ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL

AGENDA

15 APRIL 2015

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item Subject Page No.

Table of Contents ...... 1

1. Meeting Opened ...... 4 2. Leave of Absence ...... 4 3. Condolences/Get Well Wishes ...... 4 3.1 Condolences/Get Well Wishes ...... 4 4. Declaration of any Material personal interests/conflicts of interest by councillors and senior council officers ...... 4 5. Deputations/Presentations ...... 5 6. Mayoral Minute ...... 5 6.1 Mayoral Minute ...... 5 7. Confirmation of Minutes ...... 5 7.1 Confirmation of Ordinary Meeting Minutes of 18 March 2015...... 5 8. Business Arising from Minutes ...... 5 9. Committee Reports ...... 5 10. Executive Office Reports ...... 6 10.1 Chief Executive Officer's Report ...... 6 10.2 Council of Mayors South East Queensland Committee Report ...... 28 11. Governance and Performance Reports ...... 32 11.1 Application for Permanent Road Closure - Part of the Unnamed Road off East Haldon Road, Lot 94 on CH312521 ...... 32 11.2 Future Tenure of Lot 1275 on CC1692 ...... 37 11.3 2015 National General Assembly of Local Government ...... 42 11.4 Local Government Election 2016 Update ...... 47 11.5 Executive Manager Governance & Performance Monthly Update ...... 50 12. Organisational Development and Engagement Reports...... 54 12.1 2013 Recovery & Resilience Final Report ...... 54 12.2 Community Grants April 2015 ...... 71 12.3 Executive Manager Organisational Development and Engagement Monthly Update ...... 76 13. Corporate and Community Services Reports ...... 79 13.1 Summary of Council Actual Financial Performance vs Budget - 31 March 2015 ...... 79 13.2 Adoption of 2015-2016 Animal Management Fees and Charges ...... 101

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13.3 Laidley Sports Complex - Sporting Logos ...... 109 13.4 Regional Arts Development Fund Applications ...... 111 13.5 Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services Monthly Update...... 113 14. Planning and Development Services Reports ...... 119 14.1 Request for Change to Road Name in the Fairways Estate, Hatton Vale ...... 119 14.2 Rquest for New Road Name in Residential Subdivision at Station Street and Connor Road, Helidon ...... 122 14.3 Request for Change of Road Name in the Plainland Crossing (Maddison Ridge) Estate at Plainland ...... 124 14.4 Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme ...... 127 14.5 Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme ...... 141 14.6 Executive Manager Planning and Development Services Monthly Update...... 149 15. Infrastructure Works and Services Reports ...... 152 15.1 Property Addressing on Old Grandchester Road ...... 152 15.2 Executive Manager Infrastructure Works and Services Monthly Update ...... 157 16. Items for information...... 162 16.1 Investment Report - March Quarter 2015 ...... 162 16.2 Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates Update ...... 166 16.3 Disaster Management Update ...... 168 16.4 Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Progress Report ...... 172 16.5 Local Law Customer Requests Management - Health & Regulatory Services ...... 175 16.6 Economic Development Initiatives - Quarterly Report ...... 178 17. Confidential Items ...... 182 17.1 Friends of Lake Apex (FOLA) ...... 182 17.2 Expression of Interest for Catering, Hospitality & Venue Management Services (LVrc-14-32) - Formal Presentation Review ...... 182 17.3 Lake View Accommodation Precinct Offers and Evaluation Process ...... 183 17.4 Implementation Plan for Business Incubator ...... 183 17.5 Black Duck Valley Moto Park ...... 184 17.6 Quarterly Report of Exemptions from Obtaining Competitive Offers for the March Quarter 2015 ...... 184 17.7 Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Participating Loan Refinancing ...... 185 17.8 Rates Debtor Update ...... 185 17.9 Advocacy Agenda Update - Activities/Events Precinct ...... 186 17.10 Proposal for the Transfer & Development of Lot 4 on SP270923, Philps Road, Grantham...... 186 17.11 Proposed Closure of Tender 13/14-14 Purchase & Development of Lot 4 on SP270923, Philps Road,Grantham ...... 187

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17.12 Proposed Business Opportunity, Gatton ...... 187 17.13 Portobello Subdivision, Helidon Spa ...... 188 17.14 Development Activity Briefing - First Quarter 2015 ...... 188 17.15 Compliance Action Undertaken at Murphys Creek Escape and Six Mile Country Retreat on Saturday 4 April 2015 Regarding Development Offences Under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 ...... 189 18. Meeting Closed ...... 189

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1. MEETING OPENED

2. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

No Leave Of Absence

3. CONDOLENCES/GET WELL WISHES

3.1 Condolences/Get Well Wishes

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Susan Boland, Council Business Support Officer Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers

Officer's Recommendation: THAT letters of condolence be forwarded to the families of the recently deceased persons in the Lockyer Valley region.

4. DECLARATION OF ANY MATERIAL PERSONAL INTERESTS/CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BY COUNCILLORS AND SENIOR COUNCIL OFFICERS

4.1 Declaration of Material Personal Interest on any Item of Business Pursuant to Section 172 of the Local Government Act 2009, a councillor who has a material personal interest in an issue to be considered at a meeting of the local government, or any of its committees must – (a) inform the meeting of the councillor’s material personal interest in the matter; and (b) leave the meeting room (including any area set aside for the public), and stay out of the meeting room while the matter is being discussed and voted on.

4.2 Declaration of Conflict of Interest on any Item of Business Pursuant to Section 173 of the Local Government Act 2009, a councillor who has a real or perceived conflict of interest in a matter to be considered at a meeting of the local government, or any of its committees must inform the meeting about the councillor’s personal interest in the matter and if the councillor participates in the meeting in relation to the matter, how the councillor intends to deal with the real or perceived conflict of interest.

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5. DEPUTATIONS/PRESENTATIONS

6. MAYORAL MINUTE

6.1 Mayoral Minute

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Jason Cubit, Executive Liaison Officer Mayor/CEO Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers

7. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

7.1 Confirmation of Ordinary Meeting Minutes of 18 March 2015

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers

Officer's Recommendation: THAT the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Lockyer Valley Regional Council held on Wednesday 18 March 2015 be taken as read and confirmed.

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

No Business Arising from Minutes

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS

No Receival of Committee Reports as Minutes

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10. EXECUTIVE OFFICE REPORTS

10.1 Chief Executive Officer's Report

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report is to update Council on the key issues currently being actioned and on the significant items of information presently at hand.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT the Chief Executive Officer’s Report be received and adopted

Report

LGAQ Update

The Local Government and other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 introduced last week amends the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 to ensure a Local Government Chief Executive Officer (CEO) cannot be the Returning Officer (RO) for a Local Government Election unless the Election Commission Queensland (ECQ) appoints the CEO as the Returning Officer (RO). The ECQ may appoint the Local Government CEO as the Returning Officer (RO) if the CEO is the only person reasonably available to be appointed as the Returning Officer (RO) and the CEO is not a member of a political party. This amendment overturns the changes introduced by the Newman Government last year which permitted CEOs to be ROs.

Although the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) as a long-standing position that councils should be provided with the flexibility to conduct the Local Government Election themselves, contract with the ECQ or some other qualified provider, the LGAQ has indicated to the Government that it is prepared to accept the amendments in light of the position the Government took to the election. However, the LGAQ support has been given on the understanding that the government will consult with the LGAQ about steps to reduce the costs of conducting local government elections. Discussions on this issue will commence after Easter.

The Bill also amends QLD Reconstruction Authority Act 2011 to extend the expiry of the QRA Act past 30 June 2015. The LGAQ welcomes the fact that the QRA will be maintained as a central whole of government contact for councils affected by natural disasters.

The LGAQ has proposed a series of guidelines to govern the operations of the Palaszczuk state government’s, Building our Regions Infrastructure Program, which is a $70 million program aimed at supporting local councils build and maintain transport, flood mitigation and community infrastructure programs. LGAQ President Margaret DeWit has written to Natural Resources and Mines Minister Anthony Lynam to give him feedback from local councils on how the program should operate, a copy of this letter is attached.

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2014 Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) Resolution 67

The LGAQ held its successful 118th Annual Conference in Mackay between 27-29 October 2014, with over 350 delegates attending and representing each of the 77 Queensland local governments.

A total of 110 motions were passed, including the following submitted by Lockyer Valley Regional Council:

Resolution 37 – Planning Powers – Levees – Clarification of Council Liability “That the Local Government Association of Queensland seek clarification from the State Government, and where necessary amendment to the new levee legislation, that clarifies the public liability aspects on land used predominantly for agricultural production; and further

That the State Government be requested to develop case studies that demonstrate the monitoring and review of levees.”

The following background information was considered by the Conference in the adoption of this resolution.

The recent introduction of legislation to manage the impact of levees on land and the allocation of responsibilities to local government has left local government with limited capacity to enforce this regulation and carry the liabilities this places upon councils. This is just another cost shifting to local governments and landholders in managing the expectations required from the legislation. There is concern that additional risk may transfer to councils characterised by expanse of agriculture land.

Prior to the introduction of the legislative framework related to the assessment of regulated levees, the LGAQ advocated broadly for:  Local government indemnity from legal liability  The State government to act as the assessment manager for all regulated levees; and  The introduction of appropriate information gathering mechanism given the State Government’s goal of improved state wide knowledge of existing levees.

On 12 September 2014, the LGAQ lodged a submission to the State Government (through the Minister for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience) seeking statutory protection from liability claims for reasonably-based decision making and actions in undertaking this responsibility.

Enclosed is the response recently received from the Director-General of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, that indicates the former Minister for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience did not make a decision on the statutory indemnity issue prior to the state election.

The Queensland Labour State Policy Platform 2014 gave an election commitment to the LGAQ prior to the election that Labour would obtain departmental advice upon forming government. It is understood that the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is continuing consideration of the need for such a statutory indemnity and will be briefing the new Minister on this matter.

Also attached is a briefing note prepared by the LGAQ for discussion to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade.

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Fatality Free Friday

Fatality Free Friday continues to resonate with the Australian community and this year’s campaign reflects this. As we know road safety is a complex issue and it is impossible to find one single key to reduce road trauma.

The campaign aims to have zero deaths on Australian Roads for just one day. However the campaign is more than just a single day. Whilst the target is to have a fatality free Friday ultimately the aim is for longer term community change.

Don't forget to make a diary note for the 2015 event being held on Friday 29 May 2015.

Local Government Growing Regional Australia

The Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government (ACELG) and Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) this week launched a report on local government's role in building strong and sustainable regional capitals and regions.

The report Local Government Growing Regional Australia, launched at the RCA conference in Queensland, explores the factors underpinning strong and sustainable regional capitals and regions, and the vital role played by local government in this crucial national issue.

The report finds that a new way of thinking about regional economic development, one that focuses on tapping under-utilised potential in all regions to enhance competitiveness. Regional economic development can be more effective when the approach works with other sectors and governments. This contrasts with the centralised approaches of the past that emphasise subsidies and compensation for regional 'disadvantage.'

National Natural Disaster Insurance

While there is general acceptance that the Australian private insurance market has been able to meet the challenges posed by natural disasters over the years, recent events have highlighted the deficiencies in the existing market, prompting calls for a National Natural Disaster Insurance Program.

The Australian Centre for Financial Studies recently commissioned Prof Andrew Worthington of Griffith University to prepare the report 'Natural Disasters and National Natural Disaster Insurance: An Australian Perspective' with the aim of providing an extensive review of Australia’s current activities in response to natural disasters.

In the report Prof Worthington states that there is a "very specific role for government, mostly as a reinsurer". The full report is available via the Australian Centre for Financial Studies' website.

Queensland Regional Development Australia

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, the Hon Warren Truss has this week announced appointment of Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee members in Queensland and Western Australia.

Regional Development Australia consists of a national network of 55 committees designed to strongly focus on regional economic development and facilitate local projects that aim to make a difference in their local communities.

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Ms Katherine Bensted Ipswich and West Moreton Chair Mr Michael Krafft Ipswich and West Moreton Deputy Chair

Regional Development Australia – Ipswich and West Moreton has advised that it will be undertaking a review of its Regional Road map, with a view to developing a road map with a five (5) year horizon. The new road map will be the basis for the annual RDA business plans to support economic development in the region. Council will shortly be engaged to provide input and assistance in the consultation process for the road map development.

Queensland Audit Office – Results of Local Government Audits

The results of the local government audits for 2013/14 financial statements are nearing completion, and matters for proposed inclusion into the report to parliament have been identified. Council has been afforded the opportunity to comment on any matters, and will provide a response in relation to a minor issue for completeness. The report is scheduled for parliament in May 2015, and will be reported to next the Audit and Risk Management Committee meeting.

LGAQ - Surplus Distributions – LGM Queensland and LG Workcare

The LGAQ’s two Local Government self-insurance schemes LGM and LGW will be distributing a total of $4M in surplus funds to their continuing members. Plans for the $2M distribution from each scheme were recently endorsed by the LGAQ Board. The surplus distributions are a tangible demonstration of the value being delivered by the self-insurance schemes to ongoing members. Local Government ownership of LGM and LGW means that they operate solely for the benefit of members, and unlike companies, apply all surplus funds to that end.

Since their inception in 1994 and 1998 respectively, LGM and LGW have focussed on service delivery and maintaining a stable contribution regime. Both schemes have more than met a key insurance objective of ensuring that councils are no longer exposed to budget shocks from cost volatility associated with liability and workers compensation insurance markets.

Disaster Recovery Support - Livingstone Shire Council

Arrangements have been finalised for the support to Livingstone Shire Council, with the Manager Disaster Management providing on ground support to the Council to establish and bed down recovery frameworks and practices to assist in their recovery from Cyclone Marcia. This support is provided through an MOU agreed between both Councils and will continue until the end of May 2015. There are a number of learnings also that can be brought back and considered in the current review of Council's own recovery practices. A draft final report on the 2013 recovery is provided in the agenda. A number of significant achievements have been made thus far in the recovery and these are being reported on a fortnightly basis.

Easter Show

I would like to congratulate all the Councillors, staff and volunteers who represented Council at the Royal Sydney Easter Show and acknowledge the achievement of being awarded the silver award for Council's stand in the pavilion. I recognise that a lot of effort goes into the stand and the Team have gone above and beyond again to make this a successful venture, and I would like to thank all those involved in the team publicly for the efforts and commitment to Council and our Community.

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Coming Events

QTM 100 Year of Anzac History 11/4/15 Laidley Heritage Weekend 11-12/4/15 Big Day In 18/4/15 Anzac Day 25/4/15

Conclusion That the Chief Executive Officer’s Report be received and adopted.

Attachments 1View LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M 13 Pages 2View Letter from LGAQ to Minister for Natural Resources and Mines 4 Pages

Page 10 Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 2 Letter

Attachment 2 10.1 Page 11

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 2 Letter

Attachment 2 10.1 Page 12

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 2 Letter

Attachment 2 10.1 Page 13

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 2 Letter

Attachment 2 10.1 Page 14

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 15

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 16

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 17

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 18

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 19

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 20

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 21

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 22

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 23

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 24

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 25

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 26

Chief Executive Officer's Report Attachment 1 LGAQ Briefing Note & Response from the Director-General DNR&M

Attachment 1 10.1 Page 27

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

10.2 Council of Mayors South East Queensland Committee Report

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Jason Cubit, Executive Liaison Officer Mayor/CEO Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

Current committee and taskforce activities for Council of Mayors (SEQ) is reported.

Officer’s Recommendation THAT Council receive and note the Council of Mayors South East Queensland Committee Report.

Report

1. Introduction

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is an active member of Council of Mayors (SEQ) and this report is intended to provide Council with a summary of activity and key matters focusing on the committee and taskforce meetings.

2. Background

Since the previous report provided in March 2015, there have been a number of key actions and activities undertaken by Council of Mayors (SEQ) which will be of interest to the Lockyer Valley.

3. Report

Since the last Council of Mayors (SEQ) report to Council the following update on activities have been provided to Council:

Update on Council of Mayors (SEQ) Strategic Workshop

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) Strategic Workshop which sets the priorities and key drivers for the SEQ region for the 15/16 financial year was rescheduled and held on Saturday 28 March. Due to commitments around the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Council was unable to be represented on the day however a full briefing and list of Lockyer Valley priorities was provided prior to the workshop.

The top three priorities and key drivers for the SEQ region which the Lockyer Valley provided to the workshop including the rationale were:

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1. Resilient Rivers Initiative

Why Tangible outcomes in regards to repatriating SEQ’s waterways, and in particular the Lockyer catchment, will have a profound positive impact on protecting SEQ’s water supply, mitigating flood impacts and preserving creek systems and water quality.

How and Who COMSEQ needs to facilitate discussions with the new State Government on an appropriate delivery mechanism for the agreed Resilient Rivers strategy. COMSEQ needs to ensure the Mayors of SEQ are the key drivers of the initiative and not railroaded by other interested parties. Lobbying of State and Federal Governments for funding is an important next step.

2. SEQ Regional Plan

Why The new SEQ Regional Plan needs to empower local councils to be in charge of decision- making with regards to where and when development occurs in their own regions. It should not have an overarching ‘map’ of where development can and can’t occur as this has stifled development in the past. Rural subdivision needs to be addressed to help facilitate more sustainable communities in rural areas by encouraging development in these places.

How and Who COMSEQ needs to facilitate open discussions with the new Government regarding issues facing rural areas and the need to assist in making rural communities more sustainable into the future by allowing development in these areas.

3. Trade and export opportunities

Why With potential customers running into the hundreds of millions living within an 8-hour flight of Brisbane, business needs to be increasingly looking at opportunities of selling their product to the burgeoning Asian middle-class. In particular, food producing businesses need to be focussing on ways they can break out of the duopoly that many currently face and seek a better price for their produce in Asia.

How and Who COMSEQ needs to facilitate trade show opportunities, such as the Asia Pacific Cities Summit, but should also consider regular regional trade delegations into Asia to assist in securing a higher awareness of the SEQ region and opportunities for businesses to do business.

Out of the discussion which was held on the day Council of Mayors (SEQ) have developed six key priorities for the region:

1. Economic growth – particularly through external investment attraction, job and employment creation projects, international and national relationships to drive trade/exports

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2. Infrastructure to support sustainable development and economic prosperity including intermodal facilities and other large scale projects

3. Operational Planning reform – facilitating development; planning and local government legislation stabilisation; stability to generate business confidence, red tape reduction, elimination and resistance.

4. SEQ Regional Plan – Partnerships with the State Government to ensure support for the finalisation – empowering local councils 5. Waterways Management

6. Communication, education and awareness of the role of councils in SEQ

The six key priorities which were developed out of the strategic workshop are a fairly positive outcome for the Lockyer Valley with two out of the three priorities put forward by this Council ultimately making the list of priorities for Council of Mayors (SEQ) moving forward.

Attention now focuses to Council of Mayors (SEQ) driving the implementation of these key priorities with heavy input and focus from SEQ member Councils.

Update on outcomes of Council of Mayors (SEQ) Canberra Delegation

Since the previous update, Council of Mayors (SEQ) has distributed the notes from the recent Canberra delegation where meeting were held between Mayors and Deputy Mayors of member Councils and key representatives of the Federal Government. Meetings were held with: Hon Jamie Briggs MP, Assistance Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Communications Hon Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Hon Tony Abbott MP, Prime Minister Hon Susan Ley MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Sport Hon Ian McFarlane MP, Minister for Industry and Science Hon Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Mr Scott Buchholz MP, Chief Government Whip Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for the Environment And Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Shadow Minister for Ageing

During these meeting the Mayors were able to raise every advocacy document priority to the relevant Ministers involved.

The meeting with the Prime Minister in particular discussed the potential Olympic Games bid, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Infrastructure Planning and Funding as well as free trade agreements.

There has already been follow-up from a number of key Ministers in relation to a range of issues discussed by the delegation. Council of Mayors (SEQ) did an admirable job in securing meetings with the key players in the Federal Government to discuss key priorities for the SEQ region moving forward.

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Update on Waterways and Environment Committee

The Waterways and Environment Committee met on Friday, 20 March 2015 with EM Planning and Development in attendance with apologies from Councillor McDonald. The Committee was briefed on the trip to Canberra with an overview of the discussions held with Ministers and Shadow Ministers. It was advised that Environment Minister Greg Hunt indicated that there might be funding for regionally coordinated Green Army projects. The projects could be across municipalities and over a number of years (eg. approximately $7.6m, 40 projects over a three and half year period with provider CVA with a start early next year, concluding mid 2019). Given the Lockyer Valley's experience with the make-work Green Army initiatives likely preference would be to direct funding into identified on-the-ground projects.

Those attending were briefed on activities of the Catchment Action Plan Working Group which is currently working on Catchment Action Plans for two catchments (Lockyer and mid- Brisbane). The Working Group is using a draft Catchment Action Plan template as a guide and as such these will be “pilot” projects. A consistent approach may assist in better coordination locally and regionally. The Committee briefly discussed the future of the River Improvement Trust (RIT) legislation including where the Catchment Action Plans fit in terms of the new State Government noting that Labor was formally not in favour of the RIT. Finally it was noted the Mayoral Waterways Taskforce will meet after a planned media conference on Tuesday 21 April.

Finally a presentation was made by Paula Kemplay (Principal Waste Planner, Redland City Council and chair of the SEQ Councils Waste Managers Forum) on a collective local government officer perspective on waste management in SEQ. The Committee discussed the proposal to establish a Waste Management Taskforce, including its potential membership. Councillors Bourke, Sommerfield, Taylor and McKay expressed interest in becoming members of the Taskforce. It was also agreed that the inclusion of an industry representative (potentially from Waste Recycling Industry Association QLD) and a representative from the SEQ Councils Waste Managers Forum would be beneficial for the Taskforce. The Committee agreed that the Secretariat should draft the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and distribute to members for comment. Action for COMSEQ following discussion was Secretariat to write Committee members formally requesting expressions of interest to be a member of the Waste Management Taskforce.

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11. GOVERNANCE AND PERFORMANCE REPORTS

11.1 Application for Permanent Road Closure - Part of the Unnamed Road off East Haldon Road, Lot 94 on CH312521

Date: 01 April 2015 Author: Caitlan Natalier, Solicitor/Legal Services Coordinator Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines have received an application for the permanent closure of the unnamed road off East Haldon Road, East Haldon. The purpose of this Report is to consider this application and provide Council’s views and requirements for consideration by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines when assessing the application.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT with respect to the correspondence received from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines on 23 March 2015 requesting Council’s views and requirements in respect of an application for the permanent closure of the unnamed road off East Haldon Road, East Haldon, Council resolves to write to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines advising that Council supports the application as the road closure would assist with the security and management of the Main Range National Park.

Report

1. Introduction

The purpose of this Report is to provide Council’s views and requirements in respect of an application for the permanent closure of the unnamed road off East Haldon Road, East Haldon with traverses Lot 94 on CH312521.

2. Background

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines has received an application for the permanent closure of the unnamed road of East Haldon Road, East Haldon which traverses Lot 94 on CH312521. Public notice of the application is currently available in Council’s Reception for viewing by the public in compliance with statutory requirements. The objection period is due to close on 30 April 2015.

Council has also been requested to consider the application and provide its views and requirements to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines for consideration when assessing the application.

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3. Report

An Aerial Plan and Drawing 15/052 showing the location of the proposed road closure area, Lot 94 on CH312521 and the adjoining Main Range National Park (Glenrock) is attached to this Report.

The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service manages the Main Range National Park and has previously advised the Legal Services Unit of their intention to acquire Lot 94 and apply for the proposed road closure to reduce instances of trespass and improve their ability to manage the Park.

The road proposed to be closed is unmade and unconstructed and traverses Lot 94 on CH312521. The road closure area comprises 10.9 hectares and is already temporarily closed for the purposes of a grazing lease which is held by the former owner of Lot 94.

Lot 94 was acquired by the State on 18 November 2014 and the former owner has entered into another 3 year grazing lease with the State for the land from this date. The grazing lease over the road closure area will be cancelled if the road closure application is successful, however as this road area will be amalgamated into Lot 94, the lessee’s grazing use of this area will also continue.

The unnamed road is not required as a legal access to any of the surrounding properties, as evidenced by the temporary road closure in place, as the majority of the adjoining land forms part of the Main Range National Park which can be accessed from East Haldon Road. The Infrastructure Works and Services Unit has no objection to the application as the proposed road closure area is not required for future roads purposes, does not provide continuity of a road network and will never be constructed.

The Recommendation made in this Report supports the application and will enable the Main Range National Park to be better managed and controlled.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

If the application is successful the State will be responsible for all dealings to incorporate Lot 94 and the road closure area into the Main Range National Park.

If Council does not accept the recommendation made and wishes to object to the application for permanent road closure, a full explanation stating the reasons for the objection is required to be provided to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Any objections made may be viewed by other parties interested in the proposed road closure in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

No financial or resource implications for Council have been identified.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

The Chief Executive Officer, through the Legal Services Unit, should be authorised to advise the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of Council’s resolution.

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7. Communication and Engagement

The Executive Manager Infrastructure Works and Services has had an opportunity to review this Report and supports the application.

The Chief Executive Officer, through Council’s Legal Services Unit, shall be responsible for advising the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of Council’s resolution prior to 30 April 2015.

The information provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines has been provided to Council in confidence for the purpose of seeking Council’s views in respect of the application. It is not to be used for any other purpose, or distributed further to any person, company, or organisation, without the express written permission of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines unless required.

8. Conclusion

The Recommendation in this Report will support the application for permanent road closure and improve the security and management of Main Range National Park by the State.

9. Action/s

1. Advise the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of Council’s resolution prior to the end of the objection period.

Attachments 1View Map 1 Page 2View Map 1 Page

Page 34 Application for Permanent Road Closure - Part of the Attachment 1 Unnamed Road off East Haldon Road, Lot 94 on CH312521 Map

Attachment 1 11.1 Page 35

Application for Permanent Road Closure - Part of the Attachment 2 Unnamed Road off East Haldon Road, Lot 94 on CH312521 Map

Attachment 2 11.1 Page 36

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

11.2 Future Tenure of Lot 1275 on CC1692

Date: 01 April 2015 Author: Caitlan Natalier, Solicitor/Legal Services Coordinator Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines have received an application from the trustee of Lot 175 on CC1692 to relinquish their trusteeship of the land. Council has now been requested to consider whether it wishes to accept trusteeship of the land and issue a trustee lease of the land to interested community organisations for a use that will be consistent with the purpose of the reserve land. The purpose of this Report is to consider this request.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT with respect to the correspondence received from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines on 26 March 2015 requesting Council consider accepting trusteeship of Lot 175 on CC1692, Council resolves to advise the Department of Natural Resources and Mines that Council does not wish to accept trusteeship of the land as no special land or environmental values have been identified which require Council’s trusteeship of the land.

Report

1. Introduction

The purpose of this Report is to consider whether Council wishes to accept trusteeship of Lot 175 on CC1692 and offer trustee lease tenure to interested community organisations for a use consistent with the purpose of the reserve.

2. Background

Lot 175 on CC1692 is situated on Forest Hill-Fernvale Road at Glenore Grove. Since 1962 when the reserve was dedicated for health purposes, the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) has been the trustee of the land.

The QCWA have now applied to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines to relinquish trusteeship of the land as they no longer require it.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines is now considering the future tenure of the land and has requested Council consider whether it will accept trusteeship of the land. If Council accepts trusteeship, Council could then consider issuing trustee leases over the land, or parts of it, to interested community organisations for use in accordance with the relevant purpose of the reserve.

3. Report

A Smartmap and an Aerial Plan showing the location of Lot 175 on CC1692 is attached.

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Lot 175 comprises 2023m² of land zoned as Rural Agricultural. In the past tennis courts and a clubhouse were situated on the land, however the QCWA has now removed these improvements.

While the reserve is currently dedicated for health purposes, if Council wishes to accept trusteeship of the land it could also elect to change the purpose of the reserve to another community purpose listed in the Land Act 1994, such as Parks, Recreation or Open Space.

The Manager Planning & Environment Services has advised that no special land or environmental values have been identified which would require the protection of reserve tenure or Council’s trusteeship. As the land is in a high flood hazard area improvement of the land will be limited.

The Infrastructure Works and Services Unit have also confirmed that the land is highly susceptible to flooding, including in Q10 events, and there is no need for a local park or other community reserve in this area as the surrounding properties are large residential lots.

It is therefore recommended that Council does not accept trusteeship of the land.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

If an alternative trustee is located or the land is retained as unallocated State land by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Council will not have any maintenance obligations. It is considered unlikely that an alternative trustee will be appointed and therefore the land is likely to be either converted to freehold and sold or retained as unallocated State land by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

If retained as unallocated State land, Council will have the opportunity to provide its views to the Department of Natural Resources and Mines in respect of any application received for the future use of the land under a permit to occupy.

Alternatively, if Council does wish to accept trusteeship of the land, then it is appropriate for the purpose of the reserve to be changed to reflect the current community purposes which align with Council’s preferred land use for future trustee lease arrangements to be considered. The most appropriate community purpose would be for parks and recreation.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

While accepting trusteeship of the land would allow Council a measure of control over its future use, it will increase Council’s maintenance obligations, at least until a trustee lease can be issued over the land. Any rental income from a trustee lease is expected to be minimal and would need to be applied to the management of the land.

The resources of Council’s Legal Services Unit would also be required to prepare and register a land management plan in respect of the land and manage and prepare and future property dealings.

If the Recommendation made in this Report is accepted, no financial or resource implications will result for Council.

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6. Delegations/Authorisations

The Chief Executive Officer, through the Legal Services Unit, be authorised to do all things necessary to action Council’s resolution.

7. Communication and Engagement

The information provided by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines has been provided to Council in confidence for the purpose of seeking Council’s views on the future tenure of the land. It is not to be used for any other purpose, or distributed further to any person, company, or organisation, without the express written permission of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines unless required.

The Manager Planning & Development Services, and the Executive Manager Infrastructure Works and Services have had an opportunity to review and contribute their views to this Report.

The Chief Executive Officer, through Council’s Legal Services Unit, shall be responsible for advising the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of Council’s resolution prior to 11 May 2015.

8. Conclusion

The Recommendation in this Report will enable Council’s views to be considered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines when assessing the most appropriate tenure of the land.

9. Action/s

1. Advise the Department of Natural Resources and Mines of Council’s resolution.

Attachments 1View Map 1 Page 2View Map 1 Page

Page 39 Future Tenure of Lot 1275 on CC1692 Attachment 1 Map

Attachment 1 11.2 Page 40

Future Tenure of Lot 1275 on CC1692 Attachment 2 Map

Attachment 2 11.2 Page 41

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

11.3 2015 National General Assembly of Local Government

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The Australian Local Government Association has written to Council advising of this years’ National General Assembly of Local Government in Canberra from 14 to 17 June, and is calling for motions under this year’s theme which is “Closest to the Community: Local Government in the Federation”. This forum gives Council the opportunity to contribute to the development of national local government policy and to address issues facing local government nationally.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council endorse the following motions for consideration at the National General Assembly of Local Government in June 2015:

Motion 1 That Council call on the ALGA to confirm any changes to the NDRRA include the confirmation of Council day labour and plant hire for the construction of restoration works.

That the Commonwealth Government continue to maintain the existing arrangements until an alternate model can be agreed for implementation i.e. Insurance based model.

Further, That Council call on the ALGA to investigate the definition for drought to ensure coverage can be made under the NDRRA guidelines.

And Further that the ALGA seek a review of existing Commonwealth Government programs (eg foreign aid funding) and seek to re-allocate funding to managing the impacts of natural disaster within Australia.

Motion 2 That Council call on the ALGA to lobby the Commonwealth Government to maintain indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants now in the current budget, and that any changed arrangements be referred to the Reform of Taxation.

That the ALGA lobby the Commonwealth Government to seek alternate funding arrangements through the Reform of Taxation to replace the existing outdated and inappropriate FAGS mechanism.

Motion 3

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That Council call on the ALGA to work with the Federal Government to develop appropriate engagement strategies for consultation on significant national infrastructure projects (eg Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing) to include impacted local governments in the project initiation / (from inception).

And further; THAT Council consult with the LGAQ and other Queensland Councils in seeking support for the motions.

Report

1. Introduction

The ALGA discussion paper released to allow Councils to develop motions for the National Congress is currently being actioned under the key theme “Closest to the Community – Local Government in the Federation”. The Federal Government is working through outcomes for consideration of potential reforms of the Federation and Taxation. Each of these processes will help to shape Government in Australia in the coming years and local government needs to be in a strong position to respond to whatever changes may emerge.

2. Background

Council has received advice and an invitation to the National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government in Canberra from 14-17 June 2015. Council at its last meeting confirmed the attendance of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Cr’s Friend and McLean to this years’ Assembly.

Council has been requested to provide motions for consideration by the 28th April 2015.

3. Report

The Australian Local Government Association is calling for motions under this year’s theme which is “Closest to the Community: Local Government in the Federation”. This National General Assembly (NGA) provides an important opportunity for local government to debate issues and options for reform, as well as to develop a national position ahead of the White paper on the Reform of the Federation and White Paper on Taxation.

The terms of reference for the White Paper on the Reform of eth Federation set out four over- arching questions for investigation. These are:

 What are the practicalities of limiting policy and funding to core national interest matters, as typified by the matters in section 51 of the Constitution?  How can overlap between Local, State and Commonwealth responsibilities or involvement in the delivery and funding of public programs be reduced or, if appropriate be eliminated?

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 How can we achieve agreement between the States and Commonwealth Governments about their distinct and mutually exclusive responsibilities and subsequent funding sources for associated programs?  How can we achieve equity and sustainability in the finding of any programmes that are deemed the responsibility of more than one level of government?

These four questions are the starting point for the national debate and for councils to consider in developing NGA motions. The challenge for this years’ NGA can be considered on two levels:   identify and propose potential reform of the Federation, including funding relationships, that will improve the operation of the Federation and improve government service delivery to the Australian people;  from a Local Government perspective, propose reform that should occur to strengthen Local Government, and/or, if there are reforms to Commonwealth and state relations by shifting roles and responsibilities how can any adverse impacts on Local Government and local communities be addressed.

Each of these are significant undertakings in their own right, but taken together, they could substantially reshape the operation of the Australian federal system of government. It is important that local government is an active participant in these processes and that every opportunity is taken to influence the outcomes of these white paper processes.

The theme of this year’s NGA invites Council’s to reflect on the roles and responsibilities of local government, its funding and relative place in the Federation.

It’s a theme that enables local government to define for itself:  What business local government is in;  The resources we need to do it; and  What should be expected from the Commonwealth and what we should expect from the state and territory governments.

In short, how local government should fit in the Federation. Local government knows what it does best, this is an opportunity to share experiences and develop policies that will ensure it will remain the strong and vibrant representative of our communities that it is today.

A forum has been planned for the Sunday prior the start of the conference on “Regional Cooperation and Development” and it is recommended that Council participate in this forum. This will build on last year’s initiatives and include the latest “State of the Regions” Report.

The closing date for motions is the 28th April 2015 and to be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business Papers, motions must follow the principles:

 Fall under the NGA theme  Be relevant to the work of local government nationally; and  Complement or build on the policy objectives of State and Territory associations.

There are a significant number of issues that are currently the subject of actions across local government given the enormity of the reform agenda and a number of issues that are yet to be formally addressed or resolved. The following motions are considered the most important in

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which to make a policy statement on for consideration and are directly relevant to the national agenda and conference theme.

Motion 1 That Council call on the ALGA to confirm any changes to the NDRRA include the confirmation of Council day labour and plant hire for the construction of restoration works.

That the Commonwealth Government continue to maintain the existing arrangements until an alternate model can be agreed for implementation i.e. Insurance based model.

Further, That Council call on the ALGA to investigate the definition for drought to ensure coverage can be made under the NDRRA guidelines.

And Further that the ALGA seek a review of existing Commonwealth Government programs (eg foreign aid funding) and seek to re-allocate funding to managing the impacts of natural disaster within Australia.

Motion 2 That Council call on the ALGA to lobby the Commonwealth Government to maintain indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants now in the current budget, and that any changed arrangements be referred to the Reform of Taxation.

That the ALGA lobby the Commonwealth Government to seek alternate funding arrangements through the Reform of Taxation to replace the existing outdated and inappropriate FAGS mechanism.

Motion 3 That Council call on the ALGA to work with the Federal Government to develop appropriate engagement strategies for consultation on significant national infrastructure projects (eg Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail, Toowoomba Second Range Crossing) to include impacted local governments in the project initiation / (from inception).

Additional background information on the basis of the motions are being finalised following the Council workshop and will address the linkage to the national agenda to support the reasons why the motion is supported.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

All relevant policy positions will be considered when drafting motions and further consultation will be made with the LGAQ to ensure that motions are consistent with state wide views. There are limited legal implications with proposing motions, that are within the powers of local government and consistent with existing Council direction.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Budget impacts will continue to be addressed through existing allocation and re-prioritisation as required. There is a budget allocation and attendance is requested by Councillors at this important forum.

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6. Delegations/Authorisations

No further delegations are required to manage the issues raised in this report. The Chief Executive Officer has appropriate delegations to address issues in the report and is delegated by resolution to finalise the motions.

7. Communication

The matters arising from this report that require further communication will be addressed through existing communication channels. All motions will be in writing and lodged through the appropriate mechanisms.

8. Conclusion

That the motions discussed and agreed at the workshop and confirmed at the Council Meeting will be submitted to the ALGA for consideration into the agenda for conference debate..

9. Action/s

The motions when approved and authorised by Council, will be submitted to the ALGA for consideration and a copy sent to the LGAQ, or prior consultation held with the LGAQ to confirm the intent of the resolution and what will be lodged as part of the submission of the motions.

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11.4 Local Government Election 2016 Update

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report provides an update on the upcoming 2016 Local Government Election and seeks to confirm the intention for an attendance ballot in line with the requirements of the Local Government legislation.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council receive the report and advice regarding the 2016 Local Government Election.

Report

1. Introduction

There have been a number of changes made to the legislation for conducting local government elections and with a change of State Government there are further changes forecast and legislative deadlines to be met. This report identifies matters that need to be considered and resolved by Council.

2. Background

A number of changes were made to the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 to facilitate the upcoming 2016 local government elections by the former state government that provided greater autonomy for councils in the conduct of elections. A number of these changes were discussed with Council in workshop sessions and these were most recently finalised through the later part of 2014. One of the significant reforms was for the CEO to be considered for the Returning Officer role.

It was originally proposed to produce a plan for the conduct of the election, but this work has been changed due to the pending changes to the legislation which would see the election running returned to the Electoral Commission Queensland.

3. Report

In the lead up to the state election, the then Minster for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience wrote to Mayors on 22nd December regarding applications to conduct the 2016 quadrennial local government elections by way of postal ballot. The correspondence advised that such applications were unlikely to be approved unless a local government was able to demonstrate exceptional circumstances. The LGAQ wrote to the Minister expressing serious concerns on this advice.

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Following the election of the Palaszczuk Government, the LGAQ included this matter amongst 45 briefing notes prepared for the incoming government. The Deputy Premier Hon Jackie Trad MP has responded with confirmation that she will consider all applications to conduct the 2016 quadrennial local government elections by way of postal ballot on merit on the basis that a local government provides a robust case for a partial or full postal ballot in its application. Under the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, the default position is for local government elections to be conducted by way of attendance ballot on polling day. A local government may apply for a full or partial postal ballot if its area includes a large rural sector, large remote areas or extensive island areas. Applications for postal ballots close on 1st July 2015.

For the 2012 quadrennial local government elections, Council made application for a postal ballot and was granted this change predominantly on the basis of cost savings and efficiencies given the 2011 natural disaster event. The cost savings were not clearly evident and the timeliness of the results of the election were not seen as efficient, given the election was run by the Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ), and the result was not available for a number of days after the election. The outcomes achieved had prompted some support for the changes introduced in the 2014 legislative amendments, to allow the CEO to be the Returning Officer (RO). The proposed Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 seeks to restore the ECQ as the Returning Officer (RO) for all local government elections. Limited advice has been provided by the Department of Local Government in regard to election planning and the changes being introduced.

In late February 2015, Council received advice regarding the deadlines for decisions regarding the preparations for the 2016 quadrennial local government elections, this included any matters for the Local Government Change Commission, including voluntary changes to its electoral arrangements by 1 March 2015.

Since the 2008 local government reforms there have been no significant changes to local governments aside from the planned de-amalgamations last year. The commentary in legislation on change matters is quite specific. The current policy is that only the state government itself can instigate a change proposal. The stated policy objective is to give stability and certainty to the current boundaries and electoral arrangements following the turmoil of recent years.

Within the current legislation it is submitted that there is limited scope to practically introduce electoral divisions that could be simply identified and administered. There would need to be amendments to the legislation including the principle of multi-member divisions to cater for the demographic and geographic constraints. At this time there has not been an identified need to address this as a change proposal. As a regional council, the interests to date have been best served by all elected members representing all areas.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

The relevant legislation is the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, as amended.

The Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 was introduced to the Parliament on the 27th March 2015. The Bill has three main objectives. The first is to amend the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 to remove the mandate for the CEO to be the RO, and for the Electoral Commission Queensland (ECQ) to run the election.

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The other two objectives relate to the deferral of the Heavy Vehicle National Law Act 2012 (Chapter 2 Registrations), until 1 July 2018, and the extension of the expiry of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) past 30th June 2015, with no specified end date.

5. Financial and Resource Implications The financial implications for the 2016 quadrennial local government elections are not certain at this time. Council has estimated $200k in the first 2015/16 proposed budget to fund the election.

6. Delegations/Authorisations There are no relevant delegations that apply in this instance, and a decision is required by the Council to make any changes to electoral arrangements.

7. Communication and Engagement

There are no direct matters for communication from this report, depending on the discussion within Council and any changes resolved that may require further engagement or communication with the Minister, departmental staff or the community.

8. Conclusion

Given the uncertainty of the proposed changes to the legislation for amendments to the Local Government Electoral Act 2011, Council must be mindful to keep up to date with the changes such that any necessary actions can be addressed by the respective deadline.

9. Action/s

That Council receive the information in the report and note the advice on the 2016 quadrennial local government election.

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11.5 Executive Manager Governance & Performance Monthly Update

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report is to update Council on the key issues currently being actioned.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council receive and note the Executive Manager Governance & Performance Monthly update.

Report

1. Introduction

This report provides an update on key matters arising and being addressed since the last report in relation to work areas or key initiatives.

2. Background

The previous reports provide the background information to date and only progress is being reported for the month.

3. Report

Governance

The quarterly operational plan report will be provided to the May meeting given the timing of the April Council meeting and gathering the necessary input from managers. A first draft 2015/16 Operational Plan is to be developed for discussion at the May workshop to ensure sufficient time and understanding of the content and the relevant resources required to deliver outcomes are committed in the 2015/16 budget.

There have been a number of significant reports and reform agendas released over recent weeks and significant effort has been directed to identify the key impacts upon Council and for the community. These matters will be addressed separately in this report.

The Governance Framework and associated compliance work continues with time constrained around other priorities, this will come forward for Council review in May.

Administration and Executive Operations

A considerable number of properties have been put to tender during the last month including land at Laidley, Laidley Creek west, the Grantham Grazing land as well as a range of

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properties that had been held by council following the Grantham land swap. These tenders will close and be evaluated over the next period.

A range of legal matters have also been progressed relating to a number of planning appeals and planning enforcement matters. Legal advice has also been provided internally, or sought from external legal providers where necessary, on a number of insurance and property matters. Further legal advice has related by projects being undertaken and/or evaluated by Council.

A number of administrative activities involving Complaints Management and Right to Information requests were also handled in the period.

Internal Audit & Risk Management

The Audit Register is under review to address the timeliness of outstanding actions and has been tasked across the ELT for an update on outstanding matters, which is to be further discussed with the internal auditor prior to the next meeting in May 2015. The internal audit plan for 2015/16 has been discussed with the internal auditor in preparing for May meeting and for inclusion into the draft budget 2015/16.

The final internal audit for 2014/15 has been scoped around the monitoring and reporting of the operational budgets by Managers/Executive and Council to support good decision making. It is planned that the audit will commence by late April.

Templates capturing the Business Continuity Plan information have been circulated to managers to produce a revised first draft of critical business needs and information.

Corporate Communications

Significant effort has been dedicated to assisting with the activities associated with the Sydney Show and Martin Place initiatives along with ongoing photographic and camera footage to spread the messages and outcomes from these events.

Corporate Communications has also been busy putting together footage and project managing a video production set to feature the economic benefits of the Lockyer Valley to Councils attending the upcoming LGMA conference in Darwin later this month.

Corporate Communications have played a pivotal role in the promotion of the official opening of Council’s tribute to the 100th anniversary of ANZAC on display at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre.

Tax Discussion Paper

The release of the tax discussion paper last week calls on Australians to think about how we create a tax system that supports economic growth and higher living standards, improves our international competiveness, adjusts to a changing economy and can accommodate new opportunities.

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This national discussion on how tax is collected and distributed is running in parallel with discussions about the Federation and the roles and responsibilities of each level of government. The release of the tax discussion paper is the start of the Commonwealth's process of engaging the community on the need for significant reforms of Australia's taxation system. Submissions will guide the development of a tax options Green Paper released in the second half of 2015. There will be the opportunity for further consultation on the Green Paper. The process will culminate in the release of a White Paper scheduled for early 2016.

The tax discussion paper looks at the overall reliance on income and corporation taxes, changes to the rate and base of the GST, reforms of State taxes such as stamp duty and land tax (including municipal rates), and the arrangements and exemptions for the not-for-profit sector.

In seeking to deliver taxes that are lower, simpler and fairer, the discussion paper asks what the priorities are for state and local tax reform. For local government, consideration needs to be given to the implications of reform to State land tax on rates and how to ensure local government's tax revenue remains sufficient to meet the needs of local communities. It is also important that the effectiveness of tax sharing measures, such as the Financial Assistance Grants, are included in any of the discussion on our tax system. Submissions are invited by the Government until 1 June 2015.

Review of National Competition Policy

The Harper Review into Australia's National Competition Policy was released last week.

Review findings include the need to reform regulations in areas such as the opening hours of shops, the licensing of taxis, the on-sale on imported goods and the introduction of an 'effects test' to determine whether particular practices or regulations are anti-competitive.

The Review highlights the need for local government regulations to be considered and treated in a similar manner to state and Federal laws when it comes to influencing competition in the market.

The Report includes several recommendations relevant to local government, including the impact of local government's planning decisions and zoning policies. This is based on the view that council decisions have the capacity to reduce competition by limiting the land available for certain industries or commercial activities. The Review highlights the need for current and future economic competiveness to be considered in planning and zoning decisions, but that regardless of the outcome, these decisions should be made as quickly as possible.

The Review notes the opportunities presented by improved technology to institute more cost- effective road pricing allowing more funds to be directed to road maintenance. The Review recommends that all levels of government undertake a stock take of their existing commercial arrangements, including procurement practices, commissioning of works, and public private partnerships, to ensure that government as a whole is not encouraging anti- competitiveness. The Review also proposes that a new Australian Council for Competition Policy should be established to oversee competition reform

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Disaster Funding

Last month, ALGA President, Mayor Troy Pickard, met with the Minister for Justice, the Hon Michael Keenan to discuss issues relating to local government and in particular the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Disaster Funding Arrangements.

The Productivity Commission submitted the final report of its Inquiry into Disaster Funding Arrangements to the Government on 19 December 2014.

Although the Government has not yet formally responded to the PC Report, Mayor Pickard took the opportunity to reiterate the sector's position on some of the issues which the Commission flagged in its earlier draft Report.

"ALGA and the local government sector have welcomed the suggestion that councils be given greater autonomy in how they respond to perceived threats and recover from adverse events. However we have concerns about the recommendations which would see the Commonwealth contribution to relief and recovery efforts reduced.

"ALGA supports the proposal that the Commonwealth should spend more on mitigation - up from $20m to $200m per annum - but does not believe this should be made conditional on reducing relief and recovery support. I am also concerned that requirements for matching funding could disadvantage the poorer councils," Mayor Pickard said.

ALGA supports changes to the National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements to provide greater flexibility for councils using their own labor forces in recovery efforts.

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12. ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT REPORTS

12.1 2013 Recovery & Resilience Final Report

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: David Mazzaferri, Manager Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) & Community Engagement Responsible Officer: Dan McPherson, Executive Manager Organisational Development & Engagement File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

Lockyer Valley Regional Council, in response to the flooding experienced in the region during January 2013, established four Taskforces to carry out recovery and resilience projects and actions. This final report has been prepared to summarise the activities carried out during the two years post event to complete the tasks identified.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council acknowledges that this report is the final Recovery & Resilience report for the 2013 Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald flooding event; Further; THAT the 2013 Recovery & Resilience Taskforces be ‘stood down’. And further; THAT the resilience reporting be included as a standing item in each executive monthly report.

Report

1. Introduction

This report outlines the projects and/or tasks identified for each 2013 Recovery & Resilience Taskforce, Council’s role in the actioning of those tasks, key achievements and the current status of each project/task.

2. Background

The Lockyer Valley region, along with other areas of Queensland, experienced significant flooding as a result of ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald in late January 2013. To provide direction after the event, Council developed a taskforce model for Recovery and Resilience.

Four groups were tasked to lead Council’s recovery efforts:  Community Development & Engagement Taskforce  Regional & Economic Development Taskforce  Infrastructure Taskforce  Environment & Regulatory Taskforce

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3. Report

3.1 Community Development & Engagement Taskforce

Councillor Liaison – Cr Milligan, Cr Friend Executive Manager Liaison – Dan McPherson, Jamie Simmonds Liaison – Jason Cubit, Neil Williamson

Projects/Tasks

Community support and the restoration of community support services and networks

Role - Advocacy

Key Achievements:

 Engagement with affected communities was facilitated by the Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Unit through direct engagement with key community reps and Local Disaster Community Coordination Committee’s particularly in Laidley, Glenore Grove, Forest Hill, Mulgowie, and the Three Valleys.  Team members assisted external agencies with community connections to facilitate support outcomes.  Major partners included: Ozcare, Lifeline, Red Cross, Churches of Christ Care, Salvation Army, Laidley and Gatton Community Centres.

Project Status - Completed and also embedded in core businesses for Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Team

Supporting individuals and households

Role: Facilitate donations from shed but not assess

Key Achievements:

 A system was established to have local NGOs undertake assessment with solutions facilitated by Community Development and Engagement Team.  Referrals to Lifeline, Salvation Army, and GIVIT to meet gaps in supply.  Major partners included: Ozcare, Lifeline, Red Cross, Churches of Christ Care, Salvation Army, Laidley and Gatton Community Centres

Status: Completed for 2011 and 2013 events

Social impact and needs assessment and monitoring

Role: Utilise CD Team info plus outsource - e.g. PhD candidates

Key Achievements:

 Regular contact from Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Unit assisted in mapping needs and service gaps, and in facilitating

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appropriate responses. Several external agencies/people were linked with affected communities for formal research processes which provided feedback to the DM unit.  CE Team attendance at Lockyer Valley Service Provider’s interagency meetings.  Major partners included: Margaret Moreton, RMIT, QUT, Griffith University, Victoria University of Wellington (NZ).

Project Status - Completed and also embedded in core businesses for Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Team

Personal support and information

Role: Outsource plus Land Swap

Key Achievements:

 A system was established to have local NGOs undertake assessment with solutions facilitated by Community Development and Engagement Team. Referrals to Lifeline, Salvation Army, and GIVIT to meet gaps in supply.  Land Swap clients received direct support from Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Unit plus outsourcing for a range of personal support needs.  Major partners included: Ozcare, Lifeline, Red Cross, Churches of Christ Care, Salvation Army, Laidley and Gatton Community Centres.

Project Status – Completed

Physical health and emotional support (Outsource / Advocacy)

Role: Outsource / Advocacy

Key Achievements:

 Referrals to: Ozcare, Lifeline, Red Cross, Churches of Christ Care, Salvation Army, Laidley and Gatton Community Centres, Qld Health

Project status – Completed

Psychological, spiritual, cultural and social wellbeing support

Role: Facilitator / Outsourced

Key Achievements:

 Wellbeing Expo 2013 and 2014.  Referrals to: Ozcare, Lifeline, Red Cross, Churches of Christ Care, Salvation Army, Laidley and Gatton Community Centres, Qld Health, local churches

Project Status - Completed and also embedded in core businesses for Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Team

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Public safety and education support

Role: Facilitator Key Achievements:

 Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Unit attended various community events with/without the MERC to engage, share information, respond to enquiries. Locations included: Mulgowie markets, Emergency Service Open Days (2013 and 2014), Laidley and Gatton Shows (2013 and 2014), Under 8’s Day Gatton State School (2013 and 2014), Stockyard Creek Hall, Mt Sylvia State School, Forest Hill Handmade Expo (2014), and others.  Partners included: SES, Qld Fire & Emergency Services.

Project Status - Completed and also embedded in core businesses for Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Team

Activities that ensure affected communities and interest groups are involved in the decision making process

Role: Facilitator

Key Achievements:

 Community Development and Engagement Team provided: Movies Under the Stars events at Withcott, Laidley, Murphys Creek, and Junction View; Event support at: Murphys Creek open day (2013) and Off-road bike event (2013 and 2014), and; Attendance at community group meetings: Forest Hill, Mt Sylvia/Junction View, Murphys Creek, Helidon, Grantham.  Attendance at site meetings where identified issues or proposed solutions warranted CE support

Project Status - Completed and also embedded in core businesses for Disaster Management (Recovery & Resilience) and Community Engagement Team

Temporary accommodation

Role: Outsource / Advocacy

Key Achievements:

 Referrals and Partnerships through: Churches of Christ Care, Dept of Housing, Red Cross Homelessness Early Intervention Service.  Woodlands Road Donga Village was used as a temporary measure with an outcome leading to removing it from future emergency accommodation options.

Project Status - Completed

Financial assistance to meet immediate individual needs and uninsured household loss and damage

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Role: Outsource

Key Achievements:  Referrals to: Ozcare, Lifeline, Red Cross, Churches of Christ Care, Salvation Army, Laidley and Gatton Community Centres, and local churches.  Goods from Council’s Donation Shed were made available via non-Council assessment processes. Promotion of Australian Red Cross donation fund.

Project Status - Completed

2011 Legacy issues

Role: Facilitator

Key Achievements:

 Generally as above. Strengthening Grantham Project provided a solution for upwards of twenty families who were inundated in 2013. This provided a successful conclusion of the project with 100% uptake of properties offered.

Project Status - Completed

3.2 Regional & Economic Development Taskforce

Councillor Liaison – Cr McLean, Cr Pingel Executive Manager Liaison – Mark Piorkowski, Dave Lewis Liaison – Jason Harm

Projects/Tasks

Assessing impact on key economic assets

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Regional Development

Key Achievements:

 Council utilised information from the Australian Business Register combined with flood mapping to identify impacted businesses by industry category to determine the likely impact on the local economy.  Australian Business Register input into disaster mapping and provided recommendations of utilization of mobile numbers to the federal government that are being implemented in future models for disaster management.  Extracted useful data on the impacts on key economic assets or grant submissions including betterment funding. (e.g. road infrastructure, water catchments, crops and agricultural land etc.)

Project Status - Completed

Stimulating the renewal and growth of the economy within the affected area

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Responsible Business Unit/Role: Regional Development/Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements:  A series of community forums have held to advise local suppliers of Council’s procurement processes and the impacts of its Procurement Policy upon local suppliers. Advice on panel and Local Buy arrangements were also provided/explained. Since these meetings, panel arrangements have been established for trade services, quarry materials and work boots. All of these panels are aimed at local suppliers.  Introduction of corporate credit cards to ensure the timely payment to suppliers for goods and services purchased by Council officers.  Successfully applied for and delivered $7,000 of additional marketing support of the Laidley Spring Festival.  Successfully applied for $4,000 grant funding for Queensland Week Activities structured to stimulate economic activities in town centres.

Project Status – Moved into core business

Facilitating business, industry and regional economic recovery and renewal

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Regional Development

Key Achievements:

Project examples include:

 Grantham Land Swap  GWIZ Project  Showgrounds Project  Laidley Futures  Promotion of region at Sydney Royal Easter Show  Producers Dinner targeting national media

Project Status - moved into core business

Facilitating business assistance, access to funds and loans and employer subsidies

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Regional Development / Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements:

 Successful support for funding for Business Enterprise Centre Ipswich Region to deliver business support to flood affected businesses in the region for two years. Dedicated support officer 3 days per week.  Waiver of 50% of advertising fee for flood effected businesses in the Tourism destination guide.  Hosted information sessions locally with major service agencies to provide advice and assistance to local businesses for access to various support programs.

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Project Status - Completed

Ensuring businesses and industry groups and affected communities are involved in the decision making process

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Regional Development Key Achievements:

 Assisted with establishment of a Lockyer Valley Growers group to assist in streamlining communication channels.  Council established the Regional Development Strategic Advisory Panel with representatives from key industry stakeholders.  Support provided to assist with the re-establishment of the Lockyer Valley Tourism Association.

Project Status - Completed

Recovering from the intangible effects of an event (e.g. loss of business confidence and quality of life etc).

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Regional Development / Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements:

 Promoting the region at Brisbane Ekka, Sydney Royal Easter Show to ensure that the general public is aware that the Lockyer Valley is back in business.  Council’s leadership and involvement in exploring new markets in Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan for exporting products, resulting in new export opportunities for local vegetable producers.  Creation and promotion of a Lockyer Valley Food Brand, currently being used by local independent supermarkets.

Project Status - Moved into core business

Review of rating structures to provide relief to impacted property owners

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements:

 Rates and Charges Debt Collection and Recovery Policy adopted by Council on 21 February 2013 to ensure equitable recovery action for all outstanding debts.  Strategic review of Council’s rating methodologies undertaken in early 2015 for inclusion in the 2015/2016 budget. The aim of the review is to ensure an equitable rate burden across all sectors of the economy.

Project Status - Completed

Facilitation of funding applications under Categories C and D

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Responsible Business Unit/Role: Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements:

 Council has undertaken the Category C and D claims in a timely manner for both the 2011 and 2013 events to ensure the ongoing management of Council’s cashflows.  Marketed the process and referred others to State Agencies for assistance with applications.

Project Status - Completed

Review of funding arrangements

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements

 Natural Disaster Rating Relief Policy adopted by Council on 17 April 2013. This is a permanent policy that can be invoked following any natural disaster. Policy allows for 3 classes of rates deferral for residential; commercial or non-crop agricultural; and agricultural crop producing.

Project Status - Completed

Financial modelling

Responsible Business Unit/Role: Corporate and Community Services

Key Achievements

 Queensland Treasury Corporation and LG Solutions financial modelling tools have now been implemented at Council. These models allow Council to model a number of “what if” scenarios and other strategies with a focus upon Council’s long term financial sustainability.

Project Status - Completed

Rating strategies – See above in ‘Review of Rating Structures’

3.3 Infrastructure Taskforce

Councillor Liaison – Mayor Cr Jones, Cr Holstein Executive Manager Liaison – Myles Fairbairn, Jason Bradshaw Liaison – Stephen Fleming

Projects/Tasks

Assessing damage to Council Infrastructure assets, buildings and structures and other facilities.

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Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and Building/Plumbing Services - Service Delivery

Key Achievements:

 Rapid Damage Assessment Completed and where necessary - external resources were acquired for specialist services, including structural engineering advice as needed. Works were identified - but minor impact on Council facilities overall. Significant road asset damage in set locations. Where necessary immediate works were identified for repairs in respect of safety and security.

Project Status - All Works were completed in the response phase. And all agencies were tasked with investigating their individual asset damage and advising of any significant damage in liaison with emergency services and council operational crews on the ground.

Coordinating safety inspection services and securing damaged Council Infrastructure assets, buildings and structures, and other facilities

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and Building/Plumbing Services and Safety - Service Delivery and outsourced specialist advisers.

Key Achievements:

 Damage assessments completed and reports provided from key agencies to identify extent of recovery works and restoration works for major infrastructure assets. Significant damage to electricity and some telecommunications

Project Status - All Safety inspections undertaken with first few days and plans for works identified. Utility Owners were kept occupied with damage in areas that were difficult to access.

Coordinating demolition of unsafe Council infrastructure assets, buildings and structures, and other facilities

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and Building/Plumbing Services and Safety - Service Delivery and compliance.

Key Achievements:

 Limited unsafe structures to be completed. Audit identified key work areas. Limited demolition required.

Project Status - Completed as needed with limited Council involvement. Some agencies dealt with other infrastructure damage

Coordinating repair and rebuilding of council infrastructure assets, buildings and structures, and other facilities

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and AECOM - Service Delivery and Compliance.

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Key Achievements:

 The Restoration works for Council Infrastructure was estimated to be about $65M initially and the majority of this was roads, drainage works in concentrated areas, with damage not as widespread as the 2011 event.  While the buildings and other assets have been minor in comparison there were significant numbers of drainage structures to be completed and a number of betterment proposals were put together to identify alternate solutions, which in some cases may have lowered the service levels. (eg. roadway put back into the creek)  Other bridge structures were identified and this work was to be completed by contractors.

Project Status - The program of works was identified and QRA were engaged early in the recovery phase to ensure a smooth transition as the works were acquitted and monies paid along the construction timeline. The Estimated value of works has changed from about $63M down to $44M - with changes in scope and the level of works to be completed. The works are expected to be completed by the end of April 2015.

Coordinating of recovery efforts with utility providers

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and Utility providers - QUU, Energex, Ergon, Telstra, Optus.

Key Achievements:

 Key agencies attended that taskforce to report on impacts and responses to their infrastructure.  Regular and ongoing dialogue continues with Energex on improvements to their network.  Coordination of resources was needed to access some areas for restoration works and Energex was vital in securing access to remote areas (eg LHB Road)

Project Status - The Agencies, QUU, Energex/Ergon reported to the taskforce and were invited to update and provide some closure after the initial recovery works were completed.

Coordinating recovery of other Council transport infrastructure

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and AECOM - Service Delivery

Key Achievements:

 Restoration of Assets was a key priority with AECOM assisting Council, through specialist program and project management and reporting to ensure compliance and asset management undertaken were being actioned efficiently and effectively.  Additional works in parks and drainage was also being completed where impacted.  Effort was directed to assessing betterment works and identifying key projects where funding could be met by Council and QRA to embed more resilience into the infrastructure.

Project Status - Other agency interaction with DTMR, and QRA for road matters, DNR and DEH on approvals required for waterways. Work on the betterment submissions was agreed

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in liaison with QRA on identifying solutions that best fit the future needs on the community and meet access requirements in times of disaster.

Prioritising repair and reconstruction activities, where appropriate

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and AECOM - Planning and Service Delivery

Key Achievements:

 The prioritisation of works was managed through AECOM and works scheduled through construction packages of like works or geographic locations to ensure efficiency in works being delivered.  The design function was integrated with the solutions and especially in betterment cases where additional works and scope management were critically reviewed to ensure that the value for money (VFM)was being achieved within the guidelines administered by the State and Federal Government.

Project Status - Close consultation with QRA was undertaken and the Liaison Officer appointed worked well with Council to ensure compliance and agreement throughout the process. Where appropriate additional resources were identified on specialist works and the workflows monitored for compliance.

Considering mitigation measures for “identification, feasibility, planning and implementation of mitigation measures"

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and AECOM - Advocacy and Compliance and Council Decision making.

Key Achievement:

 Flood Mitigation projects were identified and these were in part funding through the State Government with design works coordinated to match the information identified in the flood studies. Not all works have been progressed and a number of the works were modified in design to minimise additional impacts on impacted properties.  Some projects funded through DLG/QRA have had further analysis undertaken to ensure appropriate engineering solutions have been agreed and implemented.

Project Status - Mitigation remains ongoing with agencies - pending the finalisation of the flood studies and peer review work. Ongoing discussion continues with agencies awaiting the finalisation of the studies and the progress of final designs.

NDRRA funding compliance coordination, in conjunction with Regional Development taskforce

Role: Infrastructure, Works & Services and AECOM - Advocacy and Compliance and Council Decision making.

Key Achievements

 The ongoing compliance has been achieved through working closely with the QRA and having the extended experience from AECOM involved in the submission of reporting to

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the State and QRA. The funding connection with the Economic Development taskforce was more linked to the flood mitigation projects and the broader intent and impacts of works undertaken.

Project Status - Other infrastructure agencies such as QUU were working to ensure compliance of repaired or replaced infrastructure with the guidelines and were supported by Council as needed to introduce appropriate solutions to the needs.

3.4 Environment & Regulatory Taskforce

Councillor Liaison – Cr McDonald, Cr Milligan Executive Manager Liaison – Mark Piorkowski Liaison – Lyle Kajewski, Trevor Boheim, Belinda Whelband, Richard Collins

Projects/Tasks

Planning, natural environment including waterways and pest management, environmental health and waste management

Role: Multi-disciplinary

Key Achievements:

 Resilient Rivers Initiative - Coordinated approach to catchment management with COMSEQ and other key stakeholders, including development of a Catchment Action Plan which draws on knowledge and funding from a large range of public and private stakeholders, and is based on four goals: o To promote partnerships with strong leadership to deliver a coordinated approach to catchment management in SEQ. o To keep soil on our land and out of our waterways. o To help protect our region’s water security so it can support the current and future population of SEQ. o To improve the climate resilience of our region.

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

 Shovel Ready and No Regrets Projects – Identification of catchment projects ready for immediate implementation

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

 Reach Project - Weed management, revegetation, creek bank stabilisation, fencing for cattle exclusion from riparian zones

Project Status – Ongoing, due for completion June 2016

 Pest Management – development and adoption of a Pest Management Plan and appointment of a Pest Officer to: o implement the Pest Management Plan o engage with landholders regarding rabbits along creek banks

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o facilitate development of pest management groups within catchments, particularly with regards to weed management on creek banks

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

Identifying and advising on environmental and cultural heritage impacts and risks caused by the event and response operations (e.g. air quality, water quality, soil and groundwater, landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife, heritage places and indigenous cultural heritage)

Role: Environmental Planning

Key Achievements:

 Resilient Rivers Initiative - Coordinated approach to catchment management with COMSEQ and other key stakeholders, including development of a Catchment Action Plan which draws on knowledge and funding from a large range of public and private stakeholders, and is based on four goals: o To promote partnerships with strong leadership to deliver a coordinated approach to catchment management in SEQ. o To keep soil on our land and out of our waterways. o To help protect our region’s water security so it can support the current and future population of SEQ. o To improve the climate resilience of our region.

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

 Landholder Assistance Programme – Pilot programme to provide advice and on-ground support to Land for Wildlife members for the management of creek banks in the upper catchments

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

 Laidley Futures Project - Series of projects aimed at revitalising the heritage town

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

Rehabilitating, conserving and supporting the natural recovery of impacted (or at risk) terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems, wildlife, landscapes and natural resources

Role: Environmental Planning

Key Achievements:

 Green Army Programme - Weed management and creek clean-up

Project Status - Completed mid 2012

 Reach Project - Weed management, revegetation, creek bank stabilisation, fencing for cattle exclusion from riparian zones

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Project Status – Ongoing, due for completion June 2016

 Stewardship Project - Landholders participating in trial program for management of riparian zones on or adjacent to their properties

Project Status – Ongoing, due for completion June 2016

 Resilient Rivers Initiative - Coordinated approach to catchment management with COMSEQ and other key stakeholders, including development of a Catchment Action Plan which draws on knowledge and funding from a large range of public and private stakeholders, and is based on four goals: o To promote partnerships with strong leadership to deliver a coordinated approach to catchment management in SEQ. o To keep soil on our land and out of our waterways. o To help protect our region’s water security so it can support the current and future population of SEQ. o To improve the climate resilience of our region.

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

 Landholder Assistance Programme – Pilot programme to provide advice and on-ground support to Land for Wildlife members for the management of creek banks in the upper catchments

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

Recovering and conserving impacted or at risk cultural heritage values and heritage places

Role: Multi-disciplinary

Key Achievements:

 Laidley Futures Project - Series of projects aimed at revitalising the heritage town

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

Supporting long-term community sustainability needs (e.g. reinstating environmental protections and ecosystem services, and advancing Ecologically Sustainable Development principles in built environment recovery, economic recovery and waste management)

Role: Planning & Environmental Planning

Key Achievements:

 Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) - level and structural integrity of habitable buildings

Project Status - Ongoing - will be rolled into new LVRC Planning Scheme

 Green Army Programme - Weed management and creek clean-up

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Project Status - Completed mid 2012

 Reach Project - Weed management, revegetation, creek bank stabilisation, fencing for cattle exclusion from riparian zones

Project Status – Ongoing, due for completion June 2016

 Stewardship Project - Landholders participating in trial program for management of riparian zones on or adjacent to their properties

Project Status – Ongoing, due for completion June 2016

 Pest Management – development and adoption of a Pest Management Plan and appointment of a Pest Officer to: o implement the Pest Management Plan o engage with landholders regarding rabbits along creek banks o facilitate development of pest management groups within catchments, particularly with regards to weed management on creek banks

Project Status – Ongoing, rolled into business-as-usual

Ensuring environmental bodies, affected communities and interest groups are involved in the decision making process.

Role: Environmental Planning

Key Achievements:

 Stewardship Project - Landholders participating in trial program for management of riparian zones on or adjacent to their properties

Project Status - Ongoing - due for completion June 2016

Coordinating disposal of hazardous material and debris

Role: Waste, Health & Regulatory

Key Achievements:

 Green Army Programme - Weed management and creek clean-up

Project Status - Completed mid 2012

Provision of advisory and assessment services for private residential and commercial buildings - building and plumbing

Role: Plumbing and Building

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Key Achievements:

 Strengthening Grantham

Project Status - Ongoing but activity slowing

Provision of advisory and assessment services for environmental health matters (e.g. food, waste disposal, contamination issues, vector control, pest management, animal control)

Role: Waste, Health & Regulatory

Key Achievements:

 Provision of advisory and assessment services for environmental health matters (e.g. food, waste disposal, contamination issues, vector control, pest management, animal control.)

Project Status - 99% Completed mid 2013 - minor outstanding - waste disposal issues at two houses in Glenore Grove.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

Council has legal responsibilities under the Disaster Management Act 2003 as well as the Local Government Act for the coordination of disaster response and recovery.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Budget impacts will continue to be addressed through existing allocation and re-prioritisation as required.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

Delegations and authority are contained within the Disaster Management Act. .

7. Communication

The matters arising from this report that require further communication will be addressed through existing communication channels.

8. Conclusion

While this report focusses on the identified actions/projects within the Recovery & Resilience Coordination document it is acknowledged that it may not represent all actions taken.

For disaster management plans to be effective they must be relevant and current, reflecting contemporary disaster management needs. One of the functions of the Local Disaster Management Group as outlined in Section 30 of the Disaster Management Act is to assist local government to prepare the local disaster management plan and to review and assess effective disaster management. These reviews are to occur annually or after activation on the plan. In line with legislation and guidelines a review of the Lockyer Valley Recovery Sub Plan

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will be undertaken as part of the continuous improvement process and presented to Council for approval.

It is requested that Council acknowledge the report and accept the Officer’s Recommendations.

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12.2 Community Grants April 2015

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Trent Nibbs, Sports, Recreation & Community Grants Officer Responsible Officer: Dan McPherson, Executive Manager Organisational Development & Engagement File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

Community Grant applications Round 2 were called for on 2 February and Closed 27 February 2015. In Total 19 applications were received, requesting $62,834.09.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council approves funding be allocated to the following applicants totalling $38,263.48.

Amount Amount Organisation Required Granted

Blenheim Public Hall Association 4000 4000 Gatton Soccer Club 3634.55 2000

Gatton Table Tennis Association 700 700 Hattonvale & District Pony Club 2229 2229 Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Ropeley 4000 1000 Laidley Golf Club 2687.04 2687.04

Laidley Jr Rugby League 2500 2000 Lifeline Darling Downs & South West QLD 3429.4 3429.4 Lockyer District Softball Association 3200 1500 Lockyer Valley Amateur Radio Club 3807.97 2000

Lockyer Valley Race Club 4000 2700

Lockyer Woodcrafters Group 3749.67 3749.67 Ma Ma Creek Exhibition Committee 1965 1500

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Mount Whitestone School P&C Association 3241.37 3241.37 The Salvation Army - The Lockyer Valley Corps 3831 2000

Toowoomba Kart Club 3859.09 1000 Withcott Progress Association 4000 2500

Report

1. Introduction For the 2014-2015 Community Grants and Assistance Policy and Procedure Council has allocated $80,000 over two separate rounds. For Round 2 we have had 19 applications applying for $62,834.09 were received. This report describes the evaluation process under taken by Council officers and makes recommendations on the application received.

2. Background

The Community Grants Assistance Policy and Procedure was introduced to the Community in June of 2014 and was approved at Council meeting 25th June 2014. This policy will assist the management and the distribution of public funds to ensure a fair and equitable process that creates an appropriate level of consistency across the organisation in accordance with legislation, standards and policies. Category 1 – Community Grants Program is available twice a year with a budget of $40,000 per round to Community organisations who undertake projects which benefit the wider community.

3. Report As per the policy and procedure, this report recommends Council agree on the grant allocations.

These applications have been assessed by a panel of three against assessment criteria, funding requirements and also the groups own ability to finance their application. The Executive Manager Organisational Development & Performance has reviewed and supports the recommendations.

Of the 19 application that have been received all but two applications will receive all or part funds of their request, this is due to the high amount of applications for Round 2.

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The successful groups are:

Amount Amount Organisation Project Description Required Granted Construct a multi-purpose outdoor Blenheim Public Hall Association covered area with a BBQ 4000 4000 Gatton Soccer Club Equipment for training purposes 3634.55 2000 Purchase of BBQ and 2 tables for Gatton Table Tennis Association fundraising 700 700 Hattonvale & District Pony Club Purchase of water tank and fittings 2229 2229 Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church Ropeley Purchase of a ride on mower 4000 1000 Laidley Golf Club Refurbishment of the ladies toilets 2687.04 2687.04 Purchase of office equipment for club Laidley Jr Rugby League record keeping 2500 2000 Lifeline Darling Downs & South Event assistance in the way of onsite West QLD ambulance for event 3429.4 3429.4 Lockyer District Softball Install a underground irrigation Association system for the main softball infield 3200 1500 Lockyer Valley Amateur Radio Purchase of equipment to keep club Club going 3807.97 2000 Air-conditioning of committee room, Lockyer Valley Race Club tote room and members area 4000 2700

Purchase of equipment for teaching home schooled student the basics of Lockyer Woodcrafters Group wood crafting 3749.67 3749.67 Ma Ma Creek Exhibition Host annual exhibition and bush Committee dance 1965 1500 Mount Whitestone School P&C Association Build a garden bed for school 3241.37 3241.37 The Salvation Army - The Purchase of trailer for emergency Lockyer Valley Corps service program 3831 2000 Installation of concrete slab and rain Toowoomba Kart Club water tank 3859.09 1000 Withcott Progress Association Event assistance - Foothills Festival 4000 2500

The group’s that were unable to meet the criteria and is recommended does not receive funds in this Round is:

 Lockyer Valley Landcare is seeking funding to install security fencing at the Merrifield’s environment park. It is recommended that this application is not supported on the basis that this round of the community grants program has been oversubscribed by $22,834.09 and that this group have submitted a number of applications for funding which have not been of an adequate standard. Applications received do not include the correct

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documentation or adequate information describing the project funding for which funding is being sought. The lack of this information requires time consuming follow up work for Council officers. This group has been awarded funding and in-kind assistance totalling more than $112,947 over the past 5 years. In addition, the Community Grants and Assistance Policy states in the eligibility criteria for Council’s community grants that a project is determined to be self-funding or self-sustainable once the funds or assistance granted by Council is exhausted. A continuous request by the group for funding does not support these criteria. Due to the competitive nature of this grant program, previous funding received and the poor quality of the application received for this round of the program it is recommended that the application not be supported

 The Saturday Night Club is seeking funding to help provide an educational and music youth program in the Lockyer Valley. It is recommended that this application is not supported as the Community Grants and Assistance Policy states that funding will not be made to individuals. This applicant are a group which is not yet incorporated, and do not have a constitution. Therefore they are not a club/group/organisation. The applicants have also requested future sponsorship from Council and have suggested their program be run by Council. Whilst there maybe merit in the proposal put forward in the grant application, the applicants have not developed their concept in detail and the Community Grants Program is not the appropriate source of assistance which can be provided by Council.

Feedback will be given to all unsuccessful applications regarding their application and how future applications could have a greater success if criteria were met.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

According to the Guidelines for local government administration of community grants (October 2009, “It should be noted that while there is no right of appeal against a decision to approve or refuse to grant, decisions in relation to grants are still subject to the Judicial Review Act”

All appeals are otherwise treated in accordance with Council’s Complaints Management Process.

To ensure total transparency in the assessment process, the Guidelines for local government administration of community grants (October 2009), stress the importance that there be a separation of responsibilities so that the person making the decision is different from the person assessing the applications.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Community Grants Program – Category 1 is allocated a budget of $80,000 with 2 rounds of $40,000 each.

The request for financial assistance is $40,000. This is within budget for Round 2. All amounts to community organisations adequately meet the assessment criteria.

6. Delegations/Authorisations There is no delegation implications associated with this report.

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The Community Grant Program Round 2 announcement was published in the Gatton Star, the Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s website and Facebook page, Your Valley Voice.

All applicants (successful or not), will be advised in writing and all successful applicants are required to submit an acquittal within two months of completion of their project. Failing to submit an acquittal will prevent them from being successful with future applications to Council.

8. Conclusion

For Round 2 of the Community Grants Program 2014/15, 19 applications have been received and evaluated against the criteria, with 17 applicants recommended to receive funding.

Furthermore allocate the remaining $1263.52 out of the remaining budget to go towards printing of core flute signs to promote Council’s Community Grants Program and recognition of grant money received from Council

9. Action/s

Notify all applicants of the outcome of their application

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12.3 Executive Manager Organisational Development and Engagement Monthly Update

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Dan McPherson, Executive Manager Organisational Development & Engagement Responsible Officer: Dan McPherson, Executive Manager Organisational Development & Engagement File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report is to update Council on key issues currently being actioned.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council receive and note the Executive Manager Organisational Development and Engagement Monthly Update.

Report

1. Introduction This report provides an update on key matters arising and being addressed since the last report.

2. Background The previous reports provide the background information to date and only progress is being reported.

3. Report

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Laidley Futures Arts and Cultural Integration Project

The Public Art Reference Group held its first meeting in April with five community members, and focused on assessing artist concepts. Their assessments were reported to the Laidley Futures Committee for approval. Two artists have been contracted by Council to further develop their design documentation and maquettes (models) before any final commissioning occurs. One artist is from Tamborine and the other is local. The proposals are for a floor sculpture and wall art (with several components) respectively. The artists will make presentations to the Public Art Reference Group and Laidley Futures Committee around the first week of May. Final commissioning is scheduled for the June Council meeting with installation planned to coincide with Laidley Spring Festival.

Multicultural Festival

This major event was held on Saturday 21 March and the day went very well with extremely positive reports received from stall holders, attendees and performers. There were 40 stall

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holders (not including food) that consisted of community groups, sporting groups, country displays and service providers. The variety of exhibitors helped to make the day interactive and informative. The performers consisted of mostly local groups and were exceptionally entertaining. The entertainment ranged from bush poetry and yodelling to a girl’s dance group from the high school that was an African inspired dance. The Mayor, Cr Holstein, Cr Milligan and Cr McLean were all in attendance. Jim Madden, Member for Ipswich West, was there to represent the Minister for Multicultural Affairs. It is estimated approximately 1500 people attended the event. The day had a very energetic atmosphere and there were a number of great examples of people and groups working together. The event had strong involvement by the community and is now much closer to being a community run event. Altogether we had 46 stalls and the food ranged from Hungarian Lagos and German Hot Dogs (done by the Staging Post) to Solomon Islander Motu Pig Pig and Sudanese doughnuts.

A survey was conducted on the day and 96% of 140 people surveyed said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the event.

Quotes from survey/ feedback forms where people were asked ‘what were the good features of the Festival?’: “I love looking at what they make & their food & how they live.” “The entertainment for both young & old was fantastic.” “Lot of fun for the community to get to know other cultures in a fun environment.” “Fantastic locally based event.” “Lovely happy atmosphere.” “Food! Everyone was very friendly!”

Community Awareness Workshop

CD&E Officers attended a community awareness workshop in March 2015, regarding the Platforms Project (Laidley & Hatton Vale). This initiative is looking at improving early childhood development rates in Laidley and Hatton Vale by finding ways to better support families and children at the local level. A collaborative group made up of parents, interested community members, community and government agency representatives is to be formed to help contribute to local efforts to improve childhood development outcomes. This group will consist of about 12 to 15 members, who will receive training and support to develop a collaborative model. Expressions of Interest to participate in this group are currently being called. The project is being facilitated by the Department of Education and Training in partnership with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. It is one of three pilot projects being implemented in Queensland. Other pilot platforms projects have additionally taken place in other States, with positive outcomes being recorded.

Big Day In

Corflute signs have been deployed throughout the Region and promotions in all three regional high schools has been undertaken. CD&E Officer gave an event presentation at Lockyer District High on Wednesday 1 April and at Laidley High on Thursday 2 April. A Facebook campaign has significantly increased the broadcast scope of Big Day In posts. At this stage 9 staff and 3 external people have offered to assist with the event. Gatton Star manager advises he has rostered a journalist for Big Day In and will also run a promotion story. An Event Brief will be prepared for Councillors and ELT.

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Youth Development Program

The Youth Development Program has been focused heavily on preparations for the Big Day In, scheduled for Saturday 18 April. This event has significant planning involvement from the Youth Council where they have been learning event management, budgeting, targeted marketing, and formal youth engagement skills. A range of young local and professional performers have been booked, an art project is being developed in partnership with Lockyer District High School, and some innovative engagement processes and questions are being prepared. A crowd of around 1,000 12-21 year olds is expected to attend the event. Funding from the Queensland Government will assist with a large portion of the event costs this year.

Youth Council membership is currently undergoing with members challenged to demonstrate their commitment through greater engagement with their peers and participation in Youth Council activities. A greater focus on genuine representation will increase the value of this group in assisting Council to be aware of and respond to emerging youth issues.

Partnerships are being actively developed with local high schools across a range of areas such as urban art workshops, leadership development programs, and increasing representation in Youth Council.

Community Engagement Internal Committee

The internal Community Engagement Committee meeting was held on 24 March 2015. Discussion points were about being leaders and walking our talk to enhance internal communication and engagement across all Departments and within teams (as well as externally. A quarterly briefing with the Executive Leadership team was also proposed as a way to update the ELT and to pursue recommendations / actions requiring ELT support / approval.

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Workplace Health & Safety

Injuries

There have been four notifications of injury during this reporting period.

Incidents

There have been four incident reports received during this reporting period.

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13. CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORTS

13.1 Summary of Council Actual Financial Performance vs Budget - 31 March 2015

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Tony Brett, Manager Finance Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

In accordance with Section 204 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, a financial report summarising the progress of Council’s actual performance against budgeted performance is to be presented to Council.

This report provides a summary of Council’s financial performance against budget for the financial year to 31 March 2015.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council resolves to receive and note the Summary of Council Actual Financial Performance versus Budget to 31 March 2015.

Report

1. Introduction

In accordance with Section 204 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, a financial report summarising the progress of Council’s actual performance against budgeted performance is to be provided to Council.

2. Background

Monthly reporting of Council’s financial performance is a legislative requirement and reinforces sound financial management practices throughout the organisation.

3. Report

The following report provides a summary of Council’s financial performance against budget to 31 March 2015.

Operating Revenue - Target $73.18 million Actual $71.05 million or 97.09%

At 31 March 2015, overall operating revenue was slightly under budget mainly due to the timing of the receipt of grant revenue.

Operating grants and subsidies received total $31.75 million or 95.89% of the year to date budgeted revenue amount. The majority of these grants relate to Flood Restoration works. The timing difference between the expected receipts of the grants and when the works are

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carried out has been adjusted in the budget phasings; however, variations will still occur from month to month due to the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) claims process.

Revenue from rates remains on target and a further supplementary rates issue is planned for the end of April. Interest revenue remains less than expected due to falling interest rates despite an adjustment in the December budget review. A further adjustment will be considered for the next budget review.

The remaining variances relate to the timing of the cash flows and will continue to be monitored.

Operating Expenditure - Target $65.11 million Actual $66.17 million or 101.63%

At 31 March 2015, overall operating expenditure for the year is on target for the budgeted target.

Overall employee costs are over the target for the month mainly due to internal recoveries being less than calculated, while overall goods and services costs are 3.21% under the budgeted target. At 31 March, goods and services for the rest of Council was $0.92 million more than budgeted while being $1.45 million under budget for Infrastructure Recovery. Overall expenditure is under budget due to the timing of some of the QRA projects; however, this continues to be offset by internal recoveries being less than budgeted.

The issue of the calculation of internal charges is being reviewed prior to the next budget review and as part of the 2016 budget process. In previous years the internal charges were offset within the materials and services; however, in the current financial year, they have been separated to provide better disclosure of the amounts and the effect they have on actual versus budget results.

For the year to date there has been $27.47 million expenditure on Recovery related activities which does not include the betterment works being undertaken under the capital program. Revenue received for the year to date is $27.35 million which includes the final payments for the 2011 event costs. The budget phasings have been redefined to reflect the expected works program based on AECOM’s report including transfers to the capital budget.

Depreciation costs are being calculated using the One Council asset system and are reflective of the actual amount of depreciation being charged on the revalued amount of Council’s assets. This is more than the budgeted amount and is being reviewed.

Capital Revenue - Target $7.12 million Actual $3.22 million or 45.22%

Overall capital grants and subsidies revenue is less than the budget for the year to date. The timing of capital grants and subsidies remains largely dependent upon the completion of the annual capital works program and the application approval process. A portion of the NDRRA grants will also be allocated to capital revenue for the betterment program works.

Capital Expenditure – Target $28.43 million Actual $19.42 million or 68.31%

To 31 March 2015, Council has expended $19.42 million on its capital works program with a further $2.21 million in committed costs for works currently in progress.

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The main expenditures are $9.92 million within Infrastructure Services and $9.35 million in Corporate and Community Services. The capital expenditure includes $5.14 $5.53 million on flood recovery capital works, $5.14 million on the Gatton Aquatic Centre and $3.49 million on roads and drainage works.

Statement of Financial Position

The Statement of Financial Position provides information on the breakdown of Council’s assets and liabilities at a point in time. At 31 March, Council had $30.42 million in current assets compared to $8.28 million in current liabilities with a ratio of 3.67:1. This means that for every dollar of current liability, there is $3.67 in assets to cover it.

Statement of Cash Flows

The Statement of Cash Flows provides information on the amount of cash coming in and going out. As at 31 March, there has been a net cash outflow of $5.85 million with $11.05 million generated from operating activities and $15.92 million spent on capital works with a further $0.98 million on repaying Council’s borrowings.

The Statement of Cash Flows is important as it shows the real movement in Council’s cash balances, as opposed to the accounting movements shown in the Statement of Income and Expenditure. At present, Council is expending considerably more money than is being generated; this specifically relates to the mismatch in timing between QRA expenditure and grants as well as the outlays on Council’s capital works program. In order to maintain adequate working capital, it is estimated that Council needs around $15.00 million in cash at any one time, at 31 March 2015, Council’s cash balance was $24.97 million.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

Policy and legal implications will be addressed in future on matters that arise before Council.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Council’s financial results remain largely dependent upon payments from the QRA; the completion of the capital works program and the financial impact of the 2013 flood events. Significant restoration costs have been incurred throughout the 2015 financial year and will continue over the next few months.

As with previous years, Council does not have the cash available to complete all of the capital projects (carried forward plus original budget) during the financial year. This means that a number of projects were reprioritised to a future budget year. In order to maintain adequate cash reserves, the long term financial plan provides for a capital works budget of around $12.40 million each year; however the amended budget for 2015, including carry forward works, is $28.43 million which includes $8.99 million of NDRRA related works.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

No further delegations are required to manage the issues raised in this report. The Executive Manager Corporate and Community Service will manage the requirements in line with existing delegations.

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7. Communication and Engagement

The matters arising from this report that require further communication will be addressed through existing communication channels.

8. Conclusion

At 31 March, Council’s revenues are slightly under target, with minor variations being shown on most lines. Overall expenditure is also on target, due to the under expenditure in flood recovery works being offset by reduced internal recoveries.

9. Action/s

1. Nil.

Attachments 1View Financial Report 18 Pages

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ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

13.2 Adoption of 2015-2016 Animal Management Fees and Charges

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Tony Brett, Manager Finance Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to seek adoption of Council’s Animal Management Fees and Charges (attached) effective from 1 July 2015.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council adopt the schedule for Animal Management Fees and Charges for 2015/2016 with an effective date of 1 July 2015.

Report

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to seek adoption of Council’s Animal Management Fees and Charges (attached) effective from 1 July 2015.

2. Background

Council is required as part of its annual budget process, to review its fees and charges each year to ensure that:

 Cost recovery fees and charges continue to reflect the cost of providing the services performed; and  Commercial fees and charges are appropriate given the commercial nature of the services provided.

3. Report

Finance Officers co-ordinate the preparation of Council’s annual budget process which includes the updating of Council’s register of fees and charges. Council unit managers are responsible for setting both the level and expected revenue from fees and charges.

Cost recovery fees are set at or as close as possible to full cost, with commercial fees set at rates that reflect market and other associated conditions. In general terms, the cost of services should be borne through fees and charges by those customers who benefit from them.

This position also reflects the recovery constraints of Section 97 of the Local Government Act 2009 in that a cost recovery fee, other than an application fee, must not be more than the cost to Council of taking the action for which the fee is charged.

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In order to allow enough time for the dog registration renewal notices to be prepared and sent before 30 June 2015, the adoption of animal management fees and charges has been brought forward. The remainder of Council’s fees and charges will be brought to a Council meeting in June 2015 for adoption.

The 20015/2016 fees structure for Animal Management, in particular the Dog Registration components, has a simplified format providing easier interpretation for dog owners and Council staff and aligns with most Local Governments. A comparison with South East Queensland Councils shows the new Dog Registration fees equate to average fees.

The major changes from the 2014/15 financial year include:

 The ‘Discount Registration for Dogs’ fees has been removed from the fees structure due to it being problematic with interpretation. As a result, general ‘dog registration’ fees have decreased quite significantly, with the current ‘discount registration for dog’ (i.e. registration renewal) increasing only slightly in comparison. Overall, as approximately 95% of income from registration fees is for dog registration renewals, general overall income will increase.  A late fee payment (including dog registration) has been introduced as a flat fee of $15. This replaces, for example, dog owners being required to pay the full dog registration, if they have not paid the ‘discount registration for dog’ by the due date.  Regulated Dogs (Declared Dangerous Dog or Menacing Dog) Fee - has been combined with the same fee, which aligns with the cost recovery for the amount of work undertaken to declare and monitor declared dogs pursuant to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and the approximate average fees of other SEQ Councils.  Pensioner owners – these fees have increased slightly above the CPI increase due to it aligning with cost recovery and other SEQ Councils fees.  Pro-Rata Fee for New Dog Registration – A flat fee being a 25% of the applicable fee is introduced to simplify the fee structure and applies to new owners of dogs, between 1 April and 30 June, for payment of the remaining registration period. As in prior years, this does not apply to dog owners who have not previously had their dogs registered.  Various changes to wording and format to improve interpretation and reflect the actual role undertaken.  Generally, other fees have increased marginally with CPI.

In the 2015/2016 financial year, animal management fees and charges are expected to produce approximately $337,000 in operating revenue. This is slightly less than the amount budgeted for the 2014/2015 financial year but reflects the expectations of the Manager responsible for setting fees and the estimated associated revenue, based on the current level of animals registered with Council.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

Section 97 of the Local Government Act 2009 provides for a local government to fix a cost recovery fee and Section 98 provides for a Register of Cost Recovery Fees.

Section 262 (3) (c) of the Local Government Act 2009 also empowers a local government to charge for a service or facility, other than a service or facility for which a cost-recovery fee may be fixed.

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Various other pieces of State non-local government legislation fix fees for a local government or provide a specific head of power for a local government to set fees or charges in relation to a function imposed on the local government.

Sections 172 and 193 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 establish the requirements for Council’s Revenue Statement and Revenue Policy in relation to information on fees and charges.

Council’s Revenue Statement is also required to outline the criteria used to decide the amount of the cost-recovery fee – Section 172(1)(c) and if Council conducts a business activity on a commercial basis, the criteria used to decide the amount of the charges for the activity’s goods and services – Section 172(1)(d).

5. Financial and Resource Implications

The price increase parameter for fees and charges has been set in line with Council’s long term financial plan, whilst recognising the Council Cost Index developed by the Local Government Association of Queensland.

The parameter used is an indicative 4%; however, fees and charges in some instances have been set so as to reflect the actual costs of providing the service which will result in a higher or lower increase. Other adjustments to the fee amount may be the result of changing costs or service levels or where fees have been combined or abolished.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

There are no new or additional delegation or authorisation issues associated with this report.

7. Communication and Engagement

The proposed fees and charges contained in the attachments have been reviewed by the Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services and the Manager Health, Waste & Regularity Services. Where appropriate they have been benchmarked against other Local Governments.

Once adopted by Council, the revised fees and charges will be incorporated into the 2015/2016 Budget communication strategy.

8. Conclusion

The adoption of fees and charges forms an integral part of Council’s annual budget process and ensures cost recovery fees and charges reflect the true cost of providing the associated service. Adoption of the register of fees and charges also ensures compliance with Council’s legislative obligations.

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9. Action/s

1. Adoption of the attached fees and charges and inclusion in the Register 2. Communication of the revised fees and charges to all relevant stakeholders, both internal and external, together with the date of effect. 3. Publication of the Register on Council’s website 4. Inclusion in the Budget Communication Strategy.

Attachments 1View Fees & Charges 4 Pages

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ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

13.3 Laidley Sports Complex - Sporting Logos

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Mike Lisle, Manager Community Facilities and Services Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee which represents the various sporting clubs associated with the Laidley Sports Complex has requested Council approval for the installation of suitable club logos on the rear wall to the grandstand of the Laidley Sports Complex.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council approve at individual club expense, the installation and maintenance of suitable clubs logos (from those clubs utilising the Laidley Sports Complex) on the rear wall to the grandstand of the Laidley Sports Complex subject to final approval of the individual and joint designs by the Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee and the Manager Community Facilities and Services.

Report

1. Introduction

The Laidley Sports and Multipurpose Centre (the Laidley Sports Complex) was officially opened by the Mayor Councillor Steve Jones on 31 January 2015. The Laidley Sports Complex incorporates grandstand, kitchen, meeting room and/or storage space for the Laidley Little Athletics, Laidley Netball, Laidley Touch, Laidley Soccer, Laidley Rugby League and Lockyer Valley Softball associations. The Laidley Sports Complex also incorporates a multipurpose room with full bar and kitchen facilities.

2. Background

At a recent meeting of the Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee which represents the various sporting clubs associated with the Laidley Sports Complex, it was resolved that the committees seek approval from Council for the installation of suitable club logos on the rear wall of the newly constructed grandstand.

3. Report

The Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee has now formally requested Council approval for the installation of club logos on the rear wall of the grandstand of the Laidley Sports Complex.

The provision of club logos will identify the type of sporting clubs that are directly associated with the Laidley Sports Complex and in turn give the community a sense of ownership of the facility.

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If this initiative is approved by Council, the formal design and layout of the individual and joint logos will need to be approved by the Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee and Council with the costs of installation and maintenance of the logos to be funded by each individual club.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

Policy and legal implications will be addressed in future on matters that arise before Council.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

There are no financial or resource implications associated with the officer recommendation of this report.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

No further delegations are required to manage the issues raised in this report. The Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services will manage the requirements in line with existing delegations.

7. Communication and Engagement

The matters arising from this report that require further communication will be addressed through existing communication channels.

8. Conclusion

The newly constructed Laidley Sports Complex has been substantially completed and is currently being used by several sporting clubs based in Laidley.

The Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee representing various sporting clubs involved in the Laidley has requested Council approval for the installation of suitable club logos on the rear wall to the grandstand of the Laidley Sports Complex.

9. Action/s

Advise the Laidley Recreation Reserve Steering Committee of the outcome of Council’s deliberations.

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13.4 Regional Arts Development Fund Applications

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Linda Canning, Regional Libraries Coordinator Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

At a meeting of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee on Wednesday 11 March 2015, three funding applications were presented for consideration. The applications were deemed suitable under the requirements for RADF funding and were approved by the Committee for recommendation to Council.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council approve the recommendation made by the RADF Committee at its meeting on Wednesday 11 March 2015 to support three RADF applications under the Round Two funding offer; And further; THAT Council prepare and issue a media release in consultation with Arts Queensland once the successful applicants have been notified.

Report

1. Introduction

The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Queensland councils for regional arts and cultural development which supports and promotes the professional development and employment of artists and arts workers in regional Queensland.

2. Background

The RADF Committee has reviewed applications received for RADF grant funding under the Round Two offer for the 2014/2015 financial year. All applicants were deemed suitable to receive RADF funding.

3. Report

The recommendation of the RADF Committee in relation to the three applications follows.

a) Helidon & District Progress Association

That the application by Helidon & District Progress Association for funds to assist with the costs of hiring professional entertainment for their local heritage fair be approved to the value of $2,570 which is less than 65% of the total costs of the project.

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b) Laidley Dance Centre

That the application by Laidley Dance Centre for funds to assist with the costs of hiring professional dance instructors for student tuition in preparation for performances at the Laidley Show be approved to the value of $3,779 which is less than 65% of the total costs of the project.

c) Lockyer Valley Regional Council

That the application by Lockyer Valley Regional Council for funds to assist with the commissioning of public artworks for the Laidley CBD Street Art Project be approved to the value of $13,542 which is less than 65% of the total costs of the project.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

Under Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Arts and Cultural Policy, Council recognises the importance of the development of arts and culture within the community and the role it plays in supporting individual and group initiatives while providing infrastructure support and leadership to allows people to enjoy opportunities for artistic expression and to explore their culture and heritage while promoting the diversity of the community.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

In Council’s 2014/2015 Budget, a provision of $19,891 was made available for RADF funding. The three recommended applications total $19,891.00 leaving a nil balance for future funding applications this financial year.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

Responsibility for the processing the RADF paperwork lies with the Regional Library Coordinator. No further delegations are required to manage the issues raised in this report. The Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services will manage any further requirements in line with existing delegations.

7. Communication and Engagement

Once the officer recommendation has been approved by Council, the applicants will be notified by mail and a media release will be organised through Council’s Corporate Communications Team subsequent to approval by the Queensland Government.

8. Conclusion

The recommendation of this report facilitates the development of arts and culture within the community and is in line with Council’s Arts Policies and Plans.

9. Action/s

 The successful applicants will be notified by mail.  A media release will be organised through Council’s Corporate Communications Team subsequent to its approval by the Queensland Government.

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13.5 Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services Monthly Update

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report provides Council with a brief summary of key operational activities undertaken by Corporate and Community Services during March 2015.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council receive and note the Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services Monthly Update.

Report

1. Introduction

This report provides Council with a brief summary of key operational activities undertaken by Corporate and Community Services during March 2015.

2. Background

Council should be aware of group activities to guide future decision making.

3. Report

A brief summary of the key outcomes of Corporate and Community Services during March 2015 by functional grouping follows.

FINANCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICES

Finance

 At the end of March 88.02% of the second rates levy was collected compared to 83% at the due date. Reminder letters for missed discount have now been issued.  The auction for the sale of land for unpaid rates will be held on 17 April at the Gatton Shire Hall. On 27 March 2015, auction notices were mailed to all associated parties with advertising to commence on 1 April 2015.  Modelling on some of the options included in the strategic review of rating has commenced to determine the possible budget impact of any envisaged changes.  The 2016 budget has been released to the Management Team for completion. The process will use the One Council Enterprise Budgeting module which will collate all the data and track the progress of the budget. The first draft is due on 27 March with the Executive Leadership Team to review during April in preparedness for Council deliberations in May 2015.

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 The draft management letter from the external auditors has been received with only four minor issues identified. This is a good result for Council and reflects the ongoing improvements to Council’s financial procedures and processes.

Customer Services

This section of the report breaks down activity within the Customer Services Branch by service type.

Service Requests

Details of March 2015 customer service requests and recent trends in relation to same are detailed in the two attachments to this report.

Councillor requests

During March there were 21 new councillor requests; 55 councillor requests remained open at 31 March 2015.

Telephones

3,201 telephone calls attempted to connect with Council’s telephone exchange in March 2015. During the month, Council’s service level decreased to 77.2% against a target of 80%.

Council’s “call back” function had 164 calls logged in March 2015 with 71 live chats also performed during the month.

QGAP

There were 1,088 QGAP transactions processed by Council during March 2015.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES, LIBRARIES & CHILDCARE

Community Facilities

 Investigations are underway into the access to power and water from Council by the temporary shop located at 24 Anzac Avenue, Grantham. Issues around building tenure etc. are also being reviewed.  A review of cleaning standards throughout Council in under review  Gatton Administration Building - All works are now scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2015.  Laidley Sports Complex - Outstanding defects continue to be rectified by Northbuild Construction and monitored by Council’s Superintendent. Electronic access control is currently being installed by Secure Solutions with these works expected to be completed by 1 April 2015. Formal handover to user groups is expected to occur in the week ending 10 April 2015.  Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre - In preparation for ANZAC celebrations and associated displays, painting refurbishment and carpet works are now underway.

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Libraries

 During March 2015, 203 new members joined our service with 12,202 items issued.  Council has received a large number of completed poppies from our knitting and crochet kits. These were made by Library Members to help with our displays for the 100 year anniversary of WWI.

Childcare

 Occupancy Rates Gatton 73.5%; Kensington Grove 58%.

HEALTH WASTE & REGULATORY SERVICES

 Internal discussions held between Council officers to advance “off leash” dog areas to meet community plan and budget considerations.  A steady stream of customer requests for overgrown/unsightly properties continues to be received with 39 Notices and 11 Enter and Clear Notices issued in the last fortnight of March.  A new wheelie bin attribute has been established in Tech One and is in trial with JJ Richards to electronically link the two systems in respect of bin requests thus improving efficiency for both organisations.  Officers successfully completed the second immunization school clinic at Laidley State High School.  The final draft of Gatton Masterplan has now been received. This will be presented to Council later this financial year.

INFORMATION SERVICES

Council’s new website and Content Management System will be hosted through Datacom’s Local Government focussed Customer Connect Web Services. It is expected that the project for the implementation of Council’s new website will gain momentum post Easter 2015.

Attachments 1View Corporate & Community Services 1 Page 2View Whole of Council 2 Pages

Page 115 Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services Attachment 1 Monthly Update Corporate & Community Services

Attachment 1 13.5 Page 116

Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services Attachment 2 Monthly Update Whole of Council

Attachment 2 13.5 Page 117

Executive Manager Corporate and Community Services Attachment 2 Monthly Update Whole of Council

Attachment 2 13.5 Page 118

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

14. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES REPORTS

14.1 Request for Change to Road Name in the Fairways Estate, Hatton Vale

Date: 01 April 2015 Author: Kate Burns, Administration Officer Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report seeks Council’s endorsement to rename part of an unconstructed road at Hatton Vale that now functions as a road in the Fairways Estate subdivision at Hatton Vale as Fairway Drive.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council approves the renaming of the section of Evans Road at Hatton Vale between Arlington Way and Vince Road as Fairway Drive.

Report

1. Introduction

This request has been generated through the allocation of property numbers for the northern extension of Fairways Drive in Stage X of the Fairways Estate.

2. Background

The Planning Unit, in numbering new properties has identified that the sealed survey plan addresses properties to Evans Road South whereas the nature of construction has Fairway Drive built in a contiguous nature through to Vince Road.

3. Report

A previously unconstructed road reserve extends north from the Warrego Highway at Hatton Vale through to Sandalwood Drive and McLaughlins Road at the boundary with the Somerset Regional Council area in the Brightview District. The road reserve, known as Evans Road, forms the eastern boundary of Stage X of the Fairways Estate.

The northern extension of Fairway Drive has been constructed within this road reserve and continues through to Vince Road which forms the northern extent of the Fairways Estate.

In accordance with AS/NZ4816:2011 s4.2.4 a named road shall include only one section navigable by vehicles and further where relating to property numbering, the standard (s5.4.3 and s5.4.4) requires that address numbers shall be clear, logical, unambiguous and sequential.

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In order to ensure Council is able to provide logical and sequential property numbers, Councils’ approval to rename a portion of Evans Road within the Fairways Estate as Fairway Drive.

The location of the section to be renamed, the existing road reserve (Evans Road) and the existing section of Fairway Drive is shown on the plan below.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

The suggested road name is a continuation of an existing road name and does not contravene either the standard or Councils Road Naming Policies.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Budget implications will continue to be addressed through existing allocations.

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6. Delegations/Authorisations

Council officers do not have delegated authority to rename roads.

7. Communication

Council will notify the developer and relevant state authorities both electronically and by post of the outcome.

8. Conclusion

Council officers have assessed the subdivision layout and road construction and believe the request is necessary to ensure accurate property numbering and logical road naming in the area.

9. Action/s

That Council adopts the resolution set out in the officer’s recommendation.

.

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14.2 Request for New Road Name in Residential Subdivision at Station Street and Connor Road, Helidon

Date: 01 April 2015 Author: Kate Burns, Administration Officer Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report seeks Council’s endorsement to name the new road in a subdivision at Station Street and Connors Road, Helidon as Amanda Place.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council approves the name Amanda Place in the subdivision at Station Street and Connors Road, Helidon.

Report

This report refers to a request made by the development designer of a subdivision located at Station Street and Connors Road, Helidon to name a single street located within the development. The location of the street is shown on the plan provided below:

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2. Background

The development designer contacted Council on 20 February 2015 regarding the proposed street name.

3. Report

The developer of the subdivision at Station Street and Connors Road Helidon is progressing through the operational works phase of development with completion and subsequent residential development due to commence within the next month.

The developer of the subdivision wishes to continue with the existing theme of road names within the subdivision as previously approved by Council on 7 March 2007.

The developer seeks Councils’ approval to name road three within the subdivision as Amanda Place.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

The suggested road name does not exist within the former Gatton or Laidley Shires and is not in conflict with the ASNZ Standard 4819:2011. It is noted that Council’s preference in accordance with the former Gatton Shire ‘Naming of Roads Policy’ 2004 is to name in posterity.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Budget implications will continue to be addressed through existing allocations.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

Council officers do not have delegated authority to rename roads.

7. Communication

Council will notify the applicant by post of the outcome.

8. Conclusion

Council officers have assessed the request and consider the suggested name is appropriate and that it is in keeping with the 2007 decision regarding the naming of roads in the estate.

9. Action/s

That Council adopts the resolution set out in the officer’s recommendation.

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14.3 Request for Change of Road Name in the Plainland Crossing (Maddison Ridge) Estate at Plainland

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Kate Burns, Administration Officer Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report seeks Council’s endorsement to rename an existing road within the Plainland Crossing development at Gehrke Road, Plainland.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council approves renaming Edgerton Drive of that part of Egerton Drive within the Plainland Crossing development as Barcoo Drive.

Report

1. Introduction

Through the property numbering process, it has been identified that the adequate house numbers are not available to allocate numbers to all new properties along Edgerton Drive within the Plainland Crossing development. Of the two options open to Council, changing the name of that part of Edgerton Drive within the Plainland Crossing development is the most appropriate.

2. Background

Egerton Drive at Plainland has been constructed in two parts over a period of more than twenty years. The eastern portion was developed as part of a rural residential development in the mid-1990s and the western portion is presently being constructed as part of the Plainland Crossing development.

At the time property numbers were allocated to the eastern portion of Egerton Drive the expectation was that the unconstructed section linking through to Gehrke Road would be developed as a similar density, that is lots between 5,000m2 and 6,300m2 in area. As a consequence the properties in the eastern section were numbered from west to east, commencing at number 26. The development of the Plainland Crossing Estate at urban residential densities means that up to 60 properties would need to be allocated numbers for the section of Edgerton Drive between Gehrke Road the existing part of Edgerton Drive.

3. Report

Two options are available these being renumbering the forty properties along the established part of Edgerton Drive or changing the name of that part of Edgerton Drive within the Plainland Crossing development. Of these the second is favoured as it causes inconvenience to the smallest number of persons as there are presently no residences within the Plainland Crossing development.

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The extent of Edgerton Drive proposed to be renamed as Barcoo Drive is shown in the following plan.

Strengthening the case to rename the western part of Edgerton Drive is the treatment of road construction and lot sizes. The existing portion of Edgerton Drive is constructed of two coat bitumen with table drains and cross overs. At the entry point into Plainland Crossing from the Eastern end, the road will be two-lane asphalt, line-marked with kerb and channel and street trees. There is as a result a clear distinction between the two parts of Edgerton Drive.

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While the road will not connect in a T-intersection, this clear differentiation in road treatment allows for the change in road name. The opportunity to extend urban development further north provides the opportunity to continue the Barcoo Drive through to Mountain View Drive in the future.

The developer of Plainland Crossing has been consulted and made aware of the numbering issue and as a result have provided a new road name option (Barcoo Drive) that is in keeping with the theme of road names within the subdivision, being Queensland Rivers.

In order to ensure Council is able to provide logical and sequential property numbers, within a minimum of disruption to landholders approval is sought to rename the portion of Edgerton Drive within the Plainland Crossing subdivision as Barcoo Drive.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

The suggested road name provides a clear separation of roads in the area and does not contravene either the standard or Councils Road Naming Policies.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

Budget implications will continue to be addressed through existing allocations.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

Council officers do not have delegated authority to rename roads.

7. Communication

Council will notify the applicant and relevant state authorities both electronically and by post of the outcome.

8. Conclusion

Council officers have assessed the subdivision layout and road construction and believe the request is necessary to ensure accurate property numbering in the area with a minimum of disruption to landholders.

9. Action/s

That Council adopts the resolution set out in the officer’s recommendation.

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14.4 Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Garath Wilson, Coordinator Strategic Land Use Planning Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s endorsement to undertake public consultation of the draft Lockyer Valley Regional Council Planning Scheme. A revised draft copy of the scheme has been prepared complying with the conditions of the Ministers letter of 28 November, 2014 and is submitted for Council endorsement. In addition a Consultation Strategy to guide the public notification and engagement process with the community on the draft scheme has been prepared for Council consideration and endorsement.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council endorse the public consultation version of the Draft Lockyer Valley Regional Council Planning Scheme attached in Appendix 2 in accordance with step 6.3 of Statutory Guideline 04/14 Making and Amending Local Planning Instruments; Further; THAT Council endorse the Consultation Strategy outlined in Appendix 1 of this report; And further; THAT Council delegate the Chief Executive Officer the responsibility for the undertaking of public consultation of the Draft Lockyer Valley Regional Council Planning Scheme in accordance with the Consultation Strategy outlined in Appendix 1 of this report.

Report

1. Introduction

After a twelve month period of formal review the Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Infrastructure and Planning wrote to Council advising that the proposed draft planning scheme may be publically notified subject to compliance with sixteen conditions on 28 November, 2014. In this letter the Minister also recognised Councils submission for the consideration of Growth Areas to inform the regional plan review, and Councils Rural Precinct Plan. Both of these supporting documents were provided with in principal support.

Council was provided with a report on the 11 December 2014 outlining the conditions imposed by the Minister and the strategy to achieve compliance. The requisite changes outlined in this report have now been addressed with a revised draft version of the scheme provided for Council endorsement.

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2. Background

The public notification of the draft scheme represents a midway point and achievement of a significant milestone in the plan making process. It follows a series of milestones in the process following from Council’s resolution to make a planning scheme in 2009.

 In November 2009 LVRC released the Statement of Proposals  In 2010 the first Strategic Framework was prepared  By December 2011, LVRC released Community Plan – A Growing Lifestyle  In 2012 the Draft Priority Infrastructure Plan (PIP) was submitted for State Interest Review (STIR)  September 2012 an overhauled Strategic Framework was released (informal community review), combining the learnings from the Community Plan and setting a new direction for the new draft scheme  Council adopted a draft of the scheme for State Interest review in November 2013  Council received final draft of State Interest Matters 30 February 2014  Council submitted the Rural Precinct Plan, Growth Areas Assessment Reports and revised draft planning scheme addressing STIR matters August 2014  28 November 2014 Council received letter from the Minister approving the scheme to proceed to public notification subject to the conditions attached therein. The Minister also provided in principle support for the potential growth areas and rural precinct plan submitted with the revised draft.

The in-principal support of Council’s proposed amendments to the South East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQRP) is a major success for this Council in the recognition of rural planning matters in the regional planning process. Although not all of Council’s issues have been resolved in this regard, the foundation that the support of the Growth Areas and Rural Precinct Plan provides to further the Council’s position should not be under estimated. Council may consider options to raise these outstanding matters during the consultation period.

3. Report

The sixteen conditions attached to the Minister’s approval ranged from simple word replacement and or grammatical changes to the document to additional reporting to demonstrate compliance with the State Planning Policy (SPP).

It is considered that compliance with the Minister’s conditions has been achieved with a revised version of the scheme attached to this report and provided for Council endorsement. A summary of the matters (items 1-12) to be addressed in the conditions from the August 2014 draft version of the scheme is provided below with relevant Ministerial conditions highlighted in bold and the action undertaken by Council in response is identified in shaded points below.

Amendments resulting from Minister’s conditions

1. Potential Growth Areas The potential growth areas (i.e. rural residential in Regional Land use Rural Production Area) are only supported in principle at this time.

Rural residential areas within the RLRPA must be removed from the zone and precinct maps before notification.

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a) Changed General Residential zone and Rural Residential precinct designation of Rural Residential Growth Areas to Rural zone and Pastoral Farming precinct; b) Introduced simplified information overlay identifying these areas and affected properties (see section 8.2.3 Future rural residential precinct overlay) c) Identified rural residential areas and rural/bushland hamlets in the Strategic Framework Map 1.

2. Rural Precinct Plan In principle support for consultation on this to occur in conjunction with consultation on the planning scheme.

Incorporate Table 9.3.5.3.1 as a performance outcome in Table 9.3.5.3 of the Reconfiguring a Lot Code.

a) Undertook a review of relevant parts of the planning scheme to ensure these accurately reflect the intent of the Rural Precinct Plan. b) Structural changes and amendments to the Reconfiguring a Lot Code.

3. Cultural Heritage Matters of local cultural heritage are not addressed in the planning scheme.

a) Noted. Not addressed prior to consultation

4. Fire Services Code Include the SPP Code Fire Services in Developments Accessed by Private Common Title.

a) Noted. Not addressed prior to consultation. Required prior to adoption

5. Odour Impacts of Agribusiness Remove requirement for an odour impact report for non-ERA agribusinesses.

Specifically delete PO10(a) from the Agribusiness and Rural Production Code.

a) Completed as required

6. Key Resource Areas and Mining Tenements Identify all Key Resource Areas in both the strategic framework maps and precinct maps.

Include measures relevant to Key resource areas and separation and transport area precincts in 6.2.7 T6 Specific Use (Extractive Industry) Zone.

Reflect mining tenements in the planning scheme as per State legislation.

a) Mapping updated to reflect new Key Resource Areas in Grantham, Mt Sylvia and Mt Whitestone

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b) Additional assessment criteria added to section 6.2.7 to manage effects on applications for Material Change of Use. No additional criteria added to affect Reconfiguring a Lot applications as these separation areas are restricted to the Rural zone and the creation of new lots is restricted. c) New schedule of Mining tenements added to the Extractive Industries zone Code.

7. Local Environmental Values Change “low environmental value” to “where Matters of State Environmental Significance are not present”.

a) Completed as required

8. Stormwater Management Design Objectives Adopt SPP provisions or demonstrate current best practice.

a) Requisite amendments to incorporate these design objectives into PSP1 - Works Manual were undertaken b) New acceptable outcomes were included in the Infrastructure and Services code.

9. Natural Hazard Areas Demonstrate that trigger maps accurately identifies flood, bushfire and landslide hazard areas.

Demonstrate that planning scheme seeks to achieve an acceptable or tolerable level of risk – particularly for bushfire risk in T1 and Bushland Hamlets.

a) Addition reports prepared for Department of State Development Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) reporting on these matters

10. Linear Infrastructure Identify linear electricity, bulk water and future infrastructure corridors.

b) Linear infrastructure identified on revised strategic framework maps

11. Electricity Infrastructure Amend zoning of Energex substation landholdings and include relevant assessment criteria.

a) A review of the mapping was undertaken. No additional changes to zone and precinct mapping required as Energex properties appropriately reflected. b) New provisions added to the Infrastructure and services code to reflect the model code.

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12. Public Transport Infrastructure Include State Planning Policy Model Code Land Use and Transport Integration or similar for land within 400m of existing or future public passenger transport facilities.

a) A review of the model code was undertaken and considered that the strong urban focus of the code was not in whole appropriate for the region and unnecessarily onerous on development. In consultation with DSDIP officers it was considered the following amendments appropriately reflected the condition: a. Inclusion of new acceptable outcomes in section 6.2.6 T6 Specific Use (Emerging Communities) zone to incorporate forward planning elements of the SPP model code (refer land use and transport integration); b. Revised section 6.2.4 T5 Centres zone code to incorporate pedestrian and built form interface matters to incorporate public transport matters of the model code.

Proposed Consultation Strategy

Once compliance with any conditions imposed by the Minister is achieved Council must commence public consultation of the proposed planning scheme for a consultation period of at least 30 business days. Statutory Guideline 04/14 identifies a performance indicator timeframe for this action of 45 business days. It is proposed to notify the planning scheme including consultation for this timeframe commencing from the 21 April 2015 until the 26 June 2015.

The proposed strategy utilises several tools to both notify and consult on the draft planning scheme. A major component of the strategy is the information sessions whereby staff will be utilising the Council Mobile Education and Resource Centre (MERC) van to provide ‘drop-in’ style information display and opportunity for the public to ask questions of staff. Coinciding with the release of the scheme will be the release of the electronic planning scheme and interactive mapping system on Councils website (PDOnline) which the MERC van will utilise to provide interactive mapping and information on touchscreen computers and property specific searching of planning scheme mapping. A total of 10 information sessions are proposed across 8 separate venues.

Timeframes

Attached to this report is a revised program and timeline for the remainder of the project which will permit adoption of the scheme by November 2015.

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Program Activity Key Dates Stage 1 Councillor Workshop 16 Oct 2013 Council Meeting 30 Oct 2013 Letter to Minister + Package 7 Nov 2013 2 State Interest Review Period 1 8 Nov 13 – 18 Dec 14 (32 BD) Christmas Close Down 19 Dec 13 – 2 Jan 14 State Interest Review Period 2 3 Jan 14 – 14 Jan 14 (8 BD) 3 Ministerial Review (20 BD) 20 Jan 14 – 17 Feb 14 4 LVRC Review (15 BD) 18 Feb 14 – 10 Mar 14 5 Councillor Workshop Feb 2015 Council Meeting April 2015 6 Public Notification 21 April 2015 – 26 June 2015

7 Review Submission End June 2015 8 Councillor Workshop Council Meeting End July 2015 9 Ministerial Review (40 BD) Aug 2015 – Sept 2015 10 Councillor Workshop Oct 2015 Council Meeting 11 Enacted Nov 2015 (Commencement Date TBC)

4. Policy and Legal Implications

The conditions imposed by the Minister do not result in any change or call for reconsideration of Council policy as previously adopted.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

The continuation of the scheme program does not alter any current budget conditions.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

No changes or additions to established delegations are proposed as a result of this report.

Authorisation from Council is sought to progress the planning scheme notification in accordance with the Consultation Strategy attached in Appendix 1.

7. Communication

Council will be is required to publically notify the adoption of the draft scheme in accordance with Statutory Guideline 04/2014.

This will include, at a minimum, the publication of notices: 1. in the Government Gazette; 2. in a locally circulated newspaper; and 3. on Council’s website.

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A Consultation Strategy is attached to guide the community consultation process during the notification period for Council consideration and endorsement.

8. Conclusion

With compliance with the Ministers conditions completed Council may now commence public notification of the scheme representing a significant milestone for the planning scheme project.

9. Action/s

1. That Council receive the report; 2. That Council endorse the public consultation version of the Draft Lockyer Valley Regional Council Planning Scheme attached in Appendix 2 in accordance with step 6.3 of Statutory Guideline 04/14 Making and Amending Local Planning Instruments; 3. That Council endorse the Consultation Strategy outlined in Appendix 1 of this report; 4. That Council delegate to the Chief Executive Officer responsibility for the undertaking of public consultation of the Draft Lockyer Valley Regional Council Planning Scheme in accordance with the Consultation Strategy outline in Appendix 1 of this report.

Attachments 1View Strategy 7 Pages

Page 133 Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of the Attachment 1 Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

Attachment 1 14.4 Page 134

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of Attachment 1 the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

Attachment 1 14.4 Page 135

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of the Attachment 1 Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

Attachment 1 14.4 Page 136

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of Attachment 1 the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

Attachment 1 14.4 Page 137

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of the Attachment 1 Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

Attachment 1 14.4 Page 138

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of Attachment 1 the Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

Attachment 1 14.4 Page 139

Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme - Public Notification of the Attachment 1 Draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme Strategy

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ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

14.5 Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Trevor Boheim, Manager Planning and Environment Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

A request has been received from Projects Queensland in relation to a proposed exemption from the assessment of development for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing against Council’s planning scheme. It is recommended that Council support this proposal.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council supports the proposal by Projects Queensland to seek an amendment to the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 to make development for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing exempt from assessment against Councils planning scheme.

Report

1. Introduction

This report provides information for Council on a request for support for an amendment of subordinate State legislation to exempt all aspects of development for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from assessment under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009.

2. Background

Council initially received the request from Projects Queensland by means of a telephone call and an email in October 2014. On 12 February 2015 correspondence was received from Projects Queensland advising that a formal response from Council was required. Further information was requested from Projects Queensland on 2 March 2015 and a response was received on 18 March 2015.

3. Report

Schedule 4 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SPR) currently provides general exemptions for community infrastructure as follows:

All aspects of development— (a) for the maintenance, repair, augmentation, upgrading, duplication or widening of State-controlled road infrastructure; or (b) for ancillary works and encroachments carried out by the State; or (c) adjacent to a State-controlled road and ancillary to the construction, maintenance, repair, augmentation, upgrading, duplication or widening of the road, such as

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excavating, crushing, screening, cutting, filling, preparing road construction material (including concrete), storing materials, removing vegetation, dam building, site offices and worker accommodation and

All aspects of development for the maintenance, repair, upgrading, augmentation or duplication of— (a) rail transport infrastructure; or (b) other rail infrastructure; or (c) miscellaneous transport infrastructure; or (d) busway transport infrastructure; or (e) light rail transport infrastructure

While these exemptions are broad ranging, they do not specifically provide for the construction of major new infrastructure, with these being provided for by specific exemptions related to the individual project. As a result Schedule 4 of the SPR currently includes exemptions for all aspects of development for the:  Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron);  Airport Link;  Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project;  Moreton Bay Rail Link; and  The underground busway and railway project known as BaT.

Projects Queensland has requested the Minister that Schedule 4 of the SPR be amended to include a specific exemption for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and as part of process of making that request have been instructed to seek the views of Council.

Further information was sought from Projects Queensland regarding the scope of the exemption sought and a response was received on 18 March 2015. Of particular concern was whether the exemption would extend to related development such as highway service centres. The letter from Projects Queensland indicates that these are not part of the project and so will not fall under the exemption.

The effect of the exemption will be that Council will not have the responsibility to receive, assess and determine development applications that would otherwise be required for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project. This could be expected to include applications to realign property boundaries within the project corridor and, more significantly, applications for material change of use for the use of land for crushing and screening operations, concrete production, asphalt production, stockpiling of materials, depots for the storage of road construction equipment, site offices and workers accommodation.

The primary benefit to Council that would arise from the exemption is that Council would not be placed in the situation where it would have to determine development applications that would by their very nature have impacts on the local community and then take on responsibility for enforcing the conditions of those approvals. The exemption will ensure that responsibility for the project and its impacts on the local community both during construction and when completed will rest solely with the State Government and not shared with Council.

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In the absence of the exemption, Council’s development assessment officers would also be drawn away from processing applications for private sector development.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

The exemption will, by removing Council from a decision making role, ensure all legal responsibility for managing the impacts generated by the project will rest with the State Government.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

There would be no financial and resource impacts on Council if the exemption was put in place. Any additional revenue received in application fees would be likely to be expended in assessment and compliance costs.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

There are no implications for delegations or authorisations arising from this report.

7. Communication and Engagement

A written response will be provided to Projects Queensland.

8. Conclusion

The request by Projects Queensland for Council support for an amendment of the SPR to exempt development for the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from assessment against Council’s planning scheme should be supported.

9. Action/s

That Council adopts the resolution set out in the officer’s recommendation.

Attachments 1View Attach 1 3 Pages 2View Attach 2 2 Pages

Page 143 Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support Attachment 1 the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 Attach 1 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme

Attachment 1 14.5 Page 144

Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support Attachment 1 the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation Attach 1 2009 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme

Attachment 1 14.5 Page 145

Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support Attachment 1 the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 Attach 1 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme

Attachment 1 14.5 Page 146

Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support Attachment 2 the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation Attach 2 2009 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme

Attachment 2 14.5 Page 147

Request from Projects Queensland for Council to Support Attachment 2 the Amendment of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 Attach 2 to Exempt the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing from Assessment Against the Gatton Shire Planning Scheme

Attachment 2 14.5 Page 148

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

14.6 Executive Manager Planning and Development Services Monthly Update

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report is to update Council on the big issues currently being actioned within the Planning and Development Services Group.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council receive and note the Executive Manager Planning and Development Services Monthly Update.

Report

Community Drought Support – Local Government Areas

Council was successful in securing a State Government grant for Community Drought Support. The projects that will benefit are Community Capacity Building Workshops - $10,000; Big Day In - $19,000 and Health and Wellbeing Expo - $11,000. These amounts are GST inclusive. The Community Capacity Building Workshop funds will secure a facilitator to finalise the Event Toolkit, develop and deliver the two day workshop. The Big Day In funds will assist with marketing, entertainment, venue hire and youth support services. The Health and Wellbeing Expo funds will assist with marketing the event to the outer areas of the region.

Adare Cycling Race

This event was held on 15 March at a private property at Adare and attracted close to 200 cyclists. A request was received from the property owner one week out from the event to grade the road and clear vegetation at the causeway at Redbank Creek. As this event has been supported for a number of years, Infrastructure Works and Services staff made a specific effort to adjust their current works schedule to grade the road prior to the event. This was very much appreciated and the event was a great success.

Rotary International Conference

The Rotary International Conference was held on 14 and 15 March in Toowoomba and Regional Development set up a stand promoting tourism and attractions in the region. A range of information was available and a Visitor Information Centre staff member manned the stand, chatting with delegates and handing out flyers to interested people. There was genuine interest in the region and overall it was a successful initiative from a tourism perspective.

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Gem Show

The annual Gem Show was held at Gatton Shire Hall on 14 March and the Lapidary Club is very pleased with the outcome. They had ten dealers and four club members selling gems and stones as well as displays inside the hall. They estimated attendance at 350 – 400 over the day with many families enjoying the displays and the hands-on activities for the kids.

Lockyer Better Business Breakfast

Councillors and officers from Regional Development attended the Lockyer Better Business Networking breakfast on 18 March, with guest speaker Mr Philp Gregory, General Manager, Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport. Information on the current and future operation of the airport, plans for the development of the business park and export opportunities were presented. An update from Council was provided by the Deputy Mayor, the next networking breakfast will be held on 20 May at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre with guest speaker Michael Matusik speaking on the local property market.

Business Awards Winner’s Workshop

Winners from the 2014 Lockyer Valley Business Training and Apprenticeship Awards attended a workshop held at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre that was included in their prize package on 19 March. The focus of the workshop was “Future Proofing your business” with content developed around the theme of “Demographic shifts and technological advances are radically transforming how, where, and why people work. Organisational change does not happen overnight so are you ready for the workforce of the future?” A senior management staff member from Tafe South West delivered this workshop as an additional value-add to the existing cash sponsorship for the event.

Sydney’s Martin Place and Royal Easter Show Campaign

The Sydney Royal Easter Show launch and special promotion of the Lockyer Valley in Martin Place on 24 March was extremely successful and fantastic exposure for the region. Thousands of people poured through the large display which featured Council’s big red Fruiterer’s Truck, the little grey Fergy tractor as well as plenty of places for people to sit and enjoy Lockyer Valley produce cooked by celebrity chef Alastair McLeod. Overall Council gave away more than 800 corn fritters, over 1000 cobs of corn and over 500 serves of pumpkin soup along with the menu cards for each and many Lockyer Valley tourism guides. The region also received fantastic coverage on Channel 7’s Sunrise program with hosts Sam, Kochie, Berrets and Nat trying the produce live on air to close-out the show and encouraging people to visit us in Martin Place and at the Easter Show. Early estimates of the value of media exposure for Martin Place alone is over $1million.

Growers Mulgowie Farming Company, Rugby Farms and Qualipac assisted through the supply of produce and Nolans in transporting all the produce to Sydney. Bauer's Farms also attended the launch in Martin Place.

Gatton Street Sprints

Gatton Street Sprints was held on 21 and 22 March in the Gatton Industrial Estate. Set up for the event went well with the pedestrian bridge installation going smoothly and the engineer’s report approved by Council. Attendance numbers were down overall, sitting at around 50% on

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last year’s attendance. It is thought a number of factors contributed to this – wet weather in surrounding regions where patrons would usually come from, conflicting events including Toowoomba Show and the Willowbank Drags. Driver registration was approximately half of last year as well and the event organisers were unable to offer reasons for this. Cr Holstein attended the presentations on behalf of Mayor Jones on Sunday afternoon. Regional Development has offered assistance to the organisers with marketing and reaching new audiences to try and bring numbers up and keep the event viable.

QUU tour of Gatton Treatment Plant

The Coordinator Strategic Land Use Planning and Coordinator Development Assessment attended the meeting of the Queensland Urban Utilities’ Customer and Community Reference Group (CCRG) on 24 March on behalf of Council. It was a great opportunity to meet with the reference group and learn more about QUUs’ energy reduction plans. QUU presented details of their new co-generation plants and solar PV installations across their larger and rural water treatment plants which culminated in a tour of the Gatton Water Treatment plant and inspection of the new PV installation at the plant. These installations have meant that QUU is further able to reduce operational costs of their facilities with the ultimate aim to reduce reliance on the grid to emergency only.

UQ Gatton Solar Research Facility Official Launch

On behalf of the Mayor the Executive Manager Planning and Development attended the official launch of UQ’s state-of-the-art Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Research Facility at the Gatton Campus on 27 March. The 3.275 Mega Watt solar array is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. A number of dignitaries, key project staff and local stakeholders were in attendance. The switch for the research plant was officially thrown on by the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP the Federal Minister for Industry and Science.

Digital Hub Program – Closure

The Digital Hub Program classes finish at the end of March. The project has exceeded targets set by the Commonwealth and exceeded expectations. In the two years the hub has been open, there have been more than 2000 participants and about 12,000 people using the digital hub demonstration area.

Strategic Planning

Finalisation of draft Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme in accordance with the conditions attached by the Deputy Premier to the approval to publicly notify the draft scheme. Copies of draft planning scheme provided to Mayor and Councillors in advance of consideration at April 2015 Council Meeting.

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15. INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS AND SERVICES REPORTS

15.1 Property Addressing on Old Grandchester Road

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Joshua Ellis, Civil Planning Engineer Responsible Officer: Myles Fairbairn, Executive Manager Infrastructure Works & Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

Lot 10 on SP187098 had its address changed from 194 Drayton Street, Laidley to 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley in accordance with the standards. The owner of the property has not agreed with the changes and has asked for the changes to be reversed.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council confirm the property address for Lot 10 SP187098 as 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley, in accordance with Australian Standards.

Action: Council resolves to write a letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer to be sent to the property owner of Lot 10 on SP187098 advising that Council’s acceptance of the officers recommendation for the property to be addressed as 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley.

Report

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is for the approval for Lot 10 on SP187098 to be addressed as 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley.

2. Background

Lot 10 on Survey Plan 187098 was for many years addressed as 194 Drayton Street, Laidley.

Recently a signage review of the area was being conducted and it was found that the property in question has its driveway access on Old Grandchester Road, not Drayton Street. Further investigation also found that the property boundary of Lot 10 on SP187098 does not actually have any frontage on Drayton Street, Laidley.

Furthermore, the road to the east of the Drayton Street / Old Grandchester Road intersection (see Figure 2 below) is described as Old Grandchester Road by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM), rather than the local reference of Drayton Street. In December 2014, the current resident was advised of the necessary changes and forwarded a property addressing plate for installation. The resident subsequently submitted correspondence to Council describing the change as unwarranted.

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3. Report

Road naming in the area

Below in Figure 1 is the interpretation of the street layout that the local residents were of the belief existed in the area. As can be seen in red, the local residents believed that Drayton Street continued to Ryan Road and potentially beyond.

Figure 1: Local interpretation of street naming in 2014

Figure 2 below shows what Council and the State (DNRM) has in their respective mapping systems. Figure 2 describes how Old Grandchester Road (in green) connects Ryan Road and Drayton Street.

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Figure 2: State and LVRC mapping records

Property addressing matters

Below is an aerial photograph showing property 10SP187098 marked with a red star. As can be seen the current road that the property fronts on to is Old Grandchester Road.

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Figure 3: Aerial photograph showing the DNRM road names and the subject property

Figure 4 below shows the current driveway access location of property 10SP187098. As previously described, Figure 4 shows that Drayton Street ends at the T-intersection of Drayton Street, Southern Street and Old Grandchester Road.

 Figure 4: Driveway location for property 10SP187098

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It is important for properties to follow a consistent addressing convention so that police, fire and ambulance are able to rapidly locate properties regardless of who is living at the property or who is responding. Addressing the subject property as 194 Drayton Street, when it fronts Old Grandchester Road would be contrary to this approach.

For this reason, Council officers, in accordance with the Australian Standard, have readdressed the property of 10SP187098 as 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley.

4. Policy and Legal Implications

Council does not presently have a policy or a procedure pertaining to property addressing. Nonetheless, the relevant Australian Standard (AS4819:2011 Rural and Urban Addressing) is used by officers in addressing properties, as is the case at other councils.

5. Financial and Resource Implications

A property addressing plate was sent to the property owner in December 2014 for subsequent installation, and the relevant agencies advised of the change. Unfortunately the administration process with external parties can be time consuming and has been known to take a couple of months for the addresses to be processed.

6. Delegations/Authorisations

The Chief Executive Officer should be authorised to write to the owner of Lot 10 on SP187098 advising the outcome of the Council meeting.

7. Communication and Engagement

Discussions with the resident in March 2015 in relation to this matter were had with the resident, where they advised that they were now happy with the change and are waiting for formal confirmation from Council that the change has occurred.

8. Conclusion

In conclusion, this report is for the approval of the officer’s recommendation for Lot 10 on SP187098 to be addressed as 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley.

9. Action/s

A letter signed by the Chief Executive Officer be sent to the property owner of Lot 10 on SP187098 advising that Council’s acceptance of the officers recommendation for the property to be addressed as 14 Old Grandchester Road, Laidley.

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15.2 Executive Manager Infrastructure Works and Services Monthly Update

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Myles Fairbairn, Executive Manager Infrastructure Works & Services Responsible Officer: Myles Fairbairn, Executive Manager Infrastructure Works & Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

This report is to update Council on the emerging matters arising since Council last met in regards to the Infrastructure Works and Services Group.

Officer’s Recommendation: THAT Council receive and note the Executive Manager Infrastructure Works and Services monthly update.

Report

1. Introduction

This report is to provide an update to Council on activities and issues for the Infrastructure Works and Services Group since Council’s meeting of 27 February 2015.

2. Background

Previous Infrastructure Works and Services report to Council up to and including 27 February 2015.

3. Report

2011 NDRRA program

A current financial summary of the 2011 NDRRA program follows.  Current estimated final cost (EFC) = $114.0 million (restoration only)  2011 emergent works (now paid and acquitted by QRA) = $20.7 million  2011 CDO Works (paid and acquitted by QRA) = $12.5 million  Submissions that have been acquitted by the QRA = $114m for restoration ($147.2 million including Emergent, Helidon/Gatton/Grantham landfills)  Queensland Audit Office results pending (from recent site visit)

Key risks at the moment:  Ineligible costs determined through subsequent Taskforce and QAO audits (QAO visited site 10 March 2015).

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2013 NDRRA program

A current financial summary of the 2013 NDRRA program follows.  Current estimated final cost (EFC) = $43.25 million (includes 2013 approved NDRRA Betterment projects)  2013 emergent works deemed ineligible = $0.502 million 2013 works completed to end March 2015 = $33.23 million  Submissions for 2013 works forwarded to QRA awaiting acquittal = $4.6m  Submissions that have been acquitted by the QRA = $0  QRA has approved Council’s request for 2013 Betterment funding to be reallocated to other/additional projects and numbers are being checked at this time  East Haldon Road CH3442 floodway work commenced and DAFF Development Assessment amendment being processed

Projects of note:  2013 Day Labour amendments have been approved  Thistlethwaite Bridge construction complete  Clarke Bridge (at Thornton) construction complete  McGarrigal and Willows Bridges – Complete  Bridges Scour Protection Package – Complete  Contractor portion of Black Duck Creek Road – 95% complete  Remainder of Black Duck Creek Road (by Council ‘day labour’) – complete  East Haldon Road – Day labour works 95% complete  Floodways package, including Osbourne Road, is complete  Landslips package (Berlin Road, Silver Pinch Road, Berghofer Drive) – 60% complete ─ Additional safety audits completed ─ Meetings with QBC seeking rectification have been completed ─ Additional WH&S information being provided by contractor ─ More stringent procurement processes recommended to strengthen safety management as a non-price criteria  Lefthand Branch Road – complete: minor defects being rectified.

Key risks at the moment:  All of 2013 NDRRA program, including acquittal, may not be completed by the QRA deadline (30th June 2015) if wet weather, QRA assessment delays or other statutory timeframes emerge  Program management costs post ‘work on ground’ – need to minimise  VfM of Day Labour construction costs – close monitoring ongoing  Quantum of financial resources required by Council in 2015-16 to continue to manage the NDRRA program, at Council’s cost, are unknown and difficult to determine.

INVESTIGATION, PLANNING AND DESIGN UNIT

Flood studies (regional and local)

 All reporting completed to meet State Government funding deadlines.  Third party technical review of all flood projects modelled in the last three years has been awarded and has commenced – likely to be complete around mid/late May 2015.

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Forest Hill flood mitigation

 Qld Rail construction work at Blacks Bridge complete.  No decision from the State regarding the potential funding (R4R) of further construction works.

Laidley flood mitigation projects (DSDIP funding – Royalties for the Regions Program)

 Narda Lagoon flood levee ─ Practical Completion Certificate issued late October 2014 ─ Shrub and tree planting being done by Council day labour  Storr Street drain ─ Practical Completion Certificate issued late October 2014  Laidley CBD preparatory works ─ Forecast to commence very minor drainage works construction in Q4 2014-15 ─ Potential levee bank construction is not funded ─ Royalties for the Regions funding submission – awaiting decision for the State Government.

Delivery of Capital Budget for 2014-15

 Gehrke Rd intersection upgrade – Being designed by an external consultant due to lack of in-house resources. Review comments returned to design consultant 31/03/2015.  Drainage structures (Blenheim Rd, Summerholm Rd, Long Gully Road, Forestry Rd new culverts, Smithfield Rd Floodway, Paynters Rd Floodway). Designs completed mid-March 2015 by an external consultant.  Cahill Park (Buaraba Street North) – Detailed design by an external consultant.  Tenthill Creek Road – Design underway (internally resourced)  Footpath projects (except TMR roads) - Designs complete  Footpath projects on TMR roads - Concepts to be submitted to TMR for comment.  Translink Bus Stop upgrades to meet current standards – 7 of 11 sites complete. Forest Hill upgrade to Disability Discrimination Act requirements resolved.  Lakes Drive drainage issue - design quotes received and design will be carried out in April/May with works in June 2015  Clive Crescent, Withcott - Drainage scour – design completed  TIDS funded projects - All schools have been contacted to discuss concepts. Concept designs submitted to TMR of their review. Works commenced at some sites.

Challenge Avenue flood modelling investigation and works

 Investigation and design is complete  Consultation with individual property owners is complete  Presented at Council Workshop in August and September 2014. Requested to undertake technical review of modelling prior to any construction works.

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Delivery of Operational Budget for 2014-15

 Laidley Futures: ─ Funding reallocated from litter bins to painting the old library ─ Project Management Plan revised ─ Das Neumann Haus Park design scope being reviewed/finalised ─ Prioritising scope of street furniture upgrade  Lockyer Active Transport Strategy - Project Management Plan has been reviewed  Helidon streetscape design - underway  Street lighting review - ongoing

Bridges and structures

 Level 2 inspections have recommended Level 3 inspections for the following bridges: ─ Middleton Bridge has been load limited to 12t (positive funding outcome). ─ Willows Bridge: cannot carry out Level 3 inspection as it required a copy of the design drawings which were not in the set provided by the Contractor (have approached constructor for the design drawings).  Colquhouns Bridge - Level 2 inspections has identified issues. Rectification works were done by ProBuild in March 2015.

‘Business as usual’ activities

 Oversight of NDRRA designs  Technical assistance to Council’s Planning unit  Issue of Form 19s  Working on road permits  Heavy Vehicle Permits  Customer Relationship Management (CRM) responses  Traffic count program

ASSET MANAGEMENT UNIT

 Funding submission for Middletons Bridge at Lockrose for bridge rehabilitation was successful. This bridge will be rehabilitated from a Class B structure to a Class A structure, which will raise the design load capacity from 24 tonne to 42.5 tonne. The Australian Government funding through the Bridge Renewal Program provides funding for 50% of project costs (Council 50%). It is forecast that these works will be completed within the next 12 months.  Bitumen re-seal program: Engaged contractor to develop process for development of a seal condition survey, leading onto a formalised two-year rolling reseal program  Road pavement roughness assessment: Purchasing a ‘Roughometer’ from Australian Road Research Board. This will allow the in-house collection of roughness data and a rudimentary assessment of pavement condition when compared with defect and seal condition. This option will allow a potential saving in the Asset Management budget.  Anticipate OneCouncil asset inspection mobility solution will be ready in April/May 2015 (delayed due to resourcing constraints)  Updated/reviewed Asset Management Plans for Transport Infrastructure and Buildings and Facilities complete

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 Currently writing revised asset management plan for fleet as per the internal audit findings.

PLANT AND FLEET UNIT

 Internal plant hire recoveries have been budgeted for at a level that will not be achieved.  Ongoing Fleet maintenance as required – important due to the servicing of the fleet supporting the NDRRA program and Council’s road maintenance works

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES WORKS

 Ageing mower fleet that is consistently breaking down and in the workshop is causing significant downtime, which results in less mowing being done  Preparations for ANZAC Day commencing in some areas  Event preparation for Laidley Heritage Weekend  Mowing intensity has recently decreased with the drier and cooler weather, meaning that resources are being transferred to non-mowing tasks.

ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS

 Maintenance crews (grader crews) are now finished NDRRA gravel road re-sheeting and are doing gravel road maintenance works.  Work has commenced on a number of TIDS projects such as the Withcott State School parking area, Victor St, Grantham (footpath).  Continued working on East Haldon (NDRRA floodway) until the end of April, using one crew. Other NDRRA projects were completed before Easter.  A few NDRRA bitumen seals to be completed .

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16. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

GENERAL BUSINESS THAT Council receive and note the following reports for Council’s information only: (Refer 16.1 – 16.6) 1. Investment Report – March Quarter 2015 2. Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates Update 3. Disaster Management Update 4. Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Progress Report 5. Local Law Customer Requests Management – Health & Regulatory Services 6. Economic Development Initiatives – Quarterly Report

16.1 Investment Report - March Quarter 2015

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Tony Brett, Manager Finance Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

As outlined in Council’s 2014/2015 Investment Policy, a quarterly report is required to be submitted to Council on the performance of its investment portfolio.

The investment of surplus funds has been made in accordance with the requirements of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 as well as Council’s Investment Policy. As at 31 March 2015, Council had a total investment holding of $24.95 million.

Overall our investments continued to perform well in comparison with targeted benchmarks with Council’s investments exceeding these benchmarks; however year to date interest revenue is less than budget.

Officer’s Recommendation This document is for Council’s information only.

Report

1. Introduction

As per the policy statement in Councils 2014/2015 Investment Policy, a quarterly report is required to be submitted, updating Council on the performance of its investment portfolio.

2. Background

As at 31 March 2015, Council had a total investment holding of $24.98 million.

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3. Report

Council’s 2014/2015 Investment Policy sets out Council’s investment guidelines including the time horizon, maximum exposure, credit risk guidelines and performance benchmarks of its investments.

The two following tables show the investment institution, credit rating and product type of our investment portfolio at 31 March 2015.

Table 1

Percentage Credit Institution Amount $ Holding Rating

QTC 17,968,293 71.91% AA

ING 2,000,000 8.00% A-

Bank of Qld 1,017,644 4.07% A-

NAB 4,000,000 16.02% AA-

Total 24,985,937 100.00%

Table 2 Percentage Product Type Amount $ Holding Cash Fund - QTC 17,968,294 71.91% Term Deposit 7,017,644 28.09% Total $24,985,937 100.00%

The following tables display the performance of Council’s investments, identified by investment type and days invested, against the Bank Bill Swap Rate (BBSW) and the Bloomberg AUSBOND Index (AUSBOND).

The tables compare the rate of return on Council’s investments at 31 March 2015, against the benchmarks indicated above (BBSW and AUSBOND).

Overall, the investments continued to perform well in comparison with these benchmarks although there has been a significant decrease in the interest rates for term deposits with new investments now at or below the 3.0% mark.

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Table 3

Cash Fund Performance Against RBA AUSBOND QTC RBA Cash Rate & UBS Bank Bill Index Cash Rate Index

Cash Fund Performance 3.24% 2.25% 2.22%

Table 4

Term Deposit Performance Against Av Return BBSW AUSBOND BBSW Index & AUSBOND Index on Deposits Index Index

Term Deposits 3.44% 2.21% 2.22%

As reflected in Table 5 below, interest revenue is less than the target for the year to date. This is mainly due to lower than expected interest rates with all rates below the anticipated rate of 3.60%.

TABLE 5 Original % Annual Interest Income vs Budget Actual YTD YTD Budget YTD Budget Interest Income on investments $702,692 $779,546 90.01%

During the third quarter, cash at bank reduced to a little under $25M. The following graph below shows a comparison over time of Council’s cash balances for the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 financial years.

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Interest rates have continued to fall for rates of less than twelve months. The QTC cash fund rate remains higher than term deposit rates making it a more attractive investment option, which is why the term deposit investments have reduced. The best rates on offer at present are 2.80% to 2.90% for investment periods from three to twelve months. The rates that are offered by BBB to A rated entities are generally more attractive compared to the A+ to AAA entities; however the current policy limits the amount that can be invested in those areas. The upcoming review of the investment policy will seek to increase the limits by 10% to provide more flexibility when reviewing investment opportunities.

TABLE 6

Investment Policy Credit Risk Current Allowable Difference Compliance Exposure Exposure

Cash Funds

QTC Cash Funds 70.91% 100% 28.09%

Term Deposits AAA to A+ 16.01% 80% 63.99% A to BBB+ 12.08% 30% 17.92% BBB to BBB 0.00% 10% 10.00%

The above table shows that Council’s investments at 31 March 2015 complied with its 2014/2015 Investment Policy.

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16.2 Sale of Land for Unpaid Rates Update

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Tony Brett, Manager Finance Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The decision to sell land for unpaid rates was made by Council resolution on 12 November 2014 with a Notice of Intention to Sell Land letter being issued to twenty six properties on 27 November 2014.

Since that date nine properties have been paid out. On 27 March 2015 an Auction Notice was posted to the remaining seventeen properties that have not made full payment of the outstanding rates and charges.

The auction for unpaid rates and charges will be held at 10.00 am on 17 April 2015 in the Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North Street, Gatton, QLD 4343.

A report will be provided to Council at its May meeting on the outcome of the auction and to progress the next batch of properties to be considered for auction.

Officer’s Recommendation This document is for Council’s information only.

Report

1. Introduction

This report provides a detailed update to the sale of land process.

2. Background

On 12 November 2014, Council resolved to start the sale of land process on selected properties with three (3) or more years rate and charges arrears.

A Notice of Intention to Sell Land letter was issued to 26 property owners and other interested parties (e.g. mortgage holders) on 27 November 2014. These letters outlined that Council has, by resolution, decided under the Local Government Regulation 2012 to sell land for overdue rates and charges. Subsequent to the issue of these letters, outstanding rates and charges on nine properties have been paid out.

3. Report

In its resolution of 12 November 2014, Council delegated to the Chief Executive Officer the ability to finalise the auction process. The final step in the sale of land process is to conduct the auction which will be held at 10.00 am on 17 April 2015 in the Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North Street, Gatton, QLD 4343.

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On 27 March 2015 an Auction Notice was posted to the remaining seventeen properties that have not made full payment of the outstanding rates and charges. The auction notices were also posted to other interested parties such as mortgage holders. The auction notice stated the time and place of the auction and a full description of the land.

The auction notice was/will be advertised in the Gatton Star on 1 April 2015, 8 April 2015 and 15 April 2015. If full payment of outstanding rates and charges on a property is made in the interim period, the auction notice will be removed from the next Gatton Star advertisement date and the property withdrawn from the sale process. On 1 April 2015, Council’s Debt recovery agent, Recoveries and Reconstruction (Aust) PTY LTD placed an auction notice on all relevant land parcels.

As part of the sale of land process, five local real-estate companies were contacted and asked to provide a quote on performing the auction for Council. L J hooker Gatton was the successful applicant and will perform the duties of the auctioneer on the day. At the time of the sale, transfer forms will be completed by Council’s in house legal team and then lodged with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

The following table shows the properties and the outstanding balances as at 31 March 2015:

Rates Balance Property ID Address 31-03-2015 120440 105 Robeck Road GATTON QLD 4343 $ 16,027.69 128690 535 Connors Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 8,881.78 128740 525 Connors Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 9,337.95 128760 523 Connors Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 9,337.96 128800 515 Connors Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 10,209.02 128810 513 Connors Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 10,853.17 128830 39 Seventeen Mile Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 9,413.19 128890 29 Seventeen Mile Road HELIDON QLD 4344 $ 10,882.28 128940 484 Dry Gully Road MOUNT WHITESTONE QLD 4347 $ 12,538.94 138480 8703 Warrego Highway WITHCOTT QLD 4352 $ 13,707.03 150330 50 Coates Street LAIDLEY QLD 4341 $ 15,955.70 159750 122 Brightview Road BRIGHTVIEW QLD 4311 $ 9,747.76 159760 120 Brightview Road BRIGHTVIEW QLD 4311 $ 978.51 191250 22 Waddington Parade PLAINLAND QLD 4341 $ 18,136.36 257240 54 Upper Flagstone Creek Road UPPER FLAGSTONE QLD 4344 $ 14,904.33 265780 Larnook Street UPPER LOCKYER QLD 4352 $ 22,754.27 TOTAL $ 193,665.94

A report will be provided to Council at its May meeting on the outcome of the auction and to progress the next batch of properties to be considered for auction.

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16.3 Disaster Management Update

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

Lockyer Valley Regional Council is dedicated to the continuous improvement of Disaster Management through all levels including prevention, preparation, response and recovery.

Officer’s Recommendation

This document is for Council’s information only.

Report

1. Introduction This report summarises the activities of Disaster Management.

2. Background This report gives a brief outline of the activities of the Disaster Management team to 8 April, 2015.

3. Report

Council to Council Deployment

As previously reported, the Manager, Disaster Management was deployed to Yeppoon to assist Livingstone Shire Council in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Marcia. This assistance has included working closely with Council as Recovery Coordinator. Activities have included:  Focus on a Community Led Recovery approach and identifying lessons from the impact and working on improvements.  Task force meetings of Infrastructure, Environment, Economic and Human Social.  Attendance at community meetings at Stanage Bay, Ogmore, Marlborough, Byfield and Great Keppel Island.  Discussions on the establishment of Local Disaster Community Coordination Committees.  Facilitation of debrief of the Livingstone Local Disaster Management Group where lessons were identified and recommendations discussed on the way forward.  Overarching Recovery and Resilience meeting where action plans and strategies for short, medium and long term recovery were discussed.

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Disaster Management Training A meeting was held with Emergency Management Coordinator on Monday 9 March to lock in dates for training provided by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). As a result, a training calendar has been completed for the year and has been provided to staff.

Expressions of interest for Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) incident management team members were distributed to all staff to increase the capability of the LDCC during activations. To date, two (2) staff members have indicated their interest in training.

Eight (8) staff (including two who had recently expressed interest) attended LDCC Systems Overview training. This training included familiarisation of Enviromon, Woodlands Road Flood Warning Systems, Spring Bluff and Mulgowie Cameras, Grantham Siren and web based systems used by the LDCC.

Coordination Centre Support Systems training was delivered to an additional three (3) staff to enable them to operate systems and visual displays to support the LDCC as part of the Disaster Management Business Continuity Planning (BCP) whilst Disaster Management staff are working remotely. This aspect of the Disaster Management BCP was implemented while Disaster Management Project Officer and Business Support Officer were in Mount Macedon from 24-27 March undergoing Manage and Conduct Evaluations training.

Guardian training was delivered to four Local Disaster Coordination Centre Staff on 2 April 2015. Training included:  Commencing a New Operation  Adding & Editing Contacts  Security Permissions  Updating Lists  Bulletins - Loading the Event Action Plan

Get Reading Funding Activities

Project Plan and advertising for Important Documents Workshops to be held on 1st and 3rd Mondays at Gatton Library and 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at Laidley Library until 30/06/2015 has been completed. The Important Documents workshop will help community members to prepare for emergencies by scanning their important documents onto USB for inclusion in their Emergency Kit.

LGMA Village Forum, Tuesday 10 March

Disaster Management Project Officer and LDMG Secretariat/Business Support Officer attended the LGMA Community Services Village Forum 10 March 2015. The forum covered a range of topics including:  Redlands 2013 NAIDOC initiative  Managing community and sports leases  Strategic approach to planning for success in Community Engagement  Community engagement from a blank slate  Building the capacity of the next generation of emergency services  Creative communication in disaster management

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The forum was chaired by Manager, Disaster Management. A follow-up forum will be held in October.

Laidley & Forest Hill Flood Warning Systems

A Request for Quote Evaluation meeting was held on Wednesday 18 March 2015 between Procurement Coordinator, Manager Infrastructure Planning and Design, Engineer Technical Officer and Disaster Management Project Officer. Further clarification was required to ensure the PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera system will include a web/cloud based in Australia and not be reliant on Council servers. Clarification was received and Infrastructure Works and Services will progress as project lead.

Fire Hazard Assessments

Disaster Management Project Officer and Area Director QFES Rural Fire completed fire hazard assessments on Council controlled land at:  Riddell Road reserve, Gatton - recently slashed  Unmaintained Road Reserve behind Douglas McInnes Drive, Laidley  112 & 120 Murphys Creek Road, Postmans Ridge  Unmaintained section of Main Green Swamp Road, Churchable

A report is yet to be compiled for Manager Disaster Management on recommendations for the unmaintained road reserve behind Douglas McInnes Drive, Laidley and 112 & 120 Murphys Creek Road, Postmans Ridge.

Mobile Education Resource Centre (MERC) Trailer

An audit of the contents of the MERC trailer has been completed. The MERC trailer has been loaded with equipment used at community events. The current equipment is the maximum payload permitted for the trailer considering it’s aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of 3 tonnes.

LVRC Strategic Bushfire Management

Council owned property on the corner of Gatton-Clifton Road and Grantham Winwill Road has had weed spraying carried out. Planning will be undertaken for the ongoing maintenance of the site to manage weeds into the future. The theory is that, overtime, the native vegetation will re-establish itself and out-compete the weed species but in a riparian situation this will always be a challenge. Council are trying to demonstrate a different and more cost effective method to the usual slash and burn approach with Coordinator Environmental Planning looking at budget requirements into the future..

Bushfire Sub Committee

The Bushfire Sub Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2015. Minutes of the meeting will be distributed and tabled at the next LDMG meeting.

Easter Weekend Weather

Disaster Management staff monitored remotely rainfall, river heights and camera’s over the Easter long weekend. Below minor stream rises were recorded in both the Lockyer and

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Laidley creeks but did not trigger any warnings. Flood warnings/summaries issued were for catchments other than the Lockyer. Nil requests for assistance were received.

SES

Activations  Approximately ten (10) SES members were involved in a land search on Saturday 21 March at Mulgowie for a cyclist who has been missing for some time.  Three (3) Gatton members assisted with Medivac at Gatton Showgrounds on 23 March 2015.

Meetings/Training  Monday 16 March, ten new recruits commenced induction training. Six members will join Laidley SES group and four will join Gatton SES Group. Existing members undertook a review of log books.  Nine (9) new members completed Safety training on 23 March 2015 with existing members undertaking CPR revision on the same day.  A Trainers meeting was held on 25 March 2015 to review and plan the 2015 Training Calendar.  Twelve (12) members completed chainsaw & height safety competency maintenance on 28 March 2015  Two (2) Gatton members attended a Level 2 chainsaw course on 28 March 2015 at Millmerran  Monday 30 March Code of conduct training and presentation on pilot volunteer community education program was held for all existing members and recruits.

Community Events  Three SES members attended the Multicultural Festival in order to mingle and chat with the public about the SES role.  Deputy Local Controller delivered a presentation on the SES role and functions to Gatton Scouts group on 11 March, 2015.  Request for Assistance from LVRC Regional Development received on 25 March 2015 for closing of carparks from 0600hrs at the Gatton and Laidley Anzac Day Services on 25 April 2015.

SES Building Maintenance  A Hazard Inspection was completed at Forest Hill SES building on Wednesday 18 March 2015 - minor remedial actions are to be taken.  Site inspections at the SES Laidley building were conducted by Coordinator Health & Regulatory Services, Disaster Management Project Officer and Infrastructure Works & Services Resources Coordinator to address a mosquito issue. Pooling of water and long grass were identified as harbourages for mosquitoes with remedial action to be taken on draining and long grass. Safety issue also identified with long grass obscuring roadside drains.

Funding Opportunities  Notification received from SES Grants Administrator, Public Safety Business Agency on 25 March 2015 that office equipment is no longer eligible for SES Non-Recurrent Subsidy Program funding. Therefore the application for the monitor upgrade for the Lockyer Valley SES Unit is not eligible for a subsidy under this program.

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16.4 Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Progress Report

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

Council has received an update in March from the Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Board which provided highlights from their Board Meeting.

Officer’s Recommendation

This document is for Council’s information only.

Report

1. Introduction

 Lockyer Valley Regional Council maintains an ongoing working relationship with QUU on both operational and strategic aspects of water and sewerage provision.  This report is an update on matters of significance with respect to QUU for Council’s attention.

2. Background

QUU is:  A statutory body, created on 1 July 2010 as a result of Queensland Government changes to the way water is managed in South East Queensland.  Owned by the Brisbane and Ipswich City Councils, and Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset Regional Councils and governed by an independent Board.  Tasked to deliver drinking water, recycled water and sewerage services to the cities and townships within the boundaries of these five local government areas.  Responsible for delivering water to customers, collecting, transporting and treating sewage, as well as charging and billing for water and waste water services for customers in the Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset local authority areas.

3. Report

The Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Board met on 16 March. This month, the Board was pleased to host a number of QUU’s large commercial customers at the Innovation Centre, located onsite at QUU’s Luggage Point Sewage Treatment Plant. This provided an opportunity to showcase how QUU is innovating and collaborating with partners to deliver enhanced customer outcomes, improved safety practices and greater operational efficiencies. The following matters were discussed and considered by the Board at the March meeting.

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OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Long-term regulatory framework

The Board considered the Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) proposed long-term economic regulatory framework and, specifically, how QUU will apply and work with the framework, which is expected to be applied from 1 July 2015, subject to Government approval. By way of background, this framework will monitor and externally report on QUU’s annual revenue, costs and service standard performance.

Pricing 2015/16

Recognising that QUU is required to announce prices for 2015/16 by 30 June 2015, the Board held a strategic discussion on pricing. The Board is acutely aware of the need to minimise the price burden on households whilst balancing the requirement to invest in new infrastructure to support economic and population growth, as well as renew existing water and sewerage assets. The Board and its Finance and Pricing Committee will further consider pricing over the next two months.

Operational and capital budgets 2015/16

The Board received an early engagement paper on the proposed operational and capital budgets for 2015/16. The Board noted that management has been able to lessen the impact on the draft operational budget as a result of QUU’s Enterprise Excellence Program and other efficiency initiatives. Management has also been able to optimise the capital budget without impacting the delivery of QUU’s $3.2 billion lO-year capital works program, which will support the needs of QUU’s growing communities.

2015-20 strategic direction

In late 2014, the Board held a strategic planning workshop. This workshop allowed the Board to consider the current and likely future environment in which QUU will operate, as well as the strategic priorities for the organisation. As an outcome of this workshop, a draft strategic direction has been developed for the next five years, which aligns with QUU’s four strategic pillars. Over the next four weeks, QUU’s CEO and/or Executive Leader Governance will be consulting with shareholders on the Boards proposed strategic direction for 2015-20. In accordance with the requirements of the Participation Agreement, QUU’s five-year corporate plan will be provided to shareholders for approval during May and June. Similar to previous years, the plan includes QUU’s strategic direction, the outcomes intended to be deliver to achieve the purpose and vision, and the strategic success measures that will assess the outcomes achieved.

Innovation and research and development (R&D)

The Board received its bi-annual innovation and R&D update. QUU’s Innovation Program continues to mature with a number of external businesses and strategic partners taking a strong interest in how the program is structured and the identified successes. Attention has also extended internationally, with interest shown from Singapore’s Public Utility Board and Brazilian documentary producer, Globo. The Board noted that management has seen the Innovation Program driving positive cultural change across the organisation, whilst improving environmental practices, operational efficiencies and customer service processes. QUU has a

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range of R&D pilots occurring across the business including, but not limited to, advanced condition assessment and pipe failure prediction, trials to understand the side stream annamox technologies, sugar waste trials, smart metering, struvite market studies, and biodiesel trials.

S1 sewer main

In February, the Board approved the rehabilitation of the S1 sewer main and requested that management confirm the contingency and risk mitigation strategies in place for this critical and high-risk project. The Board noted that management has developed a range of strategies and plans to mitigate and manage any disruption that may eventuate as a result of this project.

Insurance update

The Board received its regular insurance update, during which it noted the organisation has successfully managed and recovered claims from a range of natural events, including the 2011 and 2013 floods and, most recently, the 2014 hail event.

CUSTOMER

Customer onboarding

QUU is committed to ensuring that new customers have a positive first experience. One way in which QUU will achieve this is through targeted and timely introductory engagement. QUU is working to streamline and expedite the time it takes to initiate this engagement from the time a property transfers by leveraging off a new technology platform that is being introduced into Queensland (PEXA).

PEOPLE

Planning Group - safety risks

This month, the Board received a safety presentation from the Asset and Infrastructure Planning Group. Safety presentations allow the Board to conduct its due diligence to ensure that management is appropriately managing and mitigating against hazards and risks linked to the activities each group is responsible for.

Safety performance

QUU continues to embed its ’safety first’ culture throughout the business, and is pleased to report that February was free of lost-time injuries.

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16.5 Local Law Customer Requests Management - Health & Regulatory Services

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Peter Driemel, Coordinator Waste Management Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to detail the number and type of Customer Service Requests (CRMs) currently being investigated by Council Local Law officers to gain an understanding of the issues involved and the proposed program to improve service standards in this area.

Officer’s Recommendation

This document is for Council’s information only.

Report

1. Introduction

From 2 January 2015 to 31 March 2015, Council received in excess of 1,600 Customer Requests (CRM’s) relating to Local Law matters within the ambit of responsibility of the Health & Regulatory Unit (Refer Table 1). Extrapolated over a 12 month period, the Health and Regulatory Unit manages approximately 6,500 CRMs or the equivalent of eight (8) new complaints per officer per working day.

Of this figure, Councils Local Law officers have had approximately 958 CRMs referred for investigation. There are currently 392 CRM’s outstanding with 85 of these CRMs being carried over from 2014. Within this same time frame Local Law officers have completed 651 CRM’s.

2. Background

In 2008 (post amalgamation) Council employed a local laws officer, three (3) animal control officers and a shared administration support officer within the Health & Regulatory Unit .

In 2009 Council employed an additional senior animal control officer and in 2010, a full time dedicated animal control administration officer.

In early 2014, two (2) animal control officers were transitioned across from the State Award to the Federal Award. With this transition came the expectation that these officers would become “Local Laws” officers and enforce other local laws in addition to animal control duties.

Currently a total of four (4) full time equivalent positions have been recognized in the local laws team. It should be noted that one officer is currently transitioning to the Pest Management portfolio with a replacement officer engaged in March 2015. Impacting on

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service standards, this new officer has limited experience in the role and as such will continue to be partnered with experienced staff for a period up to twelve (12) months. 3. Report

The types of CRM’s now being investigated by local laws officers have diversified to cover a range of Council local laws and is expected to further diversify with the introduction of new and amended Local laws (Regulated Parking) not to mention the devolution of State Laws (e.g. Asbestos under the Public Health Act 2011).

It must also be remembered that when an investigation is undertaken e.g. barking or roaming dog issue, it usually results in the detection of other local law breaches e.g. unregistered dogs, excess dogs, inadequate fencing. These additional breaches while not captured in the overall CRM figures, none the less increase the time that is taken to resolve the matter.

Seasonal influences with the resulting impact of more CRM’s (e.g. overgrown land after rain events) also places increased pressure on officers to reactively respond to these issues which under normal circumstances would be considered a low priority response issue.

As the population increases the demand for Council responses to community concerns and issues equally increases which in turn inadvertently has a negative impact on response times. Identifying community wants (expectations) in comparison to realistic community needs and thereafter Council’s ability to achieve these needs must be undertaken. This will be partially achieved by Council’s initiative to engage an external party to review roles and responsibilities.

In an attempt to meet these increasing demands within existing resource constraints, it has been identified that some immediate actions should be taken including but not limited to understanding current officer competencies followed by upskilling and training as required.

In order to meet pressing issues, local law officers have to date:  been given specialised training in high priority needs.(e.g. “authorised officers,” “asbestos awareness,” “litter & illegal dumping” & “animal management (cats & dogs)”;  been allocated designated geographical areas; and  commenced the use of increased enforcement options for common offences (e.g. dog registration).

In addition Council has embarked on a local law review including roles and responsibilities for officers.

4. Conclusion The underlying concern that is statistically evident in relation to local law enforcement is that the current number of CRM’s is not diminishing with the current levels of officer numbers and competencies. In the short term, it is anticipated that increased community education by Council and use of the full suite of enforcement tools will have an initial impact on lowering CRM numbers and changing community culture and expectations. However, in the longer term, changes to Council’s local laws and service standards will be required to address ever increasing community expectations.

Attachments 1View Local Law 1 Page

Page 176 Local Law Customer Requests Management - Health & Attachment 1 Regulatory Services Local Law

Attachment 1 16.5 Page 177

ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL AGENDA 15 APRIL 2015

16.6 Economic Development Initiatives - Quarterly Report

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Helen McCraw, Senior Economic Development Coordinator Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers

Summary:

The purpose of the report is to update Councillors of the recent economic development activities and to report on the progress of delivering the key actions that are identified in the Lockyer Valley Economic Development Plan 2013 - 2018.

Officer’s Recommendation

This document is for Council’s information only.

Report

1. Introduction

Council’s five year Economic Development Plan 2013 - 2018 provides strategic direction and the economic vision for the Lockyer Valley focusing on economic growth including employment and investment within the region.

2. Background

This report focuses on the initiatives, projects and activities that are currently being undertaken to support and assist local business to develop, grow and expand and to attract new business and investment to the region.

Implementation of the Economic Development Plan is focused on key results areas to help facilitate successful implementation. The key results areas from the plan are:

 Strengthen the region’s position as a leading agricultural production area;  Strengthen key town centres;  Increase and diversify employment opportunities;  Proactively facilitate investment; and  Raise the profile of the Lockyer Valley.

3. Report

Local businesses are an important part of the local economy, and have a significant impact on the economic strength of the region. Providing information and building capacity within the local businesses community is one of the tools local governments can utilise to support business and the local economy.

Currently Council provides information to businesses through newsletters, online services and promoting and hosting local business forums, workshops and events.

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An electronic newsletter was distributed to local businesses on 17 February, and followed up with a local business events alert on 3 March. Currently the distribution database contains 213 email addresses which have been collected at Council hosted local business events. The newsletter was opened by 112 recipients and forwarded onto 37 additional email addresses.

Individual businesses regularly contact Council seeking information on establishing new business, seeking professional development and managing growth. Assistance provided to business people recently includes:

 Researching available business grants and financial assistance;  Both local and state regulations pertaining to operating specific home based businesses;  Practical and technical support for listings on the Business and Community directory;  Providing localised demographic and economic data; and  Assistance to use the online Economy ID tools.

Council is also proactively engaging with larger businesses to open a dialogue and get a feel for any significant issues or concerns from industry leaders. Recent visits undertaken include:

 Windolf Farms  Withcott Seedlings; and  University of Queensland Gatton Campus.

As a direct result of this engagement individual assistance has been provided in relation to undertaking a boundary realignment and smoothing some building application issues.

Local Workshops, forums and business events

During March workshops have been hosted for the business category winners and the People’s Choice Award finalists. Facilitated by TAFE Southwest as a value add in addition to their sponsorship. Business category winners explored megatrends and looked at the impact technological advances will have in the future, specifically on the future workforce and organisational change. Customer service was the focus for the People’s Choice finalists, and they examined strategies to connect with their customers in the digital age along with an introduction to business process engineering.

The following are upcoming forums and workshops organised or supported by Council:

22 April Developing Capability Statements Workshop Local business will have the opportunity to improve their chance of securing contracts as they learn how to build a more effective business profile at this workshop hosted by the Dept. of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning in Gatton.

6 May Women in Agriculture – Managing your time and wellbeing in a busy world Council has partnered with Growcom to bring this workshop to Gatton for the benefit of local growers. Participants will look at the opportunities and benefits of cloud accounting which could potentially save time and money and improve business performance.

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20 May Lockyer Valley Investor Forum This forum will feature Michael Matusik and will follow on from the Lockyer Better Business’ networking breakfast. Michael is an experienced presenter and will provide a detailed analysis of the Lockyer Valley property market.

It is planned to utilise Queensland Week in June as a theme to encourage and promote shopping in local stores throughout the Lockyer Valley. Local stores will be encouraged to get involved, theme their shops maroon, and offer Queensland Week promotions and encourage people to shop local. Shoppers will be encouraged to shop local in participating stores and go into the draw to win tickets to the Queensland State of Origin game.

Strengthening the region’s position as a leading agricultural production area

An announcement is expected in May on the outcome of Council’s grant application to the National Stronger Regions fund for the National Food and Innovation Centre.

The National Food & Innovation Centre will highlight the technology and innovation applied by growers and those who support the agricultural sector not only in the Lockyer Valley but nationwide. The Centre will be a showcase of best practice agricultural production, food technology and bio-security and act as an important agri-promotional hub for the sector’s stakeholders.

Through profiling the significance of the agricultural sector to the local, regional and national economy, further exciting opportunities for investment can be identified in food technology, bio diversity and security, introduction of new products and logistic systems and technology to further support the sector. These elements will therefore drive a number of corporate and business visitors to the Centre and it’s on line promotions.

It is expected that the Centre will be a major drawcard not only for locals but also for a number of leisure visitor markets.

Strengthen key town centres

Laidley Paint the Town project is an element of Laidley Futures and aims to encourage building owners in Laidley’s main street to get involved and undertake repainting works particularly on shop fronts and facades to increase the vibrancy and attractiveness of the shopping area. Dulux paints are providing support to the project by offering paint discounts, and photo colour rendering to assist Laidley businesses to undertake the works. Council is also offering a cash incentive of $1000 for the best decorated building, for works undertaken during the project. Council has lead by example and is repainting the former Laidley Library building. The paint you building promotion commenced in November 2014 will run until July 2015. There are currently three businesses that have indicated their intent to participate in the project, and one application for access to discounts from Dulux has been processed.

The Laidley Business Incubator will provide retail and office space for new and start-up businesses to establish themselves in the Laidley town centre. The goal of the initiative is to support business in the establishment phase, with graduation to full commercial activities within 12 – 18 months. The project will activate currently vacant space in the Laidley main street in a cost effective way, which also provides support to the local economy and complements existing local business. The incubator will provide opportunities for local home

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based and small business in the start-up phase to commence trading and test products in a retail market.

Increase employment opportunities

Lockyer Valley BEST (Bringing Employers and Schools Together) is a group of local stakeholders regularly meet to facilitate information sharing and economies of scale for the delivery of projects that benefit employment outcomes for local high school students.

For the second year this group collaborated to deliver a 3 day Ag Inspirations program where local students from all three local high schools explored the many and varied career opportunities in Agriculture. Students visited a number of leading local agricultural businesses and the University of Queensland Gatton Campus where they spent time finding out about the business and the many and varied jobs that go into producing our food.

The group has identified that there is a need to further foster and develop the relationship between the local high schools and UQ Gatton. It was acknowledged that many students are not currently aware of the opportunities to further their studies at UQ Gatton, and many local students and teachers don’t have a good knowledge of the research and activities that occur at the University in their backyard. Lockyer Valley BEST is currently working to strengthen and foster the relationship between the schools, their students and UQ Gatton.

Proactively facilitate investment

Attracting new business, jobs and investment to the region can increase the diversity and prosperity of the local economy. Businesses are generally attracted to areas that offer positive and supportive local business environments, and business investment activity tends to attract further business investment in the area.

There has been a noticeable increase in the number of enquiries relating to business attraction and investment activities, the following are some examples of recent business investment activities:

 Investment in a 150 bed backpacker accommodation facility;  Extension of accommodation capacity at Branell Homestead Bed and Breakfast;  Increased interest in development of the Lakeview Accommodation precinct; and  Strong enquiries and good leads from Sydney promotion and Royal Easter Show.

Raise the profile of the Lockyer Valley

The Sydney Easter Show launch in Martin Place on 24 March was extremely successful and fantastic exposure for the region. Overall we gave away approx. 800 corn fritters, over 1000 cobs of corn and over 500 serves of pumpkin soup made from Lockyer Valley produce by celebrity chef Alastair McLeod. The region also received fantastic coverage on Chanel 7’s Sunrise program with Sam, Kochie, Berrets and Nat trying our produce live on air and encouraging people to visit us in Martin Place and at the show, which was priceless exposure! Over 500 tourism guides were also distributed. Growers Mulgowie Farming Company, Rugby Farms and Qualipac helped out by supplying produce and Nolans have been amazing in transporting all the produce. Bauer's Farms also attended the launch and Rob and Trude were a fantastic support in promoting the region to the masses as usual.

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17. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS

17.1 Friends of Lake Apex (FOLA)

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

At 12.30 pm, a presentation will be made by Dr Wearing on the runoff from woodchester estate and the proposed changes to the operation of the Lake Apex Community Advisory Committee (LACAC).

17.2 Expression of Interest for Catering, Hospitality & Venue Management Services (LVrc-14-32) - Formal Presentation Review

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Craig Drew, Coordinator People Engagement & Culture Responsible Officer: Dan McPherson, Executive Manager Organisational Development & Engagement File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) (f) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage; AND contracts proposed to be made by it.

Summary:

A report to be provided prior to the meeting.

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17.3 Lake View Accommodation Precinct Offers and Evaluation Process

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Jason Harm, Manager Regional Development Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

A report to be provided prior to the meeting.

17.4 Implementation Plan for Business Incubator

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Helen McCraw, Senior Economic Development Coordinator Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

A report will be provided prior to the meeting.

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17.5 Black Duck Valley Moto Park

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

A request has been received in relation to the Black Duck Valley Moto Park that Council determine the use has been abandoned and adopt a resolution to this effect. A review of the facts and circumstances of the facility would be required to address the request.

17.6 Quarterly Report of Exemptions from Obtaining Competitive Offers for the March Quarter 2015

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Sarah Lees, Procurement Coordinator Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (f) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves contracts proposed to be made by it.

Summary:

Under Section 235 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 (the Regulation), a local government may enter into a medium-sized or large-sized contractual arrangement without first inviting written quotes or tenders if –

(a) the local government resolves it is satisfied that there is only 1 supplier who is reasonably available; or (b) the local government resolves that, because of the specialised or confidential nature of the services that are sought, it would be impractical or disadvantageous for the local government to invite quotes or tenders; or (c) a genuine emergency exists; or (d) the contract is for the purchase of goods and is made by auction; or (e) the contract is for the purchase of second-hand goods; or (f) the contract is made with, or under an arrangement with, a government agency.

Under the Regulation, a medium-sized contract is between $15,000 and $200,000 (exclusive of GST) with a large-sized contract being greater than $200,000 (exclusive GST).

To comply with the requirements of the Regulation, Council is now required to make a resolution in relation to Section 235 of the Regulation in relation to these contractual obligations.

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17.7 Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) Participating Loan Refinancing

Date: 07 April 2015 Author: Tony Brett, Manager Finance Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (f) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves contracts proposed to be made by it.

Summary:

This report recommends that Council approves the refinancing of loans between Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU), Brisbane City Council (BCC) and Ipswich City Council (ICC) through a new facility with Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC). The loans between Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Somerset Regional Council and QUU remain unchanged.

17.8 Rates Debtor Update

Date: 08 April 2015 Author: Tony Brett, Manager Finance Responsible Officer: David Lewis, Executive Manager Corporate & Community Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

This report provides an update to Council on the number and type of outstanding rates and charges and the status of concessions offered for financial hardship.

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17.9 Advocacy Agenda Update - Activities/Events Precinct

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Jamie Simmonds, Executive Policy Advisor Mayor/CEO Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

This report is to provide an update on investigation into the location and development of the future Lockyer Valley Showgrounds and Events Precinct.

17.10 Proposal for the Transfer & Development of Lot 4 on SP270923, Philps Road, Grantham

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Jamie Simmonds, Executive Policy Advisor Mayor/CEO Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

Report to be provided prior to the meeting.

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17.11 Proposed Closure of Tender 13/14-14 Purchase & Development of Lot 4 on SP270923, Philps Road,Grantham

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Caitlan Natalier, Solicitor/Legal Services Coordinator Responsible Officer: Jason Bradshaw, Executive Manager Governance and Performance File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

The purpose of this Report is to consider formally closing the tender process for Tender 13/14-14 Purchase and Development of Part of Lot 1 on RP175534 (now Lot 4 on SP270923), Philps Road, Grantham as no conforming tenders were received which could be properly evaluated.

17.12 Proposed Business Opportunity, Gatton

Date: 10 April 2015 Author: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer Responsible Officer: Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

A report will be provided at the meeting.

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17.13 Portobello Subdivision, Helidon Spa

Date: 10 April 2015 Author: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Report to be provided prior to the meeting.

17.14 Development Activity Briefing - First Quarter 2015

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Trevor Boheim, Manager Planning and Environment Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

A review of development activity for the first three months of 2015 shows evidence that the upswing in activity during 2014 is continuing.

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17.15 Compliance Action Undertaken at Murphys Creek Escape and Six Mile Country Retreat on Saturday 4 April 2015 Regarding Development Offences Under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009

Date: 09 April 2015 Author: Trevor Boheim, Manager Planning and Environment Responsible Officer: Mark Piorkowski, Executive Manager Planning & Development Services File No: Formal Papers That the above item be considered in Closed Session to the exclusion of the press and public in accordance with Section 275 (1) (e) of the Local Government Regulation, 2012, as the matter involves other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain a financial advantage.

Summary:

Two camping establishments in the western part of the Lockyer Valley, Murphys Creek Escape and Six Mile Country Retreat, were the subject of compliance action on 4 April 2015. Council officers found solid evidence of a disregard for the parameters and conditions of the development approval at Murphys Creek Escape and the continued operation of Six Mile Country Retreat with no development approval.

18. MEETING CLOSED

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