Kremastos The FNQROC Board delegates to the Chair and Deputy Chair the authority to negotiate salary level, terms and conditions of employment contract of the Executive Officer. CARRIED
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 11 of 13 011
2599 Next Meeting Date
The Chair advised the 2019 meeting dates will be circulated by Calendar Invite, aligned with future planned State and Federal delegations.
ACTION: Send Calendar Invites to secure 2019 meeting dates
Meeting Close: 1:03 pm
…………………………………. Cr Peter Scott Deputy Chair
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 133 Monday 10 December 2018 Page 12 of 13 012
ACTION ITEMS
Minute Action Responsible Person(s) Number Status
FNQROC to extend Calendar Invite for meeting with Complete 2582 Minister Enoch to Cr Scott for consideration. L Richardson
Finalise Regional Road Assessment and table at In Progress 2584 February 2019 board meeting. D Irvine
Seek feedback from individual Councillors and 2586 provide appetite for support of the Cairns 2050 ALL Councils Shared Vision at February meeting. Engage with individual councils to identify examples of the impact on the ability to do business locally and 2591 LGAQ explore ways to progress Beyond Belcarra amendment. LGAQ to prepare a one (1) page briefing note relating to DRAFT End of Waste Code by COB 13th December, 2592 L Hannan in preparation to inform FNQROC of current status Complete prior to meeting with Minister Enoch MP.
LGAQ to provide FNQROC with a copy of the 2593 T Goode Workforce Report once released
Develop proposal re shared Tourism Development 2594 D Irvine Officer with TTNQ
FNQROC to re-circulate the email from Mr Greg Complete 2595 Hannam re LGAQ Council Comparison Website to L Richardson councillors for further consideration.
D Irvine to provide a recommendation of a more 2596 collective approach between State and LG in the D Irvine event of a reoccurring heat event impacting wildlife.
ADD Animal Management and Wildlife Stewardship 2597 L Richardson update to FEB agenda
2599 Send Calendar Invites re 2019 Board Meetings L Richardson
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FNQROC MEETING
11 FEBRUARY 2019 B74
FNQROC BUDGET FOR 2019 – 2020
Darlene Irvine: #5974379
Recommendation:
That the FNQROC Board adopts:
1. FNQROC Operational Budget with: a. Member Council base contribution for the 2019/2020 financial year being: i. Cairns Regional Council - $117,000 ii. Carpentaria Shire Council - $22,752 iii. Cassowary Coast Regional Council - $85,827 iv. Cook Shire Council - $50,996 v. Croydon Shire Council - $20,403 vi. Douglas Shire Council - $61,927 vii. Etheridge Shire Council - $21,114 viii. Hinchinbrook Shire Council - $35,013 ix. Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council - $21,443 x. Mareeba Shire Council - $75,648 xi. Tablelands Regional Council - $79,966 xii. Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council - $20,411 xiii. Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council - $23,864
b. Regional Road and Transport contribution remaining at 2.75% of funding received, and c. Croydon Shire Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council contribute 20% of any direct savings realised through their involvement in regional procurement activities (capped at $25,000), and d. Councils outside the FNQROC boundary contribute 30% of direct savings realised through their involvement in FNQROC procurement activities.
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014
INTRODUCTION: As per the FNQROC Operational Guidelines, a budget and operational plan needs to be presented to members for consideration in March of each year.
Operational Plan The FNQROC Board adopted the FNQROC Strategic Operational Plan 12 February 2018. This is a long term plan setting the direction of the organisation. As a summary of the operational plan key deliverables for 2019/20 include: Deliverables Timeline Annually, 1 x State, 2 x 1. FNQROC Mayoral delegations to State and Federal Governments Federal 2. Submit State and Federal budget submissions Annually
3. Continued Operations of FNQROC Annually 4. Submission on new and changing legislation affecting the region As required 5. Maintain currency of Strategic projects requiring advocacy Quarterly 6. Complete Regional Road Investment Strategy December 2019 7. Define the scope of social infrastructure goal for FNQROC and December 2019 collect baseline data
8. Mobile communication gaps identified December 2019
9. Broadband black spot scope developed December 2019
10. Full review of FNQROC development manual Mid/late 2019
11. Annual FNQROC Forum Oct/Dec Annually
12. Contract management of regional arrangements Ongoing 13. Western Council forums Quarterly
14. Continue existing technical committees Ongoing 15. Implementation of FNQROC Regional Animal Management & Ongoing Wildlife Stewardship Policy 16. Develop FNQ Regional Weed Spread Prevention Network 2018 – 2021
17. Regionally consistent contract and procurement documentation December 2019
18. Complete Regional Roads baseline assessment July 2019
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015 2019/20 Budget There are a number of factors which need a recommendation from the Board to finalise the 2019-20 Budget. These factors need to be considered collectively and include: 1. Member Council base contribution for 2019-2020, 2. Local Roads of Regional Significance (LRRS) contribution, and 3. Procurement Contributions.
1. Member council base contribution for 2019/20 Member council’s base rate calculation has not changed since 2015/16, nor has there been a CPI increase. Delegations to Canberra and Brisbane add a significant additional expense to the budget which cannot be absorbed within existing membership fees. It is proposed that for the 2019/20 financial year we maintain the population rate at $1.38 per person and increase the flat rate ($18,000) and cap ($90,000) by $2,000. The 2019/20 proposed methodology is:
a) flat rate at $20,000 b) the population rate remain at $1.38 per person c) cap at $92,000
2. LRRS contribution It is recommended the Regional Road and Transport Group contribution to remain at 2.75% of funding received.
3. Councils Procurement contributions It is recommended that current contributions remain unchanged. The current contribution is $25,000 for Cairns, Cassowary, Cook, Douglas, Mareeba and Tablelands Councils. The remaining member Councils to contribute 20% of direct savings with non-member Councils contributing 30% of savings.
OPTIONS: a. Approve the recommendation b. Amend the recommendation c. Request a review of options presented within the report.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Statutory: Under the Local Government Act 2009 Council has jurisdiction to ensure good government in its area. Under the FNQROC Operational Guidelines (Section 4 “Resources”) it is required that a Budget be presented to the FNQROC Board each March for approval. Not included in the below budget is the approved (12 February 2018) for the Regional Road Investment Strategy and Communication blackspot study to be taken from FNQROC reserves.
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016 Financial: The budget for 2019 – 2020 is estimated as follows: Expenses 2019/20 Executive Officer (Salary + On Costs) $185,000 Regional Natural Asset Coordinator (Salary + On Costs) $128,750 Regional Office and Project Coordinator (Salary + On Costs) $100,940 Regional Infrastructure Projects Coordinator (Salary + On Costs) $142,140 Regional Procurement Coordinator (Salary + On Costs) $123,600 Reseal Program Supervisor (RPEQ) $60,000 Western Councils travel expenses $12,000 FNQROC Delegation expenses $60,000 FNQROC Emergent delegations $15,000 Vehicle leases and expenses $35,000 Stationery and office (including audit costs) $12,000 Mobile phones $5,500 Software licences $1,000 Subscriptions $2,000 Training $10,000 Board and Advisory Committee Meeting expenses (includes travel) $17,600 Chair Honorarium $6,000 Economy and community id subscription $14,000 Regional Video showcasing the region $10,000 FNQROC Forum Day $10,000 Contingencies $25,700 Total expenses $976,230
Recommended Council contributions:
TOTAL 2019/2020 Council 2018/2019 base Flat Procurement fee contribution excl. RRTG Contribution 2.75% Cairns $92,000 $25,000 $117,000 Carpentaria $22,752 $22,752 Cassowary $60,827 $25,000 $85,827 Cook $25,996 $25,000 $50,996 Croydon $20,403 $20,403 Douglas $36,927 $25,000 $61,927 Etheridge $21,114 $21,114 Hinchinbrook $35,013 $35,013 Hope Vale $21,443 $21,443 Tablelands $54,966 $25,000 $79,966 Mareeba $50,648 $25,000 $75,648 Wujal Wujal $20,411 $20,411 Yarrabah $23,864 $23,864 $486,365 $150,000 $635,365
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017
Plus additional funding 2019/2020
Road Alliance Funding $142,886 Water Alliance Funding $45,000 RRTG contribution 2.75% $157,167 Total additional funding $345,053 Council contribution $635,365 TOTAL FNQROC Funding $980,418
CONCLUSION:
Membership levies have remained relatively the same since 2015/16 with no CPI increase. Since this time the organisation and its direction has grown significantly, particularly in relation to delegations to Canberra and Brisbane which adds approximately $60,000 to our annual budget expense. While a portion of this can be absorbed, the full amount cannot so it is proposed to lift the base and cap amount by $2,000. The alternative to this increase is to limit delegations to one State and one Federal per year.
Darlene Irvine FNQROC Executive Officer
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018
FNQROC MEETING
11 FEBRUARY 2019 B75
DRAFT FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
Lachlan Rankine: 5982326
Recommendation:
It is recommended that: a. FNQROC provide in principle support of the draft plan, subject to review on completion of the report and consideration of the following: i. Defining short, medium and long term within the plan; ii. Supporting Springmount Landfill as a regional (privately owned) disposal facility is of concern as it potentially puts the region in a vulnerable situation; iii. The State government does not abdicate its responsibility to financially support these actions; particularly those requiring investigation and regional collaboration.
INTRODUCTION:
In late 2018, the Department of Environment and science made a request to present the draft form of the Far North Queensland Waste Infrastructure Plan to the Regional Waste Management Group. The report outlines a long-term regional plan focussed on improving waste management and resource recovery through improved infrastructure planning. The report focuses on the next ten years of planning and aims to provide a coordinated regional approach to the range of local government and industry waste programs, initiatives and strategies. The report provides the foundations for State and National priorities and assists the region in gaining the relevant support from these levels of government.
The strategic objectives include: 1. Local Economic Development 2. Planning for the ‘right infrastructure at the right time’ 3. Protecting essential waste infrastructure, and 4. Coordinated regionally efficient waste systems.
The plan covers 9 of our 13 member councils. Councils not included in the plan include Carpentaria, Croydon, Etheridge and Hinchinbrook
In summary the actions and who will deliver include:
1 019 Actions Who will deliver
Action 1: Expand recycling services Each council, with support from private industry as needed. Cairns to lead planning for MRF upgrade with support from industry. Action 2: Development of a regional MRF Other councils to assess and declare positions to support investment in MRF. Each council will play a role (to varying degrees) with support from the State government and Container Exchange (CoEx). Action 3: Support rollout of the CRS Indigenous councils and councils with remote townships will be encouraged to play a more active role in providing and supporting CRS infrastructure. Action 4: Develop local reprocessing capacity Private Industry with support from councils and the State government.
Action 5: Support and develop local secondary markets Councils, FNQROC and State government agencies with projects in the region. Each council in the region will assess their own needs but look for opportunities to collaborate for efficiencies such as through joint procurement of regional collection contracts. Action 6: Assess options to increase source separation of organics
The private sector may play a role in the delivery of collection services, including for commercial customers. Councils will lead given that domestic green waste is the largest likely stream that will underpin the development of regional processing capacity.
The private sector will play a role in collection and provision of commercial Action 7: Expand and improve regional organics processing capacity organics, delivery of processing infrastructure and marketing of products.
Other stakeholders such as farmers will be involved to ensure long-term sustainability of end markets.
Private industry will likely lead with facilitation and support from councils and Action 8: Assess options and feasibility of establishing a regional Biohub State government.
2 020 Councils will collaborate on options analysis, site identification and a joint Action 9: Assess options and plan for a regional Energy-from-waste facility for procurement approach. residual waste. Private sector will likely deliver the facility. Each council will review its own facilities but collaborate on best practice Action 10: Develop and improve the regional waste transfer network design and functionality. Councils, industry, land owners and State government agencies. Action 11: Collaborate to assess and establish a regional waste precinct Implementation to be led by host council. Action 12: Improve waste and resource recovery infrastructure in remote State government agencies will support local councils and community groups. communities The operators of Springmount and Mareeba Landfills will be mostly Action 13: Support the regionalisation of putrescible landfill capacity in the responsible for ensuring the continued availability, operation and expansion region of the facilities (as relevant) into the future. Councils and State Government Department of State Development, Action 14: Recognise critical waste infrastructure in planning instruments Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (responsible for developing regional plans). Action 15: Develop a regional contingency and disaster waste management Councils and waste operators in the region, with support from State agencies plan as relevant.
3 021 DISCUSSION
Consistent with the previous regional study undertaken by FNQROC1(sharing a common author), the regionalisation of waste services and infrastructure can have a number of benefits including supporting new investment in more advanced resource recovery solutions and development of more secure regional secondary markets however; it is not always the best solution. Some services are best delivered at a local level and each case needs to be assessed on a more detailed level.
Given the overarching nature of the document, the principles presented in the draft document are generally supported, however there remains a concern that the region will retain a significant and planned reliance on a single, privately owned landfill. This has historically been noted by the State1, with the corresponding counsel identifying that this will likely drive the region to explore alternatives to landfill that are more beneficial to the environment and contribute to the larger state resource recovery ambitions. The interim introduction of the Waste Levy and the Container Refund Scheme reinforce this policy change and direction, however the underlying concern relating to the single disposal site for the region remain.
It is recommended that: b. FNQROC provide in principle support of the draft plan, subject to review on completion of the report and consideration of the following: i. Defining short, medium and long term within the plan; ii. Supporting Springmount Landfill as a regional (privately owned) disposal facility is of concern as it potentially puts the region in a vulnerable situation; iii. The State government does not abdicate its responsibility to financially support these actions; particularly those requiring investigation and regional collaboration.
CONSULTATION
FNQROC Regional Waste Management Group.
CONSIDERATIONS
Statutory:
Under the Local Government Act 2009, Council has jurisdiction to ensure good governance in its area.
Relevant legislation, Policy Instruments
Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 and Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011 Advance Queensland Biofutures 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan Queensland Waste Avoidance and Resource Productivity Strategy 2014-2024 Queensland Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Report Far North Queensland Statutory Regional Plan 2009-2031
1 FNQROC – Regional Waste Management Prioritisation and Resource Recovery Options, 6 October 2016,Arcardis http://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/066/25e/36d/ARCADIS_FNQROC_Waste_Optio ns_and_Prioritisation_Report_final_reissued_06____pdf.pdf 4 022 Queensland Container Refund Scheme Queensland landfill levy(Proposed)
Financial:
Nil. The report has been funded by State Government.
ATTACHMENTS
Far North Queensland Regional Waste Infrastructure Plan – Draft 2 – In progress, for comment.
Darlene Irvine FNQROC Executive Officer
5 023 Profit and Loss Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241 For the period 1 July 2018 to 23 January 2019 1 JUL 2018-23 JAN 2019
Trading Income FNQROC FNQROC: Annual Contribution 459,747.00 Total FNQROC 459,747.00
Regional Roads & Transport RRTG: Annual 2.75% contribution 159,111.99 RRTG: Funding/Subsidies 142,866.00 Total Regional Roads & Transport 301,977.99
Regional Urban Water Water: Short Term Projects: QWrap Funding 56,250.00 Total Regional Urban Water 56,250.00
Regional Procurement Group Regional Procurement: Annual Procurement Contribution 150,000.00 Regional Procurement: Regional Scrap Metal Project 20% savings 5,432.92 Total Regional Procurement Group 155,432.92
Total Trading Income 973,407.91
Gross Profit 973,407.91
Other Income Interest Income 1,992.54 Total Other Income 1,992.54
Operating Expenses Audit & Accounting Fees 579.17 Bank Service Charges 436.16
FNQROC FNQROC: Subscription/membership 14,847.27 FNQROC: Chairs Honorarium 6,000.00 FNQROC: External Meeting Expenses: Registration Fees 2,866.82 FNQROC: External Meeting Expenses: Travel, Accom & Meals 5,677.74 FNQROC: Internal Meeting Expenses: Miscellaneous 4,945.10 FNQROC: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 1,367.05 FNQROC: Internal Meeting Expenses: Western Councils Forum 81.52 FNQROC: Miscellaneous expenses 42.14 FNQROC Expenses: Miscellaneous: Staff Christmas Party 626.13 FNQROC: Mobile Phone Expenses 724.35 FNQROC: Salaries 95,095.34 FNQROC: Stationery & Office Expenses 3,797.13 FNQROC: Stationery & Office Expenses:Website 726.09 FNQROC: Uniforms 483.95
Profit and Loss - groups Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241 024 Profit and Loss
1 JUL 2018-23 JAN 2019
FNQROC: Vehicle Expenses 8,579.67 FNQROC: Mayoral delegations - accommodation, meals, travel expenses 43,871.61 FNQROC Advocacy / Emergent Delegations 849.27 FNQROC: RMCN reimbursement expenses (software subscription) (57.93) Total FNQROC 190,523.25
Infrastructure Infrastructure: Salaries 61,653.79 Infrastructure: Mobile Phone Expenses 375.48 Infrastructure: Subscriptions/membership 1,200.00 Total Infrastructure 63,229.27
Regional Roads & Transport RRTG: External Meetings: Travel, Accom & Meals 9,007.26 RRTG: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 439.26 RRTG: Right to Information Application 805.70 Regional Road Investment Strategy (4,485.00) Total Regional Roads & Transport 5,767.22
Regional Urban Water Water: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 185.46 Total Regional Urban Water 185.46
Regional Waste & Recycling Waste: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 170.00 Total Regional Waste & Recycling 170.00
Regional Asset Management Asset: External Meetings:Travel, Accom & Meals (0.01) Asset Management: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 162.27 Total Regional Asset Management 162.26
Regional Natural Asset Management Nat Asset: Vehicle Expense 3,891.67 Nat Asset:External Meetings: Registration Fees 159.09 Nat Asset: External Meetings: Travel, Accom & Meals 2,380.26 Nat Asset:Mobile Phone Expenses 375.48 Nat Asset: Salaries 55,394.98 Total Regional Natural Asset Management 62,201.48
Regional Planning and Economic Development Reg Planner/economic development: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 235.45 Reg Planner/economic development: Mobile Phone Expenses 375.48 Reg Planner/economic development: Salaries 21,271.52 Reg Planner/economic development: FNQ Planners Forum 68.18 Total Regional Planning and Economic Development 21,950.63
Regional Procurement Regional Procurement: Bitumen Reseal Project:Project Coordinator Fees 28,080.00 Regional Procurement: External Meeting Expenses: Travel, Accom & Meals 195.53 Regional Procurement:Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 262.73 Regional Procurement: Mobile Phone Expenses 375.48 Regional Procurement: Salaries 56,383.04
Profit and Loss - groups Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241 025 Profit and Loss
1 JUL 2018-23 JAN 2019
Regional Procurement: Stationery & Office Expenses 270.00 Regional Procurement: Standardised Procurement documentation 19,500.00 Total Regional Procurement 105,066.78
Total Operating Expenses 450,271.68
Net Profit 525,128.77
Profit and Loss - groups Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241 026 Balance Sheet Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241 As at 23 January 2019 23 JAN 2019
Assets Bank Cheque Account 263,482.59 V2 Account 1,643,342.57 Total Bank 1,906,825.16
Current Assets Accounts Receivable New 75,440.22 Total Current Assets 75,440.22
Total Assets 1,982,265.38
Liabilities Current Liabilities Accounts Payable 433.04 ANZ Credit Card:FNQROC 4,375.32 GST 30,134.82 Payroll Liabilities:AL Payable Current 44,211.00 Payroll Liabilities:AL Payable Non Current 1,080.00 Payroll Liabilities:LSL Payable Current 7,514.00 Payroll Liabilities:LSL Payable Non-Current 78,294.00 Rounding (0.08) Total Current Liabilities 166,042.10
Total Liabilities 166,042.10
Net Assets 1,816,223.28
Equity Current Year Earnings 525,128.77 Opening Bal Equity 293,928.07 Retained Earnings 997,166.44 Total Equity 1,816,223.28
Balance Sheet Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241 027 January February June Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual Expenses 2018/19 Salaries $646,000 $376,933 $289,799 $430,666 $646,000 Reseal Program Supervisor (RPEQ) $60,000 $30,000 $28,080 $35,000 $60,000 FNQROC Delegation expenses $27,000 $13,500 $43,872 $13,500 $27,000 FNQROC Emergent delegations $15,000 $9,000 $849 $9,000 $15,000 Vehicle leases and expenses $35,000 $17,500 $12,472 $20,417 $35,000 Stationery and office (including audit costs) $12,000 $7,000 $7,108 $8,000 $12,000 Mobile phones $5,500 $3,208 $2,226 $3,666 $5,500 Software licences $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 Subscriptions $2,000 $2,000 $2,047 $2,000 $2,000 Training $10,000 $5,833 $4,135 $6,666 $10,000 Board, Western Councils and Advisory Committee Meeting expenses (includes travel) $29,200 $16,267 $24,670 $20,734 $29,600 Chair Honorarium $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 $6,000 Maintenance of Strategic Opportunities document $1,000 $600 $600 $1,000 Economy and community id subscription $14,000 $14,000 $14,000 $14,000 $14,000 Regional Video showcasing the region $10,000 $50,000 $10,000 $10,000 FNQROC Forum Day $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 Contingencies $25,700 $14,992 $17,134 $25,700 Regional Road Investment Strategy $200,000 $111,110 $133,332 $200,000 Mobile communication blackspot $100,000 $33,334 $50,000 $100,000 Total expenses $1,209,400 $722,277 $435,258 $791,715 $0 $1,209,800 $0
Notes: Salaries short due to awaiting invoice and Travis on extended leave
028
MEETINGS ATTENDED BY: DARLENE IRVINE, FNQROC EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR THE PERIOD 28 SEPT – 28 NOV 2018
MEETING DATE MEETING DETAILS 2018 28 Sept FNQROC Economic Development Meeting 08 Oct FNQROC Board Meeting FNQROC AGM 11 Oct RMCN Bi-monthly Meeting 15 Oct TIQ Trade Commissioner ASEAN (Singapore) Roundtable Meeting 16 Oct DLGRMA Workshop re Electoral Reform and Future Amendments to Balcarra DLGRMA Workshop re Local Government Grants Reform Mr Andrew Powell MP, Shadow Minister for State Dev, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for LG, Racing and Multicultural Affairs Mr Steve Minnikin MP, Shadow Minister for Transport & Main Roads Hon Mark Bailey MP, Minister for Transport & Main Roads 17 Oct Roundtable meeting with Tania Hall, Arts Qld re RASN Hon Kate Jones MP, Minister for Innovation & Tourism Industry Development Mr David Crisafulli MP, Shadow Minister for Environment, Science & GBR Roundtable with FNQROC Local Members Hon Curtis Pitt MP (Speaker + Mulgrave), Hon Craig Crawford MP (Minister for Fire and Emergency Services + Barron River), Mr Michael Healy MP (Cairns) and Ms Cynthia Lui MP (Cook) Hon Mick de Brenni, Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport Mr David Batt MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for State Development Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP, Shadow Minister for Sport & Racing, Shadow Mini Hon Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Environment & the GBR, Science & the Arts Mr Brent Mickelberg MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Dev Ms Deb Frecklington MP, Leader of the Opposition Mr Tim Mander MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition + Shadow Treasurer Mr Dale Last MP, Shadow Minister for NQ and Natural Resources and Mines Ms Ann Leahy MP, Shadow Minister for LG
029 FNQROC Cocktail Reception hosted with Hon Craig Crawford MP, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services 22 Oct FNQROC Regional Road Investment Strategy 25 Oct FNQ Regional Water Alliance Meeting 26 Oct FNQ RRIS 30 Oct FNQROC Contract & Procurement Documentation Training 31 Oct ROSI Roundtable Meeting (Townsville) 01 Nov Meeting with TMR 02 Nov FNQROC Planners Group Meeting 08 Nov FNQROC Regional Removal & Beneficial Reuse of Bio-solids 09 Nov Container Refund Scheme Briefing Meeting with Cr Kremastos 12 Nov Savannah Way Board Meeting and AGM 15 Nov Advance Cairns Breakfast with Hon Richard Marles MP, Shadow Minister for Defence (attended by Linda Richardson on behalf of EO) Roundtable meeting with Hon Richard Marles MP, Shadow Minister for Defence (attending by Linda Richardson on behalf of EO) LGAQ Roads and Transport Advisory Group – Telstra 5G Innovation Centre 16 Nov LGAQ Roads and Transport Advisory Group Meeting (Brisbane) 21-23 Nov ALGA National Local Roads and Transport Congress (Alice Springs) 20 Nov Roundtable with Senator Chisholm, Senator for Qld (attended by Linda Richardson on behalf of EO) 28 Nov FNQROC Western Councils Forum
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LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
DATE Thursday, 31 January 2019
TO: Cr Bob Manning, Mayor – Cairns Regional Council
SUBJECT LGAQ Update for Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting on Monday 11 February 2019
Key Activities Summary
This brief provides an update on the following key LGAQ activities:
1. Federal Election Campaign 2. Beyond Belcarra 3. New Councillor Complaints system 4. Waste Update 5. Industrial Relations and Workforce Update 6. Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program (QCRC) 7. End of Waste Code – Biosolids 8. Trade and Investment Opportunities 9. Flying Fox Heat Stress Event Response 10. Innovation & Improvement Fund – Round 2 Update 11. LGAQ Drought Submission 12. LGAQ Submissions Update
LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 1 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
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LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
1. Federal Election Campaign • The LGAQ will finalise its campaign material by 8 February. • The primary focus of the campaign is for an increase in federal Financial Assistance Grants to councils to at least 1 percent of total Commonwealth taxation revenue and will target marginal seats, where the opportunity to influence the policy platforms of the major parties is highest. • The LGAQ election plan is largely consistent with the ALGA election plan, however there are additional Queensland specific issues based on member feedback. • The LGAQ election plan will be sent to members by 8 February, with a request for councils to pass a formal motion endorsing the increase in Financial Assistance Grants to 1 percent. • Councils are also asked to tell their federal representatives and candidates how 1 percent could change their communities through additional services or facilities, or what facilities and community services will have to be foregone if Financial Assistance Grants are not increased. The key to gaining cut-through in what will be a loud and prolonged election campaign is to position communities - rather than councils - as the major beneficiaries of restoring these grants to 1 percent. • The LGAQ President, CEO and General Manager – Advocate will be in Canberra for meetings on 12 February. As at 30 January, meetings have been confirmed with the Deputy Prime Minister and an advisor to Minister for Communications and the Arts, and requests are pending for the Prime Minister, Treasurer, Opposition Leader and Shadow Treasurer. • The LGAQ delegation is also scheduled to meet with the FNQROC delegation in Canberra on 12 February. • The campaign will feature heavily at the LGAQ ROC Assembly on 6-7 February 2019 on the Sunshine Coast, featuring presentations and forums with ALGA President David O’Loughlin, Local Government Minister Bridget McKenzie, Shadow Local Government Minister Stephen Jones and Campaign Strategists David Moore and Cameron Milner. • ROCs are encouraged to keep in touch with the LGAQ on their own federal election campaign activities to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach in Queensland. • The ALGA Board has engaged communications firm Fifty Acres to create a campaign to push the “Just 1 percent” message; further detail is expected after the ALGA Board meeting in mid-February. • ALGA’s full document and council Advocacy Kit can be found at www.allpoliticsislocal.com.au LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Craig Johnstone, Media Executive
2. Beyond Belcarra • The State Government is expected to introduce a new Bill implementing the remaining Belcarra recommendations in the next few months to ensure these reforms can be bedded down well in advance of the 2020 local government elections. • On 10 January 2019, LGAQ CEO Greg Hallam wrote formally to Minister Hinchliffe reiterating the importance of expediting the legislative changes required to revise the conflict of interest provisions in the Local Government Act 2009 to fix the issues that have arisen in councils where the majority of councillors are in a group or where there is no quorum in council meetings. The LGAQ does not consider these changes can wait until the next Belcarra Bill is introduced and has urged the Minister to find another legislative vehicle. • A ban on developer donations commenced on 2 October 2018. These new laws are administered by the Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) under the Prohibited Donor Scheme (PDS). The ECQ has produced a series of fact sheets and answers to FAQs which are available on their website (www.ecq.qld.gov.au). The ECQ Fact Sheet 9 on Hospitality states that, “receiving hospitality, perishable foodstuffs or tickets to sporting or cultural entertainment (up to a $200 non-cumulative value as a guide) in the course of carrying out official duties and attended in an official capacity should not be considered a political donation”. The ECQ has advised that, while the $200 value is not cumulative, councillors need to exercise judgement where receiving ongoing and consistent hospitality from the same donor may cross the line between a token of hospitality and a gift. LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 2 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
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LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
• The LGAQ Annual Conference passed a resolution calling on the State Government to immediately amend the law to provide a practical definition of what constitutes a ‘gift’. LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Stephan Bohnen, Lead – Intergovernmental Relations
3. New Councillor Complaints system • The new Councillor Complaints system came into force on 3 December 2018. The new system is expected to more effectively weed out frivolous and vexatious claims, as well as allow for genuine complaints to be dealt with independently and in a faster and fairer manner than in the past. • On the same day, the Office of the Independent Assessor (OIA) started work as the new body to receive, assess, investigate and prosecute complaints about councillor conduct in Queensland. The OIA is headed up by respected crime investigator Kathleen Florian as the inaugural Independent Assessor. • Further information about the new complaints process and information for councillors is available on the OIA website (www.oia.qld.gov.au). Also available on the OIA website are copies of the new Councillor Code of Conduct, Example Investigations Policy for councils and Model Meeting Procedures. • John Boyd, formerly of the Crime & Misconduct Commission has been appointed as the President of the new Councillor Complaints Tribunal which will investigate misconduct matters under the new system. • The Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs is continuing with its councillor complaints education and awareness program. The program includes face-to-face and self-paced online training. The LGAQ encourages all councillors to take part in the training. LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Stephan Bohnen, Lead – Intergovernmental Relations
4. Waste Update • On 17 November, the Hon Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts announced waste levy funding and recommitted that ‘70% of revenue raised from the levy would go back to councils, the waste industry, scheme start- up, and environmental programs’. • As part of this announcement and in direct response to LGAQ advocacy, Minister Enoch announced the deferred commencement of the levy to 1 July 2019 and alignment of incremental increases with financial years. The levy will also now start at $75/tonne for municipal solid waste (MSW). • The Waste Reduction and Recycling (Waste Levy) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 will now be debated in the new year to allow for necessary amendments. • In response to ongoing LGAQ advocacy, it is also expected a waste levy moratorium will to be applied to some local government waste streams (i.e. road scrapings) for regional councils via the subordinate regulation. • In the coming weeks, the LGAQ will be focusing on: o Partnering with the State Government and QTC to deliver a waste data strategy; o Working with the State Government to finalise the Bill and subordinate regulation; o Responding to consultation on the draft Queensland Waste Strategy; o Working with the State Government technical working groups to develop Energy from Waste (EfW) policies for consultation; o Advocating for financial support for local government regional waste plans / strategies and infrastructure plans; and o Partnering with State Government to deliver an ATSI council waste strategy. • The LGAQ facilitated a Waste Forum on 14 & 15 November 2018 with almost 90 participants from 27 councils to share key learnings of the recent International Waste Tour, including presentations
LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 3 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
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LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
from council participants and key industry and State Government leaders. Based on the success of the waste forum, the LGAQ has committed to facilitating another Forum in mid-2019. LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Robert Ferguson, Lead –Public Health and Waste
5. Industrial Relations and Workforce Update • Enterprise bargaining is continuing in some councils with a number now having registered certified agreements. A number of councils have sought assistance from the QIRC, having reached an impasse with unions on negotiations. • The LGAQ is currently engaging with councils on their experiences with enterprise bargaining and discussing options for possible reform. While many councils report a view that enterprise bargaining has run its course in relation to providing benefits to councils and staff, no clear alternative model is currently presenting itself. • The LGAQ attended the second meeting of the legislated Minister's Industrial Relations Reference Committee in October 2018. Amongst matters discussed, unions expressed their concerns with the lack of any progress with equal remuneration even with the new regulatory regime within the legislation. Local government has not been impacted up to this date with its current exemption for reporting on equal remuneration at time of EB certification. However, this exemption is due to expire in January 2019. The LGAQ is currently examining options for individual councils going forward and encourage affected councils to contact LGAQ directly. • At the 2018 LGAQ annual conference, the LGAQ presented the Queensland Premier with an advanced copy of its Local Government Workforce and Future Skills report. The production of this report has coincided with the recent invitation to the LGAQ to attend the Premier's Skill Summit in December 2018 and the Jobs Queensland release of its report and tool-kit on Anticipating Future Skills: Jobs growth and alternative futures for Queensland to 2022. • A copy of the LGAQ Workforce report will be made available to all councils electronically. Hard copies will also be sent to all councils over the coming weeks. LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Tony Goode, Workforce Executive
6. Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program (QCRC) • As a result of the LGAQ’s 2018/19 State Government budget submission and positive response to the Q CRC program to date, the Department of Environment and Science committed a further $1.25 million over 3 years, taking the total value of the program to around $2.4 million. • This means all councils in Queensland can now participate and access the Program services including Face to face briefings with nationally recognised climate specialists and detailed assessments of councils’ climate change governance frameworks. • The 45 councils not currently in the Program are invited to apply. The application form can be accessed from the Q CRC website. Councils must apply to be a part of the program to take advantage of these program services. • The Q CRC Program is also developing a leading practice climate change resources for councils and Climate Change Risk Management Framework, which is nearing completion. Over 350 guidelines, standards, reports, case studies, frameworks and decision-support tools applicable to Queensland local governments were identified and categorised by council functional area and will continue to be refined to the most relevant to councils.
LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Dorean Erhart, Lead – Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef and Program Manager – Q CRC
LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 4 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
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LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
7. End of Waste Code – Biosolids • An interim end of waste code for biosolids was published by the Department of Environment and Science in December 2018. This code is now in effect, and the previous General Beneficial Use Approval (BUA) expired on 31 December 2018. • Councils operating under specific BUAs can continue to do so until they expire. • The LGAQ is continuing to push two issues that remain with the code: the definition of a resource and the required Total Organic Fluorine levels (e.g. PFAS). o The code requires all testing and assessment to be complete prior to classification as a resource, which will require lengthy holding times, additional environmental authorities, and additional expenses to councils. o The current levels of TOF being sought by the Department are well below that which can be detected by Queensland laboratories. Thus, compliance with the Code may be unattainable for many councils. • If beneficial reuse comes under threat because of conservative application rates, councils may be forced to dispose to landfill or incinerate biosolids, which will cost councils collectively more than $10M from the pending inclusion in the waste levy alone. • Resolution 19 from the 2018 LGAQ Annual Conference regarding the End of Waste Code for Biosolids will also form the basis for ongoing representation by the LGAQ on this matter with the Department. LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Arron Hieatt, Lead, Water and Sewerage Infrastructure
8. Trade and Investment Opportunities • The LGAQ will be leading a delegation to the World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment 17th -19th of June, 2019. This is the first time that this event has been held here in Australia and will be a good opportunity to learn world best practice in investment attraction in what is now a very incentivised and globally competitive market. Not only is it an opportunity to learn but a great opportunity to meet and present regions to key stakeholders in the investment attraction discipline. Councils who book in early get a 20% discount plus an LGAQ negotiated discount of an additional 20%. • For more information or to sign up for the Trade and Investment newsletter please contact Paul Cranch via email: [email protected] • For local government Trade and Investment Resources – https://www.lgaq.asn.au/group/guest/trade-and-investment-program
LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Paul Cranch, Lead – Trade and Investment
9. Flying Fox Heat Stress Event Response • Following the previous FNQROC Board meeting noting the significant flying fox heat stress event and implications for local government, the LGAQ made representations to the Department of Environment and Science (DES). • DES have committed to engaging the CSIRO, Justin Welbergen (heat stress expert) and the University of Melbourne to develop a scientifically sound guideline by the end of the financial year that outlines how stakeholders should respond to a flying fox heat stress event. The guideline will clearly identify roles and responsibilities and address health and safety implications. • Councils will have the opportunity to provide input during the development of the guideline.
LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Kristy Gooding, Lead – Natural Assets and NRM
LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 5 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
035 LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
10. Innovation & Improvement Fund – Round 2 Update • On 11 January 2019, the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning announced the successful funding recipients for Round 2 of the Innovation and Improvement Fund. • 19 councils will benefit from the approximate $2 million funding allocated in Round 2, taking the total number of councils benefitting from the $4.5 million funding program to 49 out of 77 councils. • The LGAQ was represented on the Fund Reference Group for Round 2 of the Innovation and Improvement Fund and involved in the assessment of applications. • Approved Round 2 projects cover a diverse range of local government planning and development matters including, but not limited to: o Valuing, protecting & promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, culture & tradition o Designing for residential density in tropical north Queensland o New ways to communicate the role and content of a Local government infrastructure plan o Development of indicators to assess the effectiveness of a planning scheme and its implementation o Providing the community with easy to understand information about the impact of flooding on their property o Various mapping, data and interactive online service improvements o Developing a toolkit that could facilitate council-to-council shared services for planning, building and plumbing functions, to alleviate resources pressures and build capacity (Note: This is a collaborative project between Cairns Regional Council, FNQROC and the LGAQ). • The LGAQ wrote to Minister Dick on 18 January 2019 congratulating the State Government on the Round 2 announcement and that LGAQ supports an extension of the funding program to drive leading practice in strategic land use planning and development assessment across Queensland.
LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Crystal Baker, Lead – Planning & Development
11. LGAQ Drought Submission • At LGAQ’s 2018 Annual Conference, a motion was passed seeking that the LGAQ make a submission to Federal and State Governments on drought. • In December 2019, the LGAQ circulated a draft submission to all councils for comment. With the submission now finalised, meetings have been held with the Queensland Drought Review Panel, the National Drought Coordinator-General and the Queensland Drought Commissioners. • The LGAQ’s submission emphasises that drought not only affects farm businesses, it affects entire communities. The LGAQ argues that local government is best placed to provide the intelligence, advice and leadership to empower communities to have greater influence over initiatives to prepare for, respond to, and recover from drought at the local level. • The submission calls for a national drought partnership agreement between all three levels of government, as well as funding for councils to employ drought resilience coordinators, develop drought management plans and support communities and local economies when they are in drought, including an increase in funding for the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program.
LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Kirsten Pietzner, Lead – Regional Development
LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 6 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
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LGAQ Update Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Board Meeting Monday 11 February 2019
12. LGAQ Submissions Update Recent Submissions
• Austrade’s role in attracting investment in Australia – 16 November • Inquiry into Austrade’s role in attracting investment in Australia – 23 November • Human Rights Bill 2018 – 26 November • Draft End of Waste (EOW) Code for the use of biosolids – 29 November • Inquiry into automated mass transit – 7 December • Draft Plumbing & Drainage Regulation 2018 – 10 December 2018 • Draft Accepted Development Vegetation Clearing Codes - infrastructure, extractive and agricultural efficiency clearing codes – 19 December • Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 – 8 January 2019
Upcoming Submissions
• National Performance Reporting framework (due 15 Feb 2019) • QCA Irrigator pricing review - SunWater/Seqwater (due 22 Feb 2019) • Planning Regulation 2017 Amendments – Infrastructure planning and charging (due 22 Feb 2019)
LGAQ Policy Executive Member: Cr Bob Manning Page 7 of 7 LGAQ Contact Officer: Luke Hannan E: [email protected] P: 3000 2226 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296
037 FNQROC Meeting – February 2019 Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor John Kremastos
General Business Item Regional Tourism Activation – Tropical North Queensland Destination Tourism Plan CCRC Submission - Description: 1. The cassowary Coast Regional Council was invited by Tropical Tourism North Queensland (TTNQ) to provide 3 tourism priorities towards TTNQ’s review of its TTNQ Destination Tourism Plan (DTP).
2. CCRC, like many councils in the FNQ Region considers tourism as a significant cornerstone for economic activation and instead made an extensive submission, as well as providing a number of priorities, regarding the need and suggestions for a revised DTP. A copy of CCRC’s submission is attached for FNQROC representatives to note.
3. The Council’s submission notes the importance of and need for an effective and representative Regional Tourism Organisation that can advocate for industry across the region. This needs to be reflective in any DTA for the FNQ Region.
4. A DTP which recognises other regional councils, their tourism strengths, advocates for broad-based industry capacity building and supports industry more generally is likely to not only increase its membership base through demonstrated enhanced relevance to the industry but also provide support and improved policy alignment for councils and Local Tourism Organisations across the broader FNQ Region.
5. Broadly supported and improved policy alignment between the local (council and LTO), regional (RTO0 and state (TEQ) has much greater chance of providing clearer direction for change/improvement and certainty for the industry. In particular, this is likely to provide greater confidence for investment decisions in our region.
6. Tourism and the role of an RTO should no longer be solely focused on so-called destination marketing. Industry capacity building is equally important in helping to better position our existing tourism industry providers and prospective entrants for the global changes that are occurring in the demand for tourism products.
7. While FNQ councils recognise the importance of Cairns as the main gateway to the region and the need to continually ensure that marketing for the principal regional centre is kept consistent with changing expectations, market circumstances and opportunities, commensurate attention must be given to other regional centres and tourism opportunities.
8. Tourism and tourism regions are increasingly being seen in terms of their ability to adapt and provide authentic and diverse experiences. This should be highlighted in any DTA in order for it to truly reflect a region’s capability, ensure that it can maximise the region’s competiveness and provide clear strategic direction for improvement and sustainable growth.
1 038 9. Recognising the broader diversity of the Region’s potential tourism experiences and values should not be regarded as a dilution of any one locality’s role or opportunity within a regional context. Instead, recognition of the broader diversity a region can offer should be regarded as a statement of its ‘collaborative advantage’ and strength in being able to support a range of diverse experiences that can be linked into different itineraries of experiences.
10. The draft TTNQ DTP that was made available to the Council (see: https://tourism.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/destination-tourism-plan/ ) talked about a range of topics including:
Destination marketing Experience development Business development Product development Industry development
11. CCRC provided TTNQ with a detailed submission regarding each of these and other matters referred to in the DTP. The DTP highlights TTNQ’s purported role as the RTO for the FNQ as well as Savannah and Cape York Regions yet provides little recognition of the diverse tourism products that these collective regions have to offer or strategic guidance, how industry capacity is able to be built and how more effective destination marketing is able to be achieved for these regions at a time when tourism globally and domestically is undergoing rapid change.
12. While CCRC firmly believes that it is up to individual local government areas, their localities and any associated Local Tourism Organisations (LTOs) to do their own heavy lifting regarding detailed plans, a sound and supportive regional strategy or DTP is an essential element for effective planning to provide for clear policy alignment and clarity and support for existing and developing tourist industries.
13. Contrary to some views expressed to the CCRC, the Council does not equate a greater recognition of the FNQ regional tourism industry diversity and opportunity as diminishing the recognition of Cairns in any way. It is clear that a strong emphasis has been placed on the role of Cairns in the draft DTP and TTNQ’s focus generally. This is not entirely inappropriate given the role Cairns plays as a gateway, accommodation and other tourism service provider and as a destination in its own right.
14. The sheer volume of tourists that enter through cairns provides one of the main leverage points for other localised tourism opportunities in the FNQ Region generally. A commensurate level of recognition of other ‘peripheral’ opportunities outside of Cairns would only serve to mutually strengthen the Region’s overall tourism opportunities through the greater diversity that such an approach is able to offer. This in turn is one of the most positive ways to build economic capacity and prosperity in our Region.
TTNQ Response 15. CCRC received an email response to its submission on 18 January 2019. It is clear from the CEO’s response that CCRC’s central message was either misinterpreted or not understood – that being that:
Councils in the FNQ Region recognise the importance of tourism as one of our lifelines for economic improvement in a rapidly changing world and globalised economy The Council recognises the importance of TTNQ as a potential effective contributor to our regional tourism industries 2
039 Cairns is, will and should remain an important focal tourism point for our Region but that greater recognition and capacity building potential also needs to be provided for our broader regional tourism businesses CCRC wishes to continue to work closely with TTNQ and any other organisation that seeks to collaboratively strengthen tourism in the FNQ Region – TTNQ is potentially best placed to provide a regional leadership role through collaboratively working with local governments and their respective tourism organisations and businesses to build the overall regional tourism economy and ensure that the benefits of such growth can more effectively be realised over the Region as a whole.
16. The TTNQ response highlights a ‘lack’ of local government funding support other than from Cairns Regional Council (note: CCRC also provides membership funding to TTNQ, including for membership of its LTO – Tropical Coast Tourism). The response fails to acknowledge that local governments are largely required to identify the expected benefits that it is to receive from its public expenditure – either directly or indirectly for its local businesses and community generally.
17. Local government is increasingly required to look for leverage opportunities for its scarce financial resources amongst increasing competing needs. TTNQ has an opportunity to demonstrate how it is able to work more effectively with local government and make better use of membership fees that it seeks. Improved alignment with local policy and industry development needs is an effective start in this process and would also provide a much needed link between the local and state tourism levels.
Recommendation That the FNQROC:
1. Notes and endorses CCRC’s submission to TTNQ regarding its draft Destination Tourism Plan insofar that the ROC supports improved recognition of tourism diversity and strategic guidance and support for tourism industry capacity building across the FNQROC Region.
2. Recognises that TTNQ has an important role to play in promoting tourism and tourism industry growth in the Region.
3. The FNQROC member councils invite TTNQ to work more closely to with its councils in identifying tourism development opportunities and priorities in order to recognise and promote tourism diversity across the Region and to investigate ways to provide more effective TTNQ support into the future.
Attachments a) CCRC submission to TTNQ b) TTNQ response to CCRC regarding submission, dated 18 January 2019 (Tabled at board meeting)
Mayor John Kremastos
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
30 January 2019
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