AGENDA FNQROC BOARD MEETING NO. 118
MONDAY 20 JUNE 2016 AT 10AM Cairns Regional Council, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns
1. Chair’s opening remarks
2. Welcome to Country
3. Apologies
4. Presentations 10.00 am Leslie Shirreffs – Chair, Wet Tropics Management Authority and Scott Buchanan – Executive Director, Wet Tropics Management Authority 10.20 am Stuart Moseley – Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning – Deputy Director- General, Planning Group 3 mins FNQROC Coordinator update each
5. Minutes Minutes of Meeting held on 18 April 2016 Pages 1- 6
6. Business arising out of Minutes Minute No. 2160 & 2130 - Ms Irvine to follow up with Mr Ram regarding reallocation of funding for the Gairloch washaway and the installation and maintenance of tourism directional signage. Minute No. 2162 & 2143 - Mr Sydes to arrange meetings with each council to discuss the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterway Partnership proposal. Minute No. 2163 & 2147 - Cr Scott to discuss the issue of Livestock straying onto roads. Minute No. 2164 & 2147 - Mr Sydes to confirm current position of the Federal Government regarding funding for Yellow Crazy Ants. Minute No. 2165 & 2147 - Ms Irvine to retrieve Pages 7 – 8 the original paper on Flying Foxes and Wallabies.
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Minute No. 2172 - Councillors to provide information to Cr Scott on any matters they would like him to raise at the Developing Northern Australia Conference.
7. Discussion Topics Discussion Topic 16 – Request for Pages 9 – 11 FNQROC Advocacy - Aviation Strategic Planning workshop . Suggestion – dinner 10th October after FNQROC meeting and workshop Tuesday 11th October Advance Cairns Priority Projects Pages 12 - 23 . 8+8 Brief Land Tenure . 8+8 Brief Tariff Equalisation . 8+8 Brief Royalties for the Region . 8+8 Brief NDRRA . 8+8 Policy Technical Brief – NDRRA
8. FNQROC Policy Review
B62 – Update of Operational Guidelines Pages 24 - 33 B63 – Delegation Policy Pages 34 - 38
9. FNQROC Reports and MOUs
10. Correspondence Inward and Outward Correspondence from 7 Pages 39 - 42 April 2016 to 31 May 2016 Ref: 4677 - Deputy Premier, Minister for Pages 43 Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade and Investment - Response regarding progress of local government planning schemes in Far North Queensland Ref: 4693 - Request for letter of support from Page 44 Weipa Town Authority regarding keeping Bertiehaugh Road open Ref: 4698 - Request for letter of support from Page 45 - 46 Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council regarding keeping Bertiehaugh Road open
11. Financial Statements Profit and Loss Statement – current financial year to Pages 47 – 49 31 May 2016
Balance Sheet – current financial year to 31 May Page 50
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2016
Transaction List Part A (bank accounts) – 07 April Page 51 2016 to 31 May 2016
Transaction List Part B (credit card transactions) – Page 52 07 May 2016 to 31 May 2016
12. Minutes of Meetings (7 April to 31 May 2016)
Meetings attended by Darlene Irvine Page 53
Annex. Pages FNQROC RRTG TC – 8 April 2016 1-14
FNQROC Economic Development Group – 15 April Annex Pages 2016 15 – 22 Annex Pages FNQROC Planners Group – 6 May 2016 23 - 30 FNQROC Regional Waste Management Group – 9 Annex. Pages May 2016 31 - 39 FNQROC Asset Management Group – 13 May Annex. Pages 2016 40 - 44 Annex. Pages FNQ Water Alliance – 20 May 2016 45 - 51
FNQROC Natural Asset Management – 26 May Annex. Pages 2016 52 - 56
FNQROC 16/17 Regional Bitumen Reseal/Asphalt Conf. Annex Pages Overlay, Tender Briefing Q&A – 11 April 2016 1 - 3
FNQROC Regional Removal & Beneficial Reuse of Conf. Annex Pages Biosolids – 28 April 2016 4 - 13
FNQROC – Regional Water Chemicals – 28 April Conf. Annex Pages 2016 14 - 20 FNQROC 16/17 Regional Bitumen Reseal/Asphalt Conf. Annex Pages Overlay, Tender Evaluation Workshop – 17 May 21 - 26 2016 FNQROC 16/17 Regional Bitumen Reseal/Asphalt Conf. Annex Pages Overlay, Final Tender Evaluation Workshop – 27 27 - 31 May 2016
13. Board’s Strategic Directions (standing item) Update on FNQROC Strategic Directions Draft Regional Economic Development Priorities Pages 54 - 83
14. Councils’ Strategic Priorities (standing item) Each Council is invited to discuss their Council’s regional strategic priorities if required.
15. LGAQ Policy Executive Update (standing item) To be tabled
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16. Upcoming Training and Workshops
17. General Business
LGAQ Annual Conference – deadline for motions, 26 August 2016
18. Next Meeting Date The next meeting is to be held in Cooktown on Monday 8 August 2016 at 10am.
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MINUTES of the 117th Board Meeting of the FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS
MONDAY 18 APRIL 2016 Cairns Regional Council, Civic Reception Room, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns
PRESENT: Cr Terry James, Deputy Mayor Cairns Regional Council Mr Peter Tabulo, CEO Cairns Regional Council Cr John Kremastos, Mayor Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mr Terry Brennan, CEO Cassowary Coast Regional Council Cr Peter Scott, Mayor (Deputy Chair) Cook Shire Council Tim Cronin, CEO Cook Shire Council Cr Trevor Pickering, Mayor Croydon Shire Council Mr Bill Kirwin, Interim CEO Croydon Shire Council Cr Julia Leu, Mayor Douglas Shire Council Ms Linda Cardew, CEO Douglas Shire Council Ms Mary Brown, Deputy Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mr James Stewart, Executive Hinchinbrook Shire Council Manager Engineering Services Cr Tom Gilmore, Mayor Mareeba Shire Council Mr Peter Franks, CEO Mareeba Shire Council Cr Joe Paronella, Mayor Tablelands Regional Council Mr Ian Church, CEO Tablelands Regional Council Cr Ross James Andrews, Mayor Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Ms Janelle Menzies Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Mr Jeff Jenkins, CEO Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council Cr Desmond Tayley, Mayor Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council Ms Darlene Irvine FNQROC Ms Teresa Schmidt FNQROC Mr Steven Cosatto FNQROC Ms Amanda Hancock FNQROC Mr Travis Sydes FNQROC
OBSERVERS: Cr Katrina Spies Tablelands Regional Council Cr Annette Haydon Tablelands Regional Council Cr Warren Devlin Etheridge Shire Council Mr Paul Taylor Acting Commissioner – North, Queensland Police Service Mr Rob Giason Advance Cairns Ms Linda Richardson Advance Cairns
APOLOGIES: Cr Bob Manning, Mayor Cairns Regional Council
2152 CHAIR’S WELCOME & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL OWNERS
The meeting commenced at 10.00am. Deputy Chair, Cr Peter Scott, Mayor of Cook Shire Council. welcomed everyone to the meeting. Cr Scott extended congratulations to all new Mayors and acknowledged importance of staff within each Council and the value for money FNQROC delivers to the Councils. 1 FNQROC Board Meeting No. 117, Monday 18 April 2016 1
Cr Scott acknowledged the traditional owners, past and present, on whose land we met and acknowledged partnership opportunities with the traditional owners.
2153 APOLOGIES
As noted above.
2154 ROUND TABLE INTRODUCTION
Brief round table introduction from each member.
2155 INTRODUCTION OF PAUL TAYOR – ACTING COMMISSINER – NORTH, QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE
Cr Peter Scott welcomed Mr Paul Taylor to the meeting. Mr Taylor introduced himself and provided a brief summary of his role and the opportunity for collaborative relationships between the Queensland Police Service and Local Government.
Paul Taylor left at 10.10am 2156 10.10am - PRESENTATION BY ROB GIASON
Cr Scott introduced Mr Rob Giason to the meeting. Mr Giason and Cr Scott signed the memorandum of understanding between Advance Cairns and FNQROC.
Mr Giason and Ms Richardson presented FNQROC and each Council (excluding Cairns) with a certificate of membership.
Mr Giason provided an overview of Advance Cairns and the role it plays in the region.
Cr Scott noted that NDRRA was not included in the draft 8+8 advocacy document.
Mr Rob Giason and Ms Linda Richardson left at 10.25am.
2157 10.20am - PRESENTATION BY DARLENE IRVINE
Darlene provided an overview of the role and activities of FNQROC.
More detailed information is contained within the FNQROC 2016 Information Guide distributed to the Mayors and CEO’s at the meeting and sent via mail to all elected members.
A spreadsheet of all FNQROC Technical Committees and council representatives were distributed to Mayors and CEO’s .
2158 ELECTION OF CHAIR
The Board position of Chair was declared open.
Cr Peter Scott
NOMINATED by Cr Trevor Pickering Cr Peter Scott declined
Cr Tom Gilmore
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NOMINATED by Cr Julia Leu SECONDED by Cr Joe Paronella
Cr Tom Gilmore accepted the nomination for Chair.
There being no further nominations, Cr Tom Gilmore was declared elected as Chair of FNQROC.
2159 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the 116th FNQROC Board Meeting held on 8 February 2016, were adopted by flying motion on 25 February 2016.
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES
2160 MINUTE 2130 –REALLOCATION OF FUNDING FOR GAIRLOCH WASHAWAY AND INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TOURISM DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE
Mr James Stewart confirmed that a response from Mr Sanjay Ram from DTMR has not been received.
ACTION: Ms Irvine to follow up with Mr Ram.
2161 MINUTE 2138 & 2120 – DISCUSSIONS WITH MS SANDRA BURKE, DISTRICT DIRECTOR FN DTMR REGARDNG ATSI FUNDS
Mr Jeff Jenkins confirmed a response from DTMR has been received.
Cr Warren Devlin arrived at 11.06 am
2162 MINUTE 2143 – WET TROPICS HEALTHY WATERWAY PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL
Mr Travis Sydes advised that meetings will be arranged at each individual Council to discuss the partnership proposal once the budget and details had been refined.
ACTION: Mr Sydes to arrange meetings with each council to discuss the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterway Partnership proposal.
2163 MINUTE 2147 – RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNERS OF CATTLE WANDERING ON ROADS
A discussion paper prepared by Cr Scott and an e-Research Brief from the Queensland Parliamentary Library ‘Livestock Straying on Highways: Civil Liability for Damages’ were distributed.
ACTION: Cr Scott to discuss the issue of livestock straying onto roads at the next board meeting.
2164 MINUTE 2147 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR YELLOW CRAZY ANTS
Mr Travis Sydes advised that no formal notification has been received.
ACTION: Mr Sydes to confirm current position of the Federal Government regarding funding for Yellow Crazy Ants. 3 FNQROC Board Meeting No. 117, Monday 18 April 2016 3
2165 MINUTE 2147 – RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING FLYING FOXES
Ms Darlene Irvine advised that no action has been taken.
ACTION: Ms Irvine to retrieve the original paper on Flying Foxes and Wallabies.
2166 DISCUSSION TOPIC NO. 16 – TRAINING COSTS AND POLICY NO. 10 – TRAINING
General discussion regarding the Training Policy.
MOVED: Cr Peter Scott
“That the policy be adopted with the following amendment: Delete no. 5 and amend No. 4 to read ...”Registration will be via FNQROC training form being submitted to FNQROC. Upon registration an invoice will be issued. Once the invoice has been issued, no refund is available to the council. Council can substitute the registered attendee with another staff member.”
SECOND: Cr Trevor Pickering CARRIED
2167 FNQROC REPORT – ADVANCE CAIRNS AND FNQROC MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Refer minute no. 2155.
2168 INWARD AND OUTWARD CORRESPONDENCE
Inward and Outward correspondence was noted.
Cr Leu queried the Advance Cairns correspondence regarding Royalties to the Regions. Ms Irvine advised that she would keep members updated as further information came to light.
MOVED: Cr Terry James
“That the inward and outward correspondence be received.”
SECOND: Cr Julia Leu CARRIED
2169 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MOVED: Cr Peter Scott
“That the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet for the current financial year to date be accepted.”
SECOND: Cr John Kremastos CARRIED
2170 MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Noted.
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2171 BOARD’S STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
Update provided within the presentation given at the commencement of the meeting.
2172 COUNCILS’ REGIONAL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
A general discussion was held.
Indigenous investment forum Cr Scott discussed the recent Indigenous investment forum held in Cairns.
Developing Northern Australia Conference
Cr Scott raised the upcoming Developing Northern Australia conference to be held in Darwin on 20-22 June 2016. Cr Scott and Cr Leu advised that they will be attending. Cr Scott requested that FNQROC consider funding 1/3 of the cost to attend the conference. Cr Scott will be requesting 1/3 funding also from Regional Development Australia FNQ&TS.
Mr Peter Franks left at 11.47 am Mr Ian Church left at 11.50 am
A general discussion was held regarding the request and it was felt the more this region is represented the better we will be for it. It is also noted that Cairns Regional Council will be represented but is not seeking financial support.
Moved: Cr Trevor Pickering
“That FNQROC subsidise 1/3 of the cost (estimated to be around $800) for Cr Scott and Cr Leu to represent the region and attend the Developing Northern Australia Conference in Darwin from 20-22 June 2016”.
Seconded : Cr Terry James CARRIED
ACTION: Councillors to provide information to Cr Scott on any matters they would like him to raise at the Developing Northern Australia Conference.
Mr Ian Church and Mr Peter Franks returned 11.55 am
Cr Annette Haydon arrived at 12 pm
Mr Travis Sydes left 12.15pm
2173 LGAQ POLICY EXECUTIVE REPORT
Received and noted.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Cr Gilmore requested that presenters are specifically invited to attend FNQROC Board meetings.
2174 NQLGA 2016 Conference – Cloncurry
Cr Gilmore enquired who will be attending the conference and discussed transport options.
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2175 Impact on aviation industry in the region
Cr Brown raised the issue of the decline in the general aviation industry and the impact on rural and regional areas. Cr Pickering left the meeting 12.27pm
Cr Scott advised that this is the type of issue that can be raised at the Developing Northern Australia conference. Cr Brown to provide further information to Cr Scott.
Ms Irvine mentioned that FNQROC has an Advocacy Policy for this purpose and if a brief detailing the issue and impact could be completed we could consider the matter at the next FNQROC Board meeting.
Cr Pickering arrived back at 12.30pm
2176 NEXT MEETING
The next board meeting will be held at Cairns Regional Council on Monday 20 June 2016.
2177 CONCLUSION
There being no further business the Chair, Cr Gilmore declared the meeting closed at 12.31 pm.
…………………………………. Cr Tom Gilmore Chair
ACTION ITEMS
Minute Action Responsible Person(s) Number 2160 & Ms Irvine to follow up with Mr Ram regarding reallocation FNQROC 2130 of funding for the Gairloch washaway and the installation and maintenance of tourism directional signage. 2162 & Mr Sydes to arrange meetings with each council to discuss FNQROC 2143 the Wet Tropics Healthy Waterway Partnership proposal. 2163 & Cr Scott to discuss the issue of Livestock straying onto Cr Peter Scott 2147 roads. 2164 & Mr Sydes to confirm current position of the Federal FNQROC 2147 Government regarding funding for Yellow Crazy Ants. 2165 & Ms Irvine to retrieve the original paper on Flying Foxes and FNQROC 2147 Wallabies. 2172 Councillors to provide information to Cr Scott on any All Councillors matters they would like him to raise at the Developing Northern Australia Conference.
6 FNQROC Board Meeting No. 117, Monday 18 April 2016 6 Local Government and Wildlife Management – FNQROC Board Briefing September 2013
Preamble Management and intervention in wildlife populations is a complex, sometimes perpetual, often expensive and potentially a socially polarising activity which is not without significant risks for management agents whether they be public or private. The Dept. Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) administer the management/protection of wildlife in Queensland under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA). In the context of this discussion this is achieved through permits for activities which could impact on wildlife, and offences for unauthorised impacts to the same. (The DEHP/NCA also administers more broadly Protected Areas and native flora and fauna.)
Fundamentals All native wildlife in Queensland is protected under the NCA. Some species (e.g. Spectacled Flying Fox and Cassowary) are also protected under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) administered by the Dept. Sustainability, Environment, Water, and Communities (DSEWPaC). Additional provisions (more generally to habitat but sometimes to species level) may be provided by International law e.g. World Heritage Areas (World Heritage Convention) or whales (International Whaling Convention)
Wildlife issues in the far north The primary wildlife concerns to LG in the Far North are Crocodiles, Cassowaries, Flying Foxes, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Agile Wallabies.
Local government do not have a legislative responsibility in wildlife management There is no identification of Local Governments’ role in the management of, or response to, wildlife issues within the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (or any other as far as we can ascertain) other than how the Act applies to ‘all persons generally’. This is in contrast to the clear role of Local Government in pest management as identified by the Land Protection Pest and Stock Route Management Act 2002 or waste management within the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011. The current/pending devolution of various aspects of wildlife management to LG’s is in effect a departmental culture within DEHP. It is certainly not a legislative responsibility, nor should we seek it to be one.
Skills, capacity and resources Local governments do not have the skill, expertise or resources to manage wildlife additional to the other roles/devolutions they must execute (particularly if there is no resource attached)
In order to develop the management plans required to meet permitting requirements (Flying Foxes as an example) external consultants are generally engaged. This is an expensive option which comes at cost to council when the expertise should already be present in the agency charged with their oversight i.e. DEHP. Public liaison and implementation can require a significant resource. This draws funds away from other areas of business. In the event that a specific skill set also needs to be imported to implement a plan (e.g. culling macropods) the financial resource required could be substantial over the life of a program for even a single population (particularly if annual/seasonal treatments are required and the “treatment effect” is short lived).
Tenure and ownership Whilst some wildlife management issues do occur on LG managed lands (e.g. – Flying Fox camps) many situations where wildlife management is requested is on private or State land.
Wildlife is seasonal and highly mobile. Unlike the clear provisions and responsibilities we can prescribe to a legislative issue like weeds, animals, whether they are pest animals (Land Protection Act) or wildlife (Nature Conservation Act) are highly mobile, disperse readily and often have strong seasonal variation in population. Resolving ownership and responsibility can be a complex task. This is compounded in urban areas where Damage Mitigation Permits cannot be entered into by private entities placing pressure on LG’s to consider community requests for complex urban wildlife population management exercises (Agile Wallabies are a fine example of this predicament). Weighing up private and public benefit, animal welfare, social backlash, liability and external activism are just some of the few obstacles to be overcome.
7 Adverse effects because of the unpredictability and dynamic behaviour of wildlife any management action has the potential to cause adverse effects.
At an ecological level the risks are relatively clear and are, in effect, governed by a State and Federal oversight in the permit system. Economically intervention programs can expend tens to hundreds of thousands dollars only to see the issue re-merge at a later date (or materialise somewhere else). There is a well-documented risk in relocation program of simply moving the issue (population) somewhere else. In the context of the far north (Wet Tropics in particular) this could mean dispersal to neighbouring areas/regions. Localised impacts from inadvertently increasing the risk to vulnerable/undesirable locations due to actions in another are very real e.g. relocation of flying foxes into an airstrike zone or school ground (or the fig trees outside Spence Street?)
Devolution What’s going on here? We should be reasonably cautious of the assumptions made so far in this dialogue with the State. By way of example the following statement published in a recent guideline was a source of angst for many “Councils are acknowledged as an elected level of government, empowered to act in the public interest and are the principal managers of problem flying-fox roosts.” (source A new approach to managing flying fox roosts, Discussion Paper May 2013, DEHP)
If it is not immediately apparent…..one could interpret this and the way the state has played the empower- local-government card as highly strategic (even politically savvy). This is a consistent theme across the issue with insistence from Ministers (and Premier) that LG’s should do more to respond to the communities concerns relating to “problem wildlife”. This devolution has taken the form of capitalising on the desire of elected Councillors to respond to community pressure/concerns, coupled with a freeing up of “green tape”. This can now be rather astutely be called “empowering Councils”, providing the State Dept. with the directive to manage wildlife with a rather convenient, and relatively resource/backlash free exit from what is an escalating problem.
Of key concern to local governments should be the precedent they set for their communities in regard to wildlife management. If they establish themselves as the ‘problem solver’ in this space for one issue (i.e. flying fox camps) then they run the risk of becoming the go-to for others as they arise.
Wildlife management is a growing issue. Key questions to be addressed
Where in the legislation does it identify Local Government has a responsibility to manage wildlife populations in conflict in with human habitation?
What is DEHP doing to respond to the causative drivers of urban wildlife population issues?
What is DEHP doing in regard to community liaison, communication and extension in relation to urban wildlife population issues?
What is DEHP’s capacity to manage urban wildlife populations (outside of the advisory stance currently taken) and how will these gaps be addressed?
It is evident in the recent resourcing of Crocodile management that QGOV can and will lead management of wildlife populations in proximity to human habitation. There are clearly some deeply entrenched departmental cultures/opinions in regard to responding to less ‘charismatic’ wildlife life (agile wallabies). What policy rationale does DEHP apply to the selection of State led versus State devolved activities in this space and what consultation with local government has taken place in its development?
What opportunities are there to develop ‘genuinely collaborative’ arrangements to respond to urban wildlife population issues into the future?
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Discussion Topic No. 16
Request for FNQROC Board Advocacy Subject - Aviation
Raised by: Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Executive Officer’s recommendation to the Board for discussion: The FNQROC has no prior discussions and the Executive Officer has no working knowledge of this industry. The Executive Officer will be guided by the decision of the board.
Background:
Cr Mary Brown, Hinchinbrook Shire Council has requested FNQROC to advocate on the issues facing the Australian Aviation industry. In support of the request Cr Brown has addressed the considerations outlined in the FNQROC Board Policy No. 8 – Advocacy (refer attached) and provided a copy of the Australian Aviation Association Forum – Aviation Policy 2016.
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Request for FNQROC Board Advocacy in accordance with FNQROC Policy No. 8 - Advocacy
Title: General Aviation
Submitted by: Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Considerations: The considerations should include: 1. What is the issue to be addressed? I believe the Australian Aviation Associations Forum (TAAAF) – Aviation Policy 20161 sets out very clearly the issues facing the Australian Aviation industry currently and more importantly offers a solution to how these issues can be addressed. As a summary: a. There is a need to ensure the foundations are sound; that our regulatory and policy environment is conducive to growth and there is sufficient capacity in terms of trained people and modern infrastructure to meet forecast demand, and b. Address the opportunity to build on our expertise to provide a range of services to the burgeoning aviation sector in the Asia Pacific. Australia should be an important regional leader in key aspects of aviation such as flight training, maintenance, air traffic management, security and regulatory controls, technology, avionics and manufacturing of small to medium aircraft and components.
2. Why is it important? (What is the impact on council/s or their communities?) Aviation support in rural and regional economies is critical for both economic and social support. In rural communities, the provision of aviation services to support local government, cattle mustering, aerial spraying, private transport, freight and passenger movement, tourism services, support services to essential service providers (such as Ergon), emergency services in times of natural disaster( such as flooding) – are critical to the sustainability of these economies and communities. It is not just the flying component that is essential; it is also the supporting services such as maintenance, aviation fuel and serviceable airport provision. In regional communities, the provision of charter or regular passenger transport, tourism service provision, flying training, engineering apprenticeship training – this is the foundation of the industry and where the incubation and development of the skillsets that are essential to the sustainability of the industry are traditionally provided. The last 10-15 years has seen a dramatic decline in the provision of these services and attraction into the industry – the full effects of which have not yet been felt, however are beginning to be evidenced through the closure of many rural and regional aviation service providers, across all aspects of the industry.
1 A copy of the policy can be obtained from FNQROC Request for FNQROC Board Advocacy | 1
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3. What change can be made to resolve the issue? The TAAF policy document outlines the changes industry believes are needed. Their key policy priorities are: a. A national Aviation Strategy in partnership with industry with a focus on safety, job creation, and growth. b. Modernisation of the Civil Aviation Act and alignment to international standards c. Sale of Airservices and creation of an Aviation Future Fund d. Urgent policy action on aviation education and training e. New approaches to general aviation, manufacturing, security and regional aviation.
4. What outcome are we looking for? Raised awareness from political representatives. The industry has for many years been trying to work with the regulator to address these issues, however have not achieved the outcomes that are required to rectify the issues. The industry has over the past several turned its attention to political awareness.
5. Who should take the lead?
I’m really unsure how to respond to this question? Whilst the aviation industry has been advocating strongly for quite some time because the decline of the industry has a far reaching effect on all rural and regional communities, this discussion has relevance at all levels, in those communities. This is why the industry is looking to garner support at “non aviation” level, to strengthen the advocacy.
Request for FNQROC Board Advocacy | 2
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LAND TENURE & LEASE REFORM
COUNCIL LOCATION FNQ ROC SHIRES STATE ELECTORATE CAIRNS/BARRON RIVER/ COOK/DALRYMPLE FEDERAL ELECTORATE LEICHHARDT / KENNEDY STATE / TERRITORY DNRM/DIRP/DSD AGENCY INVESTMENT TYPE AGRICULTURE/MINING
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Northern Australian Ministerial Forum (NAMF) requested James Cook University (The Cairns Institute) and CSIRO to prepare a report under the direction of its Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) exploring issues associated with land tenure in the context of future investment.
Land Tenure in Northern Australia: Opportunities and challenges for investment identifies key actions required to ensure land tenure arrangements facilitate rather than hinder investment. It confirms that the challenges are compelling and solutions require cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
The report also recognizes that Indigenous tenures cover some 94% of northern Australia and finds that conflict over land and resource use leads to the major problems associated with tenure.
Three avenues to reduce impediments to investment and development in the north are encouraged:
1. Improve landscape-scale land and water planning to prevent larger scale conflict leading to complexities in tenure resolution at the property scale; 2. Improved development assessment; and 3. Increase consistency and minimise complexity through improved tenure arrangements, as identified in the Queensland Parliamentary Committee’s Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure across Queensland.
Key recommendations from the 2014 state government land tenure Inquiry include:
Consolidation of departments’ responsibilities in administering the tenure of various forms of state land; Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) in future development Areas; support for pastoralists seeking to extend or roll over lease agreements by establishing services to facilitate the streamlined development of development areas; The Inquiry also noted that tenure resolution impacted business certainty which was critical to the tourism sector.
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RECOMMENDATION
The region’s priorities for tenure reform to facilitate a significant increase in investment are:
Cohesive, Bilateral and Long-term Regional Land Use Planning in contested landscapes, leading to enhanced mechanisms to facilitate the negotiation of tenure resolution in Cape York and Torres Strait; Enhance Water Planning and Allocation by developing stronger water equity principles, water supply options and area based approaches to vegetation management in the Gilbert and Mitchell catchments, further development of the Cape York Water Resources Plan and planning for the strategic use of water in the Lakeland sub-region; Establish an Office of the Coordinator General for Northern Queensland to effectively coordinate strategic regional efforts and major investment project assessment processes and associated tenure resolution (see also HQ Attraction policy priority); Stronger coordinated support raising capacity of Indigenous Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) to plan the future of their estates and negotiate tenure-based issues enabling financing and investment attraction to achieve their development aspirations; Review the currently prohibitive costs for PBC’s to determine ILUAs Continued State efforts in Leasehold Reform to progress freeholding in strategic locations and to increase flexibility needed to enhance diversification in the pastoral lease estate. Relax restrictions on Trustee Lease/State Land use enabling local decision making.
PROJECT PROPONENT
Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait (RDA FNQ&TS) Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Council (FNQROC)
PROJECT LOCATION Far North Queensland and Torres Strait RDA Region
CONTACTS
CEO Advance Cairns [email protected] 07 4091 2901
Jann Crase, CEO RDA FNQ&TS [email protected] 07 4041 1729
Darlene Irvine, EO FNQROC [email protected] 07 4044 3038 Last updated 7 June 2016
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MAINTAIN ELECTRICITY TARIFF EQUALISATION SUBSIDY IN REGIONAL QUEENSLAND
COUNCIL LOCATION CAIRNS / DOUGLAS COOK / TABLELANDS MAREEBA STATE ELECTORATE CAIRNS/BARRON RIVER/ COOK/DALRYMPLE
FEDERAL ELECTORATE LEICHHARDT / KENNEDY
STATE / TERRITORY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AGENCY AND WATER SUPPLY INVESTMENT TYPE POLICY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Queensland Government has provided annual funding of approximately $650m for tariff equalization subsidy for Regional Queensland domestic users. These funds have now been directed to Ergon Energy.
Regional Queensland including Cairns and the Far North, currently suffers unsustainable electricity costs which are detrimentally affecting the viability of regional industries and SMEs, as well as increasing cost of living pressures on urban/domestic consumers. Another 10 percent increase is proposed for 2016-2017 with residential prices also tipped to rise again. Additionally a 5% headroom charge introduced in 2013 to allow competition in the south-east, is applied statewide regardless of the fact that there is only one provider in regional Queensland.
High and increasing electricity prices will further jeopardize industry growth opportunities across the region and be contrary to Queensland and Federal government efforts to increase jobs and growth across the region.
The aim of the Uniform Tariff Policy (UTP) is to provide that wherever possible, customers of the same class should pay no more for their electricity, regardless of their geographic location in Queensland. This is premised on the understanding that the UTP will deliver electricity as an essential service, on a fair basis, regardless of location and to encourage economic development in regional Queensland.
The Queensland Productivity Commission’s final reports on Electricity Pricing Inquiry and Solar Feed-In Pricing Inquiry are both due by 31st May 2016. This is also the date by which 2016-17 regional electricity prices have to be gazetted by the Qld Competition Authority.
The Uniform Tariff Policy needs to be maintained to deliver equitable electricity pricing into the future.
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RECOMMENDATION
Queensland Government maintains its commitment to the Uniform Tariff Policy and annual payment of the Community Service Obligation to ensure equitable access to electricity prices for regional consumers and to enable the region to retain a level footing in attracting industry and to support population growth.
The Queensland Government removes the 5% headroom requirement in areas where there is no electricity supplier competition.
The Queensland Government removes the Feed In Tariff (FIT).
PROJECT PROPONENT
Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland & Torres Strait (RDA FNQ&TS) and Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Council (FNQROC)
PROJECT LOCATION
Tropical North Queensland
CONTACTS
CEO Advance Cairns
[email protected] 07 4091 2901
Jann Crase, CEO RDA FNQ&TS
[email protected] 07 4041 1729
Darlene Irvine, EO FNQROC [email protected] 07 4044 3038 Last updated 7 June 2016
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ROYALTIES FOR THE REGIONS
COUNCIL LOCATION ALL REGIONAL QUEENSLAND LGAs STATE ELECTORATE CAIRNS/BARRON RIVER/ COOK/DALRYMPLE FEDERAL ELECTORATE LEICHHARDT / KENNEDY STATE / TERRITORY STATE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TREASURY INVESTMENT TYPE POLICY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Building our Regions Regional Infrastructure Fund was designed to ensure that regional communities receive real, long-term royalty benefits through better planning and infrastructure investment. The concept is to return a proportion of state royalties to resource regions experiencing ‘growing pains’, in order to help fund the community infrastructure needed to support growth.
Through this mechanism, communities can better manage the impacts of resources sector development and ensure they have the funds to support jobs, foster economic development and remain liveable and sustainable into the future, while taking advantage of the opportunities that come with resources growth.
As at 30 June 2015, the estimated resident population (ERP) for Queensland was 4,778,854; and the ERP for Regional Queensland (outside of Greater Brisbane) was 1,522,506 or 32% of the total State ERP.
A delegation of Queensland Natural Resource Management Body officers travelled to Western Australia to review that government’s Royalties for Regions program with the intent of identifying opportunities which may be used to enhance Queensland’s program.
Applying the WA model where the percentage of royalties payable to councils, equals the percentage of population residing regionally, would have resulted in an investment to regional Queensland councils of approximately $755m (based on 32% of the $2,346,000.00 Royalty Revenue) in comparison to the actual investment committed of $100m per annum over two years.
This significantly increased investment returned to regions through regional councils would enable identification, planning and self-funding of large infrastructure projects on an annual basis.
16
RECOMMENDATIONS
Queensland Government adopts the model of royalties’ distribution where total royalties are allocated to regional Queensland according to percentage of total regional population.
Queensland Government moves to legislate distribution based on an agreed model.
An independent oversight committee monitors delivery of the program objectives with consideration given to distribution in sparsely populated areas.
PROJECT PROPONENT The combined economic organisations of Advance Cairns, RDA FNQ&TS and FNQ ROC representing the Cairns, Tablelands, Mt Isa and Cape York regions.
PROJECT LOCATION
Tropical North Queensland
CONTACTS
CEO Advance Cairns [email protected] 07 4091 2901
Jann Crase, CEO RDA FNQ&TS [email protected] 07 4041 1729
Darlene Irvine, EO FNQROC [email protected] 07 4044 3038 Last updated 7 June 2016
17
NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF & RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS
COUNCIL LOCATION ALL TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND LGAs STATE ELECTORATE CAIRNS/BARRON RIVER/ COOK FEDERAL ELECTORATE LEICHHARDT / KENNEDY STATE / TERRITORY EMA AGENCY QRA DILGP
INVESTMENT TYPE POLICY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
There is no clear response from the Commonwealth Government in relation to the Productivity Commission’s recommendations for disaster funding compounding the already complex issue of disaster response and recovery planning.
The Productivity Commission recommendations for Disaster Funding infer a retraction of financial support for those areas affected by a disaster which has caused considerable concern for both State and Local Governments.
Under existing arrangements, Councils contribute funds up to a ‘trigger’ point before they can receive any support. As at January 2016 Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils had not received confirmation from Emergency Management Australia that the annual trigger point requirements are an acceptable demonstration of the exhaustion of Councils’ resources.
Without clear direction on funding allocation or a suitable model of funding allocation, Local Governments are limited in their ability to provide a swift response after a disaster event without significantly impacting planned capital works risking the further deterioration of community assets.
Additionally investment in regions is impacted as unsupported community infrastructure effects risk assessment, business continuity and access to markets.
Councils contribute significantly to the preparation and restoration of their communities after an event. Considerable Council resources are directed to assets deemed non-essential under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) which can include all restoration works outside of a road network. There is a concern among local government authorities that the new approach to NDRRA by the Commonwealth Government for agreed project costs of restoration prior to an event does not allow for consideration of the variations that will occur in extent of damage and distance from service centres.
18
RECOMMENDATIONS
Australian Government provides a response to the Productivity Commission recommendations on NDRRA.
All jurisdictions collaborate to develop workable guidelines that will ensure effective and efficient post natural event recovery.
PROJECT PROPONENT The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.
PROJECT LOCATION
Tropical North Queensland
CONTACTS
CEO Advance Cairns [email protected] 07 4091 2901
Jann Crase, CEO RDA FNQ&TS [email protected] 07 4041 1729
Darlene Irvine, EO FNQROC [email protected] 07 4044 3038 Last updated 7 June 2016
19 8+8 POLICY
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND BRIEF
POLICY PRIORITY NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS
Urging for a response and decision from Australian Government on the Productivity Commission’s recommendations for Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements
OUTCOME
Updated NDRRA Guidelines developed collaboratively with State and Local Government bodies and in consideration of the true costs and impacts on local economies. OUTPUT
Emergency Management Australia responds to the recommendations of the Productivity Commission PHYSICAL ADDRESS OR AREA
The Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils membership includes Cairns Regional Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council Cook Shire Council Croydon Shire Council Douglas Shire Council Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mareeba Shire Council Tablelands Regional Council Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council, and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
Their area covers over 250,000 square kilometres in Far North Queensland and encapsulates the World Heritage Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef.
BACKGROUND DATA
While the NDRRA Guidelines have changed very little, the determinations have regularly changed over the years. In 2014 the Abbott government tasked the Productivity Commission with finding new ways to strike a balance between constantly allocating funds for costly repairs to disaster damaged infrastructure and longer term investment in mitigation measures that could prevent or reduce the scale of asset destruction in the future.
The draft report was released in September 2014 with a small window for written submissions (21 October 2014) and the final report was sent to Government in December 2014 and released in May 2015. To date there has been no response by Government to the recommendations within the final report which included that financial support to the states and territories for natural disaster relief and recovery be reduced while mitigation funding be increased to enc ourage governments to manage natural disaster risks more sustainably and equitably.
FNQROC provided a written submission to the Issues Paper (May 2014) in June 2014 and
20 again provided a submission in response to the Draft Report in October 2015 .
Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC) member Councils have been recognised by Federal and State Governments for their best practice in counter disaster operations, emergent works and restoration. The processes and framework that underpins this have been developed to meet the needs of their communities pre, during and post natural disaster events.
There is a need for the State and Commonwealth governments to show commitment to restoring the region after a natural disaster. Private investment in the region is likely to be difficult if essential and social infrastructure within the region deteriorates as a result of reduced Commonwealth and State support to restore infrastructure within the region.
Local government authorities are waiting on the Federal Government’s response to the Productivity Commission review and recommendations without which, there is no certainty of the direction forward.
Councils contribute significantly to preparing and restoring their communities after an event. A significant amount of resources are put to those assets not deemed essential under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA); generally this is for all restoration works outside of a road network. In addition to this local government authorities contribute funds up to a ‘trigger’ point before they can receive any support. As at January 2016 there has been no confirmation that the annual trigger point requirements are an acceptable demonstration of the exhaustion of Councils’ resources from Emergency Management Australia.
The Productivity Commission recommendations for Disaster Funding displayed a clear direction to retract financial support for those areas affected by a disaster which has caused considerable concern for both State and Local Governments. Whilst the Federal Government has assured Councils that there is reluctance to lessening their support, there is no clear direction forward to allow response planning with confidence. This lack of direction could result in significant financial hardship for a local government area resulting in a further backlog of asset maintenance and renewal thus making the region less appealing for an investor.
FNQROC is aware that audits and reviews have been undertaken on the benefits and savings as a result of the Federal Inspectorate and Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) however, it argues that these ‘savings on ineligible claims’ are a result of unclear Commonwealth policy with the interpretation consistently changing at both the Commonwealth and State level.
A proposed new approach to NDRRA by the Federal government includes the possibility of an upfront agreed restoration of essential public asset (REPA) cost. The QRA were at one stage looking to agree project costs up front with each Council and sought tender rates for the 2013 and 2014 contracts and Councils own rates to build a data base of these unit rates. It appears that rates will be ‘locked’ for Councils. This concerns us as: 1. Each Council area and sometimes areas within a Council will have differing rates depending on the damage and the distance from a service centre. 2. QRA representatives have advised that there may be a contingency and possibility to be able to go back to the QRA to request additional funds if the agreed amount is exceeded. Confidence in this occurring is very low with a high expectation that the requirements needed to justify additional funds could never be met by Councils; especially if we can’t put in place processes to prepare substantiating evidence for all projects to show an underspend from one task or project could not be carried over to address an overspend (due to underestimation) of another. This exposes Councils to a high risk of funding the difference as construction cannot be halted once begun. As the next season for events approaches, it is concerning that discussions between the Federal and State governments have become quite complex on this issue and there is no resolution in sight. 3. Also concerning are the discussions around betterment; it is understood that the current deal is the Federal government will fund 70% if 5% of the costs are going to betterment (essentially, that 5% will come from Councils). It has not been made clear how this would be determined.
Resolutions to the issues of the ineligibility of day labour and internal plant hire for counter disaster
21 operations, emergent and restoration works are also a consideration. As an example: Currently a contractor’s costs re can be covered for day labour and plant hire but a Council’s costs for the same task cannot. For NDRRA funds to be utilised in the most effective and efficient way, local Councils and their workforces could be used which would re-engage community and support the economy of a town.
Within Queensland there is the opportunity to utilise ‘Building our Regions’ funding toward this purpose. See Royalties for the Regions Policy Priority. Until there is a clear direction and response from the Commonwealth Government on the recommendations from the Productivity Commission the following are affected: - Investment in the region – While Federal support post a natural event remains unclear, due diligence will render the region risky for investment in terms of business continuity and access to markets;
- Local Governments ability to swiftly respond after an event - With limited finances and no clarity as to the support which will be provided by both the State and Federal Governments prioritisation of recovery tasks is impacted. Local government authorities do not have the ability to fund restoration works and ‘hope’ they will be reimbursed. Use of funding for this type of capital expenditure means existing assets in need of renewal are neglected, further deteriorating assets supporting the community.
POLICY ALIGNMENT
The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) represent a comprehensive national policy and financial framework for disaster relief and recovery.
Under the National Partnership Agreement for Natural Disaster Reconstruction and Recovery, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority is trialling a proposed model for the use of day labour in disaster reconstruction.
White Paper on Developing Northern Australia, Australian Government June 2015.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS
This region exports $1,462 million1 (2012-13) in agricultural product per year, accounting for 20.3% of the total exports from the region, providing 2.7% contribution to the national GDP (12.4% contribution to Queensland). A memorable example of the impact of natural disasters on the Australian public came after Cyclones Larry and Yasi with respect to the price of fruit and vegetables, in particular bananas.
Tourism visitation to this region is worth $2.6 million per year in direct output, representing 9.7% of GRP (2013-14). The tourism industry directly employs more than 17,500 people in the region, equating to 13.4% of the region’s employment base. (Cummings Economics, Summary of Impacts on the TNQ Region Economy, 2013-14).
In terms of reconstruction, better value for money could be achieved by allowing Councils to utilise their own workforces and claim day labour. In addition, much of the construction required post disaster event needs to be delivered to higher engineering standards in response to risk mitigation with which local workforces and expertise are familiar. Using local labour – within and external to Councils would increase local employment assisting social and economic recovery; and reduce costs to State and Federal Government through limiting establishment costs, food, accommodation etc.) for imported contractors. Benefits include: 1. Priority re-engagement of local/regional supply chain 2. More efficient use of local resouces 3. Retention of skilled staff locally.
22 4. Increase of economic benefit to communities as wages will flow through the community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
Type of Report Title Publishing Date (M/Y)
Issues Paper Productivity Commission - Natural Disaster Funding - 9 May 2014 Issues Paper FNQROC Submission FNQROC Submission to 6 June 2014 Issues Paper Draft report Productivity Commission – 25 September 2014 Disaster Funding, Draft Report FNQROC Submission FNQROC submission on 21 October 2014 Draft report
CONSULTATION/STAKEHOLDER REGISTER Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Cairns Regional Council Cairns Chamber of Commerce Local Government Association of Queensland Advance Cairns
23
FNQROC MEETING B62 20 JUNE 2016
UPDATE OF OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
Darlene Irvine: 5114830
Recommendation: That the proposed amended FNQROC Operational Guidelines as attached in Appendix A be adopted.
INTRODUCTION:
The last review of the FNQROC Operational Guidelines occurred 15 April 2013. Given the steady growth in scope within FNQROC it is timely to document the ‘unwritten’ processes undertaken to ensure new members and council staff are aware of how the organisation operates. These changes have been made to ensure the FNQROC Operational Guidelines remain current and relevant to the intent of member council.
BACKGROUND:
FNQROC is an unincorporated organisation with membership of:
Cairns Regional Council Cassowary Regional Council Cook Shire Council Croydon Shire Council Douglas Shire Council Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mareeba Shire Council Tablelands Regional Council Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Council
The first Operational Guidelines was developed in 2008 when the Charter was reviewed and the decision was made to extrapolate operational activities contained within it. It was further reviewed in 2013.
Page 1 of 2 24
OPTIONS:
1. Adopted the proposed amended FNQROC Operational Guidelines 2. Adopted an amended proposed FNQROC Operational Guidelines 3. Remain with the current FNQROC Operational Guidelines
Statutory:
Under the Local Government Act 2009 Council has jurisdiction to ensure good governance in its area.
Financial:
Nil applicable
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Proposed amended FNQROC Operational Guidelines (#1451867 v6) Appendix B – Existing FNQROC Operational Guidelines (#1451867 v5)
CONCLUSION: This review is to ensure the FNQROC Operational Guidelines remain current, clear and relevant.
Darlene Irvine FNQROC Executive Office
Page 2 of 2
25 FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL Appendix A ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS
Operational Guidelines
Adopted [Pick the date]
The Operational Guidelines govern the operational activities of FNQROC and technical committees under the auspice of FNQROC
26
1. Executive Support
FNQROC will employ an Executive Officer on such terms and conditions agreed on by the member Councils and the Executive Officer.
1.1. The position objectives for the Executive Officer are to: Provide effective leadership and business direction within the FNQROC region to ensure the achievement of FNQROC’s strategic directions.
1.2. The principal accountabilities of the position are to include but are not limited to: Representation and advocacy based on individual councils’ adopted policy positions and FNQROC’s adopted policy position. Provision of administrative and financial support for project teams including the ability to identify funding and resourcing needs. Control and report on FNQROC finances, ensuring the financial resources allocated to FNQROC are used in the most cost-effective manner within budget allocation. Undertake Strategic and Business planning. Prepare submissions and reports on a range of initiatives associated with FNQROC activities. Research into emerging issues of interest to FNQROC. Represent FNQROC as directed by the Board and project needs. Maintain a repository for FNQROC information including project files, financial details and research reports. Provision of advice on implications and possible course of action to FNQROC on existing and new initiatives or policy changes by State and Federal Governments. Management of the day-to-day operations of FNQROC, producing meeting agendas, minute preparation, liaison with councillors and staff of member councils, workshop preparation, staff and financial management. Liaison, negotiation and joint action with other Regional Organisation of Councils, State Government agencies, commonwealth agencies, the academic sector, the private sector and the community on a wide range of matters of interest to FNQROC. Broker partnerships with other levels of government and private sector. Establish and maintain contact network with key regional players.
FNQROC Operational Guidelines #1451867 Page 1 of 4
27
2. Resources
2.1. At the March meeting each year, the Executive Officer will present a draft budget for the next financial year for consideration. 2.2. The adopted budget will be referred to the member Councils for inclusion in each of their budgets for the ensuing year.
3. Media Releases
3.1. Releases can be initiated by any member council or the Executive Officer. 3.2. Releases are to be prepared by the Executive Officer. 3.3. The Chair is the principal official spokesperson for FNQROC. 3.4. The Executive Officer can make media statements on any position that has been adopted or endorsed at previous meetings and non-policy organisational and administrative issues. 3.5. Draft releases are to be circulated to the Chair for approval and CEO’s for information, prior to release, unless there is an urgent time-line. If this is the case, then the release is to be circulated as soon as possible. If the comment is verbal, then the Executive Officer will provide a synopsis to the FNQROC members as soon as possible. 3.6. Approved releases are to be circulated to the Mayors and CEO’s for information.
4. Formal Correspondence
4.1. Formal communication from FNQROC is to be signed in accordance to the following: The FNQROC Chair is to sign all formal correspondence to Ministers, and The FNQROC Executive Officer is to sign all formal correspondence other than to Ministers
5. Technical Committees
5.1. Setting up a Technical Committee Setting up a Technical Committee under FNQROC requires endorsement of the FNQROC Board. The decision to set up a technical committee depends on a number factors (but is not limited to): a. Does it fit within the FNQROC Strategic Direction? b. Is it required due to a rapid shift in government policy affecting the region? and c. Do we have or can we get the resources needed?
The request to set up a technical committee can come from either: a. Discussion at the board level on an issue,
28
b. Council/technical committee request or c. External party request
5.2. Technical Committee Operation Technical Committees are required to: 1. Develop a terms of reference, 2. Provide an annual operational plan (considering the FNQROC Strategic Direction) for consideration in the annual budget and operational plan. 3. Tender minutes of meetings for review within the FNQROC Agenda.
5.3. Authority The technical committee has no authority to commit member councils to a course of action unless approval has been obtained from the FNQROC Board. The term ‘commit’ could be interpreted broadly and if guidance is needed between Board meetings it should be sought through the Executive Officer.
5.4. Recommendations to the FNQROC Board It is expected through regional collaborations that recommendations to the FNQROC Board will come from technical committees. These recommendations will vary in complexity and depth. To ensure technical committee recommendations are considered by the FNQROC Board and to make the process ‘simple’ there are a number of ways to highlight recommendations: a. For simple recommendations needing highlighting at the board (i.e. tick and flick) – this can be highlighted within the FNQROC Agenda under the relevant minutes for noting. Adoption of these ‘simple’ recommendations will be recorded in the FNQROC minutes. b. Report to the FNQROC board including the recommendation and justification. This report is signed off by the relevant Coordinator and the Executive Officer - not dissimilar to council reports. However, unlike in council, if the Executive Officer is not prepared to signoff the report and recommendation there is a third option to ensure Board consideration; c. Discussion paper. Discussion papers are used when: i. the matter is relatively simple and a report is overkill ii. The Executive Officer is providing follow up information to inform a decision held over from a previous meeting iii. council wants to raise an issue, iv. the Executive Officer is seeking the Boards guidance or v. The Executive Officer doesn’t agree with the recommendation from a technical committee. This will essentially be a report on the recommendation which includes commentary from the FNQROC Executive Officer.
29
6. FNQ Regional Road and Transport Group Given the boundaries of FNQROC the Far North Queensland Regional Road and Transport Group (FNQRRTG) are almost identical it is of regional benefit to utilise the resources within FNQROC to manage FNQ RRTG.
Given funding is provided by the Department of Transport and Main Road (TMR) and it is a requirement for the District Director to be on the board this group operates under its own constitution and operational guidelines. The Constitution and operational guidelines are complimentary to FNQROC’s Charter and Operational Guidelines.
7. Communication The FNQROC Board has adopted a Communication Strategy which covers expectations of FNQROC Staff and technical committee representatives.
8. Policies Policies will be developed and reviewed by the FNQROC Board as required to ensure effective leadership and delivery of strategic directions.
30 FNQROC Operational Guidelines Appendix B
FNQROC
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES
15 APRIL 2013
FNQROC is a voluntary regional organisation of Councils for Far North Queensland. The Operational Guidelines have been reviewed in conjunction with the Charter.
31 FNQROC Operational Guidelines
1. SECRETARIAT
FNQROC will employ an Executive Officer on such terms and conditions agreed on by the member Councils and the Executive Officer.
The position objectives for the Executive Officer are to: Provide effective leadership and business direction within the FNQROC region to ensure the achievement of FNQROC’s strategic directions.
The principal accountabilities of the position are to include but are not limited to:
Representation and advocacy based on individual councils’ adopted policy positions and FNQROC’s adopted policy position. Provision of administrative and financial support for project teams including the ability to identify funding and resourcing needs. Control and report on FNQROC finances, ensuring the financial resources allocated to FNQROC are used in the most cost-effective manner within budget allocation. Undertake Strategic and Business planning. Prepare submissions and reports on a range of initiatives associated with FNQROC activities. Research into emerging issues of interest to FNQROC. Represent FNQROC as directed by the Board and project needs. Maintain a repository for FNQROC information including project files, financial details and research reports. Preparation of meeting agendas and minutes for the Board, FNQ Regional Road Group and Technical Committee’s. Provision of advice on implications and possible course of action to FNQROC on new external initiatives. Management of the day-to-day operations of FNQROC, producing meeting agendas, minute preparation, liaison with councillors and staff of member councils, workshop preparation, staff management, and financial management. Liaison, negotiation and joint action with other Regional Organisation of Councils, State Government agencies, commonwealth agencies, the academic sector, the private sector and the community on a wide range of matters of interest to FNQROC. Broker partnerships with other levels of government and private sector. Establish and maintain contact network with key regional players.
32 FNQROC Operational Guidelines
2. RESOURCES
At the March meeting each year, the Executive Officer will present a draft budget for the next financial year for consideration.
The meeting will either approve or modify the draft budget.
The adopted budget will be referred to the member Councils for inclusion in each of their budgets for the ensuing year.
3. MEDIA RELEASES
a) Releases can be initiated by any member council or the Executive Officer. b) Releases are to be prepared by the Executive Officer c) The Chair is the principal official spokesperson for FNQROC. d) The Executive Officer can make media statements on any position that has been adopted or endorsed at previous meetings and non-policy organisational and administrative issues. e) Draft releases are to be circulated to the Chair for approval and CEO’s for information, prior to release, unless there is an urgent time-line. If this is the case, then the release is to be circulated as soon as possible. If the comment is verbal, then the Executive Officer will provide a synopsis to the FNQROC members as soon as possible. f) Approved releases are to be circulated to the Mayors and CEO’s for information.
33
FNQROC MEETING B63 20 JUNE 2016
DELGATIONS OF AUTHORITY POLICY
Darlene Irvine: 5116905
Recommendation: That the proposed Delegations Policy as attached in Appendix A be adopted.
INTRODUCTION:
Over a number of years the FNQROC Board has devolved a number of delegations to the Executive Officer through the minutes of meetings. It is proposed that these existing delegations are reviewed and included in a policy to ensure improved awareness and regular review.
Financial Delegations
The current delegations for credit card authority, purchase orders and cheque book signing were endorsed by the Board at its meeting on 4 July 2008. These are out-of-date and require amending to reflect the current arrangements.
FNQROC Employment Contracts
The FNQROC Board at its meeting on 14 February 2011 (minute no. 1485) resolved that the Executive Officer has the authority to periodically extend contracts for a period no longer than 2 years and 6 months.
OPTIONS:
1. Adopt the proposed FNQROC Delegations Policy 2. Adopt an amended proposed FNQROC Delegations Policy
Statutory:
Under the Local Government Act 2009 Council has jurisdiction to ensure good governance in its area.
Financial:
Nil applicable
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix A – Proposed Delegations Policy (#5117316 v1) Appendix B – Existing Delegations and Purchasing Authority (#1736669 v1)
CONCLUSION: This review is to ensure that the delegations are included within a policy to ensure that they are current, transparent and reviewed as required.
Darlene Irvine FNQROC Executive Officer
Page 1 of 1
34 Policy No. 11 Appendix A Delegations Policy
Adopted: XXXXX
Purpose of the policy The purpose of this policy is to prescribe the authority delegated by the FNQROC board to individual parties.
Scope Financial Delegations 1 Business Credit Card Authority Use of the credit card will be in line with accepted local government policies.
Name Transaction Limit Monthly Limit
Executive Officer $7,000 $12,000
Regional Natural Asset Coordinator $2,000 $2,000
Regional Infrastructure Coordinator $1,000 $1,000
Regional Procurement Coordinator $1,000 $1,000
Regional Project and Office Coordinator $2,000 $2,000
2 Purchase Authorisation
For purchases which do not form part of the adopted FNQROC operational budget:
Delegation Level Expenditure Level
FNQROC Resolution $150,000 plus
FNQRRTG Up to $150,000
Executive Officer $50,000
3 Cheque Signing Authority Two (2) signatures are required on a cheque (account no. 102219687) from either: FNQROC Executive Officer FNQROC Board Chair CEO of Council of elected Board Chair CEO Cairns Regional Council
FNQROC Policy No. 11 – Delegations #5117316 P a g e | 1 35
FNQROC Staff Contracts FNQROC Executive Officer has the authority to action employment contracts in line with the adopted FNQROC operational plan and periodically extend employment contracts for a period of no longer than 2 years and 6 months.
This policy is to remain in force until otherwise determined by FNQROC.
Originally Adopted: xxxxx Review date: June 2019
FNQROC Policy No. 11 – Delegations P a g e | 2
36 Appendix B
FNQROC MEETING B14 4 JULY 2008
DELEGATIONS AND PURCHASING AUTHORITY
Darlene Irvine: #1736669
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the FNQROC Board endorse the following authorisations:
1. Business Credit Card Authority Name Transaction Limit Monthly Limit Darlene Irvine $7,000 $7,000 Kirby Doak $500 $2,000 Travis Sydes $500 $1,000
2. Purchase Order Value $500 - $1,000 2 verbal quotes $1,000 - $10,000 2 Written Quotes $10,001 - $150,000 3 Written Quotes >$150,000 Tenders Required
3. Purchase Order Authorisation Delegation Level Expenditure Level FNQROC Resolution $150,000 plus FNQRRG Up to $150,000 Manager operational $50,000
4. Cheque Book Signing Authority 2 signatures required on FNQROC Account number 014-503 1022-19687 from: a. Darlene Irvine b. Cr. Tom Gilmore c. Cr. Val Schier d. Noel Briggs
INTRODUCATION At FNQROC meeting No. 73 reference Minute No. 1180 a delegation list was requested to be documented together with any further suggestions.
1 37 COMMENTS The proposed delegations clearly document for members and staff the authorisations attributed.
The only clear changes in the recommendation to current, is the removing of Peter Tabulo and the inclusion of Noel Briggs as a signatory on the FNQROC Cheque Account.
OPTIONS:
1. Endorse the recommendation as written 2. Amend the recommendation and endorse 3. Do not endorse the recommendation
CONSIDERATIONS
Statutory:
Under the Local Government Act 1993 Council has jurisdiction to ensure good government in its area.
Financial:
Not applicable
CONSULTATION
Discussion has occurred with Noel Briggs, CEO Cairns Regional Council and subsequently aligned with Cairns Regional Council policy.
ATTACHMENTS Nil
Darlene Irvine FNQROC Coordinator
2 38 FNQROC – Inward Correspondence ( 7 April 2016 – 31 May 2016)
Date received Date of letter Received from / Addressee Details of letter FNQROC No CRC No (incoming only)
Signed letter of extension letter for Cook Shire Council for extension of contract CO112 Supply and Delivery of Liquid 13/04/2016 Bay Chemicals Alum 4657 5073852 Signed letter of extension letter for Mareeba Shire Council for extension of contract T- TRC2012-27 Supply and 13/04/2016 Bay Chemicals Delivery of Liquid Alum 4658 5073847 Signed letter of extension letter for Douglas Shire Council for extension of contract 75361 Supply and Delivery of Liquid 13/04/2016 Bay Chemicals Alum 4659 5073832 LGAQ Policy Executive Update 15/04/2016 LGAQ for FNQROC Board Meeting 4660 5077901 Extension of contract T- TRC2012-26 supply & Deleivery of Sodium Hypochlorite - TRC and Extension of contract 75362 Supply & Delivery of Sodium 15/04/2016 Coogee Chemicals Hypochlorite - CRC 4661 5079228
Memorandum of 5079765 Understanding (MOU) between 18/04/2016 Advance Cairns Advance Cairns and FNQROC 4663
Extension of contract 75361 Supply & Delivery of Liquid 27/04/2016 Bay Chemicals Alum - CRC 4667 5086343
39 FNQROC – Inward Correspondence ( 7 April 2016 – 31 May 2016)
Date received Date of letter Received from / Addressee Details of letter FNQROC No CRC No (incoming only)
Extension of Contract 1112- 035 Supply & Delivery of Liquid Alum - Cassowary Coast 27/04/2016 Bay Chemicals Regional Council 4668 5086333 Extension of Contract - T- TRC2012-27 Supply & Delivery 27/04/2016 Bay Chemicals of Liquid Alum - TRC 4669 5086348
NCCARF - Tool Griffith University - National Implementation Partnership for Climate Change Adaptation CoastAdapt - Final signed 29/04/2016 Research Facility agreement 4673 5089211 Deputy Premier Minister for Infrastructure, Local Response from Deputy Premier Government and Planning and regarding progress of local Minister for Trade and government planning schemes 04/05/2016 28/04/2016 Investment in Far North Qld 4677 5092914 Hinchinbrook Shire Council representative on FNQROC 06/05/2016 Hinchinbrook Shire Council Board 4678 5094758 TRC representative - FNQROC Natural Asset Management 10/05/2016 27/04/2016 Tablelands Regional Council Advisory Committee 4681 5098081 TRC representation on FNQ 10/05/2016 27/04/16 Tablelands Regional Council Regional Road Group 4682 5098086 TRC representation on 5098092 10/05/2016 27/04/16 Tablelands Regional Council FNQROC Board 4683 MSC Representative on FNQ 5100589 12/05/2016 9/05/16 Mareeba Shire Council Regional Roads Group 4685
40 FNQROC – Inward Correspondence ( 7 April 2016 – 31 May 2016)
Date received Date of letter Received from / Addressee Details of letter FNQROC No CRC No (incoming only) Signed copy of Extension of 5108173 Contract for Collection & 19/05/2016 Sims Metal Management Removal of Ferrous Metal 4687 Pest Management Plan Review - acknowlegement of role of 23/5/20106 23/05/2016 Hinchinbrook Shire Council Travis Sydes and FNQROC 4691 5111578 Request for letter of support from Weipa Town Authority regarding keeping Bertiehaugh 26/05/2016 26/05/2016 Weipa Town Authority Road open 4693 5114312 Copy of letter sent to Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council regaridng additiona funding for Primary Health Network animal control within YBSC 24/05/2016 24/05/2016 Northern Queensland region 4694 5114341 Request for letter of support from Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council regarding keeping 26/05/2016 24/05/2016 Council Bertiehaugh Road open 4695 5114355 Councillor Appointment to 27/05/2016 27/05/16 Cairns Regional Council FNQROC Board 4696 5115947
41 FNQROC – Outward Correspondence (7 April 2016 - 31 April 2016) Date of letter Received from / Addressee Details of letter FNQROC No CRC No 13/04/16 Newly elected Councillors Letters to new Councillors 4651 5021305
13/04/2016 Re-elected Mayors Letters to re-elected Mayors 4652 5021282
13/04/2016 Re-elected Councillors Letters to re-elected Councillors 4653 5021305 13/04/2016 Newly elected Mayors Letters to new Mayors 4654 5021282 13/04/2016 CEO's Letters to CEO's 4655 5021309 Completion report to TRA for IPWEA PN 20/04/16 LGAQ 9 workshop - Cairns February 2016 4664 5081432
21/04/16 LGAQ QWRAP Coordinator Funding Request 4665 5081648
Agriculture & Environment FNQROC Submission VMA amendment 5084568 22/04/16 Committee Bill 2016 4666 NCCARF - Tool Implementation Griffith University - National Climate Partnership for CoastAdapt - signed 28/04/2016 Change Adaptation Research Facility agreement (FNQROC signed only) 4672 5087480
Letter to D-G TMR (Neil Scales) re 29/04/2016 Dept Transport and Main Roads priority projects for Beef Roads 4674 5089198 Cairns Regional Council, Cook Shire Council, Tablelands Regional Letter attaching signed contracts for Council, Cassowary Coast Regional supply and delivery of Sodium Council, Douglas Shire Council, Hypochlorite and supply and delivery of 03/05/2016 Mareeba Shire Council Liquid Alum 4675 5090499 Letter of support for Cummings Economics to coordinate FNQ Electricity 09/05/2016 Energy Consumers Australia Ltd responses 4679 5096854
TRC, CCRC, CRC, Croydon Shire Signed copy of Extension of Contract for Council, DSC, WWASC, YASC, Collection & Removal of Ferrous Metal & 20/05/16 Cook Shire Council, MSC Used Lead Acid Batteries 4690 5108295
42 43 Darlene Irvine
FNQROC Executive Officer
E: [email protected] Date: 26/05/2016
Dear Ms Irvine
We represent the residents of Weipa, the businesses of the Western Cape as well as the Traditional Owners who are the signatories to the Western Cape Communities Co-existence Agreement (WCCCA) and would like to bring your attention to the Bertiehaugh Road in Cape York Peninsula on the Western Cape. This road was realigned and gazetted by the Land Services Department of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines in October 2014. The new road alignment creates a loop road for the town of Weipa which has a great socio economic benefit to the Western Cape and Northern Peninsula Area. The old fable of tourists is that from the “Y” Junction at the Peninsula Development Road/Telegraph Road they would have to travel 144km west into Weipa and then 144km back out to continue their trip north to the Tip of Cape York. This deters approximately 75% of tourists from travelling to Weipa. The opening of the Bertiehaugh Road would allow tourists to take the road north of Weipa and then head in a general north east direction over Stone’s Crossing to Bramwell Junction on the Telegraph Road. This gives the tourist a trip over new territory of 144km into Weipa from the ‘Y’ junction, 149km from Weipa to Bramwell Junction via Bertiehaugh Road, and then 112km between Bramwell Junction and the ‘Y’. This gives the tourist a total of 405km of loop road that they only have to travel over once by just opening up the 149km Gazetted Bertiehaugh Road. There is also the benefit to the indigenous communities, other residents and pastoralists of the Northern and Western Cape of being able to traverse to relatives, friends and the largest town in Cape York on a shorter route. Weipa is unofficially known as the “Capital of Cape York” with its regional hospital, shopping centre, government offices , shipping and transport depots being just a few of the reasons why people of Cape York utilise Weipa as their central hub. The Bertiehaugh Road fits under the umbrella of developing Northern Australia especially with the sealing of the Peninsula Development Road projected to be completed by 2020 and also to ensure the sustainability of Weipa and the Western Cape post mining. The future socioeconomic benefit of the Bertiehaugh Road to the Western Cape and the Northern Peninsula Area is immeasurable with tourism, commercial and social growth. The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve has expressed to us, the people of the Western Cape, that they want the Bertiehaugh Road closed and de-gazetted as part of this road goes through their property which was a gift from the Australian taxpayer. The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve had already closed off to the public the original gazetted road prior to signing their agreement to the new gazetting of the Bertiehaugh Road with DNRM in 2014. Now they want to close this new gazetted road. We urge you to assist the people of Cape York to develop their future by keeping the Bertiehaugh Road GAZETTED and to require the Steven Irwin Reserve to consult with stakeholders of the Western Cape and the Cook Shire Council on the use and development of this community asset. Awaiting your favourable reply. Yours sincerely
Richard (Stretch) Noonan Michael Rowland Geoffrey Fahey Deputy Chair Chair President Weipa Town Authority Weipa Town Authority Western Cape Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Western Cape Communities Trust
44 45 46 2:12 PM FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils
31/05/16 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2015 through May 2016
Jul 15 - May 16 Ordinary Income/Expense Income FNQROC Annual Contribution 447,893.00 Miscellaneous Furniture sales - 2nd hand 602.10 Staff Christmas Party 354.54 Miscellaneous - Other 450.00 Total Miscellaneous 1,406.64 Regional Procurement Group Regional Bitumen Reseal Project Bitumen Reseal Tender package 400.00 Total Regional Bitumen Reseal Project 400.00 Regional Purchasing Contributio Annual Procurement Contribution 150,000.00 Total Regional Purchasing Contributio 150,000.00 Regional Scrap Metal Project 2,028.87 Total Regional Procurement Group 152,428.87 Regional Waste Management Group EHP/Waste Option Investigations 10,000.00 Total Regional Waste Management Group 10,000.00 Reimbursement travel expenses 415.71 Short Term Projects QWrap Project 7,500.00 Total Short Term Projects 7,500.00 Training 18,290.00 FNQROC - Other 72.73 Total FNQROC 638,006.95 Natural Asset Management 3,287.27 Regional Infrastructure Project Annual 4% contribution 221,888.20 Funding/Subsidies 142,866.50 Reimbursement of expenses 737.20 Total Regional Infrastructure Project 365,491.90
Total Income 1,006,786.12 Expense Audit & Accounting Fees 0.00 Bank Service Charges 570.00 FNQROC Expenses Annual Subscriptions 51,460.10 Chairs Honorarium 0.00 External Meeting Expenses Registration Fees Etc 1,063.92 Travel, Accom & Meals 5,029.51 Total External Meeting Expenses 6,093.43 Internal Meeting Expenses Conference Call Meetings 639.60 Internal Meeting Miscellaneous 427.27 Meeting Refreshments/Catering 1,750.13 Total Internal Meeting Expenses 2,817.00 Miscellaneous Staff Christmas Party 768.18 Miscellaneous - Other 199.07 Total Miscellaneous 967.25 Mobile Phone Expenses 1,143.77
Page 1 47 2:12 PM FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils
31/05/16 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2015 through May 2016
Jul 15 - May 16 Payroll Expenses On Costs - Annual Leave 23,163.48 On Costs - Long Service Leave 721.20 Salaries 158,835.29 Total Payroll Expenses 182,719.97 Short Term Projects Economic Development 166.45 NBN Project Expenses 185.91 Q-Wrap 287.54 Short Term Projects - Other 89.09 Total Short Term Projects 728.99 Stationery & Office Expenses Website 665.59 Stationery & Office Expenses - Other 4,762.58 Total Stationery & Office Expenses 5,428.17 Training 7,458.01 Uniforms 602.27 Vehicle Expenses 14,520.29 Total FNQROC Expenses 273,939.25 Reg Infrastructure Projects Annual Subscriptions 260.00 Cross Reg Mountain Bike Project 15,500.00 External Meetings Registration Fees Etc 3,525.91 Travel, Accom & Meals 4,776.96 Total External Meetings 8,302.87 Internal Meeting Expenses Internal Meeting Miscellaneous 8.49 Meeting Refreshments/Catering 2,285.61 Total Internal Meeting Expenses 2,294.10 Mobile Phone Expenses 1,060.94 Regional Waste Management Group EHP/Waste Option Investigations 9,825.00 Regional Waste Management Group - Other 892.83 Total Regional Waste Management Group 10,717.83 Salaries 95,167.94 Stationery & Office Expenses 9.09 Training IPWEAQ practice Note 9 11,262.85 Training - Other 1,682.85 Total Training 12,945.70
Total Reg Infrastructure Projects 146,258.47 Reg Natural Asset Management External Meetings Registration Fees Etc 809.67 Travel, Accom & Meals 1,497.14 Total External Meetings 2,306.81 Internal Meeting Expenses Internal Meeting Miscellaneous 258.53 Meeting Refreshments/Catering 641.30 Total Internal Meeting Expenses 899.83 Miscellaneous 1,500.00 Mobile Phone Expenses 1,154.17 NCCARF Project 909.09 Salaries 95,656.10 Subscription/membership fees 60.00
Page 2 48 2:12 PM FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils
31/05/16 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis July 2015 through May 2016
Jul 15 - May 16 Vehicle mileage (staff) 4,565.22 Vehicle Share Expenses 3,064.46 Total Reg Natural Asset Management 110,115.68 Reg Planner/economic developmen Internal Meeting Expenses Meeting Refreshments/Catering 518.69 Total Internal Meeting Expenses 518.69 Mobile Phone Expenses 818.93 Salaries 18,676.68 Total Reg Planner/economic developmen 20,014.30 Regional Asset Management Internal Meeting Expenses Meeting Refreshments/Catering 489.26 Total Internal Meeting Expenses 489.26
Total Regional Asset Management 489.26 Regional Procurement Bitumen Reseal Project Project Coordinator Fees 45,000.00 Bitumen Reseal Project - Other 1,072.16 Total Bitumen Reseal Project 46,072.16 External Meeting Expenses Regn fees etc 727.27 Travel, Accom & Meals 804.96 Total External Meeting Expenses 1,532.23 Internal Meeting Expenses Meeting Refreshments/Catering 809.87 Total Internal Meeting Expenses 809.87 Mobile Phone Expenses 1,053.63 Salaries 83,918.63 Stationery & Office Expenses 13.64 Tender Advertising Expenses 153.38 Training Spefications Writing Workshop 5,000.00 Total Training 5,000.00
Total Regional Procurement 138,553.54
Total Expense 689,940.50
Net Ordinary Income 316,845.62 Other Income/Expense Other Income Interest Income 3,204.97 Total Other Income 3,204.97
Net Other Income 3,204.97
Net Income 320,050.59
Page 3 49 2:13 PM FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils
31/05/16 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of May 31, 2016
May 31, 16 ASSETS Current Assets Chequing/Savings Cheque Account 7,230.88 V2 Account 1,146,698.44 Total Chequing/Savings 1,153,929.32 Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable 5,612.34 Total Accounts Receivable 5,612.34
Total Current Assets 1,159,541.66
TOTAL ASSETS 1,159,541.66 LIABILITIES Current Liabilities Credit Cards ANZ One Credit Card 3,660.67 Total Credit Cards 3,660.67 Other Current Liabilities Payroll Liabilities AL Payable Current 58,005.96 AL Payable Non Current 37,412.00 LSL Payable Current 68,051.00 LSL Payable Non-Current 9,621.40 Total Payroll Liabilities 173,090.36 Tax Payable -3,156.96 Total Other Current Liabilities 169,933.40
Total Current Liabilities 173,594.07
TOTAL LIABILITIES 173,594.07
NET ASSETS 985,947.59 EQUITY Opening Bal Equity 293,928.07 Retained Earnings 371,968.93 Net Income 320,050.59 TOTAL EQUITY 985,947.59
Page 1 50 2:33 PM FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils
31/05/16 Transaction List by Date April 7 through May 31, 2016
Date Name Description Amount Apr 7 - May 31, 16 07/04/2016 Stabilised Pavements ... 55.00 08/04/2016 Rock & Road Bitumen 55.00 15/04/2016 LGAQ (customer) 8,250.00 15/04/2016 NCCARF 197.50 19/04/2016 Environment & Heritag... 11,000.00 26/04/2016 Funds Transfer -2,254.84 27/04/2016 Velvett Cafe Catering - FNQROC Board Meeting and RRTG Meeting - 18 April 2016 -488.90 27/04/2016 Cook Shire Council (s... Reminbursement of expenses - Flight for Cr Scott to attend TMR Beef Ro... -350.00 27/04/2016 Mareeba Leagues Clu... Catering - RRTG TC Meeting, Mareeba 8 April 2016 -291.00 27/04/2016 Teresa Schmidt Catering expenses -56.39 03/05/2016 Cairns Regional Coun... -64,703.21 17/05/2016 Lotsa Printing -389.00 20/05/2016 YRD (Aust) Pty Ltd N... Climate Adaptation 2016 Conference - Adelaide 5th-7th July 2016 -1,000.00 23/05/2016 Iceberg Events QLD Pest Animal Symposium (7-10 November 2016) - Lanyard Sponsor -1,650.00 30/05/2016 Cairns Regional Coun... -39,652.39 30/05/2016 Velvett Cafe -8.10 Apr 7 - May 31, 16
Page 1 51 2:30 PM FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils
31/05/16 Transaction Detail by Account Accrual Basis April 7 through May 31, 2016
Date Name Description Amount ANZ One Credit Card 07/04/2016 Cairns Car Wash Carwash 14.50 13/04/2016 Australia Post Stamps 45.00 15/04/2016 Goodies Mossman Catering Expenses - LG Economic Development Group Meetin... 118.00 17/04/2016 Telstra Telstra bill - April 2016 514.41 20/04/2016 CreateSend.Com (e... Campaign Monitor - 20 April to 19 May 9.90 24/04/2016 Good Guys Navman Crash Cam and Memory Card 275.00 26/04/2016 Funds Transfer -2,254.84 27/04/2016 Reward Distribution Catering supplies 28.19 29/04/2016 Coffee 21 Catering - Water Chemicals and Biosolids meeting - 28 April 2... 52.50 29/04/2016 Marina Paradiso Staff Lunch with Cr Gilmore 140.50 02/05/2016 Caltex Gordonvale Fuel 62.54 03/05/2016 Cookieman Catering expenses - Cookies 34.00 06/05/2016 Coffee 21 Catering expenses - LG Planners Group meeting - 6 May 2016 90.00 09/05/2016 Coffee 21 Catering - Regional Waste Management Group Meeting - 9 Ma... 120.00 13/05/2016 Coffee 21 Catering expenses - Asset Management Group meeting 13 Ma... 112.50 17/05/2016 Pizza Hut Catering - Bitumen Reseal tender evaluation meeting - 17 May... 76.90 17/05/2016 Cafe China Dinner expenses - 17/5/2016 - Productivity commission hearin... 75.20 17/05/2016 Telstra Telstra bill - May 2016 514.39 18/05/2016 Cairns Car Wash Car Wash 14.50 18/05/2016 Queensland Justice... Replacement Justice of the Peace stamp 77.00 19/05/2016 Woolworths Catering - QWRAP Meeting - 20 May 6.00 20/05/2016 CreateSend.Com (e... Campaign Monitor - 20 May to 19 June 9.90 20/05/2016 Rex Airlines Flights - NQLGA Annual Conference - 27/7 - 29/7/16 803.06 20/05/2016 Coffee 21 Catering - QWRAP meeting - 20 May 2016 102.00 27/05/2016 Avis Car Hire - 25 May - 27 May 2016 (used by Darlene while Trav ... 80.78 27/05/2016 BP Manunda Petrol for Hire Car - 25 May - 27 May 2016 (used by Darlene w... 14.40 29/05/2016 Cookieman Catering supplies - cookies 34.00 Total ANZ One Credit Card 1,170.33
TOTAL 1,170.33
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Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
M
MEETINGS ATTENDED TO BY DARLENE IRVINE FOR THE PERIOD 7 APRIL TO 31 MAY 2016
11/04/2016 FNQROC 2016/2017 Bitumen Reseal – 05/05/2016 Advance Cairns – 8+8 priorities Tender Briefing
13/04/2016 TMR Beef Roads 06/05/2016 FNQROC Planners Group meeting
14/04/2016 FNQ Regional Managers’ Coordination 09/05/2016 FNQROC Regional Waste Network Management Group meeting
15/04/2016 FNQROC LG Economic Development 10/05/2016 TMR - Beef Roads Group Meeting
18/04/2016 FNQROC Board Meeting and FNQRRTG 11/05/2016 RDA FNQ&TS and Advance Meeting Cairns monthly meeting
20/04/2016 TNQ Regional Economic Plan 12/05/2016 Trent Twomey & Robin Moore - North Queensland Primary
Health Network
21/04/2016 Adam Delaney (Advisor Cook 17/05/2016 FNQROC 16/17 Bitumen Reseal Electorate) – Tender Evaluation Workshop
21/04/2016 Jann Crase –RDA FNQ & TS 17/05/2016 Parliamentary Committee public hearing – Vegetation
Management Act
26/04/2016 Cr Peter Scott – Beef Roads 18/05/2016 FNQ Water Alliance (teleconference)
26/4/2016 TMR - Northern Australia Beef Roads 19/05/2016 Jann Crase –RDA FNQ & TS Programme – RRTG workshop
(teleconference)
28/04/2016 FNQROC Regional Biosolids Disposal & 20/05/2016 FNQWRAP meeting Beneficial Reuse Meeting
28/04/2016 FNQROC Regional Water Chemicals 25/05/2016 Danielle Carey, Dept. Education Meeting and Training - Regional Planning
29/04/2016 FNQROC Chair, Cr Tom Gilmore 27/05/2016 LGAQ - Coastal Hazard Adaptation Program (QCoast
2010) workshop
03/05/2016 FNQ Electricity Users Network - teleconference
53
FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS
Regional Priorities (updated June 2016)
54
Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Regional Priorities (updated June 2016)
CONTENTS FNQROC Chair Summary Presentation to xxxxxx ...... 3 Regional Infrastructure Priorities ...... 4 Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort Development ...... 4 Water Security ...... 4 Cairns ...... 4 Lakeland Irrigation Area ...... 5 Port Douglas Reservoir...... 5 Southern Atherton Tablelands Development Scheme ...... 6 Transport Infrastructure ...... 8 Roads – General ...... 8 National Highway ...... 8 Regional Integrated Road Transport Strategy ...... 10 Bruce Highway ...... 10 Hann Highway ...... 10 Ootann Road ...... 11 Mareeba By-Pass ...... 12 Peninsula Development Road (PDR) ...... 13 Social and Economic impact of Sealing last 30km of Bloomfield Track Coast Road ...... 14 Mareeba Airport expansion ...... 14 Cairns Shipping ...... 15 Mourilyan ...... 15 Wungu Beach ...... 15 Policy Priorities ...... 17 Indexation of Financial Assistance Grants ...... 17 Red Tape Reduction ...... 20 Alignment and Timing of Grants ...... 20
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Health Services ...... 20 Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements ...... 21 Cost of Electricity ...... 23 Land Tenure and Lease Issues ...... 25 Appendix A – Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort benefit summary ...... 28 Appendix B – Wungu Beach Economic Development Summary ...... 29
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Speech relevant to topic
Cr Tom Gilmore FNQROC Chair
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REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES
AQUIS GREAT BARRIER REEF RESORT DEVELOPMENT Aquis needs no introduction as a nationally significant development proposal for Far North Queensland. The region seeks to ensure the State and Commonwealth Governments continue to work proactively with the proponent to make this private investment a reality.
Appendix A contains a detailed briefing on Aquis and the benefits to the region.
WATER SECURITY
CAIRNS Water security for Cairns and the region is critical for economic development. Cairns Regional Council has projected a population increase from 160,000 to 272,000 by 2044 and with Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort an additional 68,000 on top of the 272,000.
Regionally there is a need to manage competing conflicts between urban and agricultural uses of our water; to manage this, long term planning is needed.
In late 2013, Cairns Regional Council started a resource planning project called “Our Water Security’. Between April 2014 and March 2015, a community-based Water Security Advisory Group (WSAG) met on a regular basis to consider the water supply needs of the Cairns regional and, ultimately, to formulate a preferred water supply strategy for consideration by the Council. The strategy plans to meet the needs of the Cairns region for the next 30 years.1
The Strategy elements are categorized into near term (5yr) initiatives based on certainty to cairns; mid-term (10yrs) initiatives which merits further investigation and mid to longer term initiatives.
FNQROC supports the long term planning by Cairns Regional Council as the major regional center for Far North Queensland.
1 Our Water Security: Cairns Regional Council Water Security Strategy Final Report March 2015
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LAKELAND IRRIGATION AREA Lakeland in Cape York has rich soils, reliable rainfall, all weather access to market and a strong grower presence has evolved to become one of the premier agricultural areas in the region.
In 2013/14 banana productions was 372,000 tonnes, 90% of which are grown in Far North Queensland with a value of $540m.
The only constraint Lakeland faces is an affordable and secure water supply. Current demand far outweighs supply which has meant a slowing in expansion for the agricultural and horticulture industry.
Improved water security is essential to grow the future of the region eg. A 300,000ML dam with utilization rate of 70% could potentially irrigate a further 15,000 to 20,000 hectares with the potential gross earnings at the farm gate exceeding $250m. Cape York Sustainable Futures is seeking $825,000 to do a feasibility study.
The feasibility study will look at:
1. Major Dam and irrigation reticulation/hydro power/tourism 2. Previously unused/unidentified underground water, and 3. On farm dam efficiency and affordability
PORT DOUGLAS RESERVOIR Comment [DI1]: Funding received? There exists a demonstrated critical water storage shortfall for Port Douglas and Craiglie current and future development areas; a new, larger, and higher reservoir is required to meet existing and future water needs.
The additional water storage is critical to investor confidence. As an example, the Sheraton Mirage has recently completed a $4 million upgrade to improve infrastructure in preparation for a larger redevelopment. It has plans for a $40 million dollar renovation and refurbishment to be completed by 2016. After this, over five to six years Fullshare Group will carry out a $200 million facelift to existing Mirage facilities to propel the resort to a new level of luxury. Fullshare Group has confirmed that the ability for the Douglas Shire Council to provide sufficient infrastructure services to support the increasing needs of its residents, businesses and visitors is a critical factor influencing the planned renovation and refurbishment.
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Based on tourism industry growth forecasts it is estimated that the investment required in new development required to accommodate the projected increase in visitor numbers would be $150 million or $7.5 million per year over the next two decades. This would generate 30 local jobs per year for the next two decades.
The current scheme relies on the drawing of raw water, for treatment, from a creek system that is subject to seasonal variations. There are no dams for providing storage.
Within Port Douglas the visitor load is exceptionally large and highly variable and in equivalent resident terms adds an additional 50-60% to the resident population of the Shire (The 2011 census recorded three time the number visitors to residents). Seasonal visitor peaks occur during the dry season when the flow of water from the water source (Rex Creek) is least reliable. Water storage is critical as it acts as a buffering device for managing short-term mismatches between water production and consumption.
A site for the new reservoir has been identified and purchased with all approvals required under Commonwealth, State and Local legislation being met.
National engineering design and construction company BMD, in conjunction with post tensioned structure specialist Glynn Tucker, have completed the detailed design and documentation. Douglas Shire Council has determined it will need to invest an estimated $14.4 million to deliver the following infrastructure:
A 20 ML reservoir above the 53m elevation contour Dedicated inlet & outlet mains each approx. 2.5km Access road of approximately 0.6 km. The reservoir is Council's highest priority. It will unlock the Shire’s development potential but without financial help, it will not proceed. Council has lodged an application for matching funds under the Commonwealth’s National Stronger Regions Fund, and has also submitted an application for $5 million under the State Government’s Building Our Region program. The outcome of both applications is due to be announced in December 2015.
SOUTHERN ATHERTON TABLELANDS DEVELOPMENT SCHEME The Southern Atherton Tablelands Development Scheme is a proposal to develop 100,000ha of irrigated agriculture in the catchment of the Upper Herbert River, with integrated flood mitigation and power generation could provide significant benefits for
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the Tablelands Region. It is believed it will establish up to 100,000 ha of irrigated agriculture in the catchment of the Upper Herbert River, combined with integrated flood mitigation and hydro-electric power generation.
Project costs
This will depend very much of a cost/benefit analysis of the distribution of suitable agricultural land in relation to the costs of water storage and water distribution infrastructure. At this stage and with very limited information available, I would suggest the first stage (a single dam, agricultural development and some flood mitigation) at about $200m.
Economic value of project.
a. Agriculture - The scheme is similar in size to the Burdekin. This has a Gross Regional Product of about $1 billion and supports 18,000 people. My guess is that returns from SADITS will be greater because of higher potential crop diversity and average crop value (more at p10 of submission). b. Flood mitigation – About $10m for every day the Bruce Highway remains open when it would have otherwise been cut. No data for rail but something similar might be expected. NDRRA funding for Hinchinbrook Shire has averaged about $22m/ annum. Crop and other losses are at least $7m/annum (see p5 of submission). c. Hydro-electricity – Some savings in minimising transmission losses especially at peak loads are indicated. Significant reductions in CO2 emissions will help the Reef (climate change is seen as the #1 threat) and the status of Cairns as a clean green destination.
Current project status
a. A request to State and Commonwealth Governments was recently submitted for feasibility funding under the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund (copy to be sent). A decision is expected in June.
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TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
ROADS – GENERAL It is noted in the Infrastructure Australia audit that over 55% of the Queensland Northern Australia network exceeds the theoretical design life and a third of network seals today are older than the target optimum, compared with only 10% in 2003. Based on Department of Transport and Main Roads input to the audit, Queensland notes pavement rehabilitation and programmed maintenance requirement in Northern Queensland of $700m over the next five years, $318m of which represents backlog2.
FNQROC welcomes the doubling of Roads to Recovery and the State Governments increase to the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme for 2015/16 and 2016/17 and call on a commitment to continue this investment past 2016/17. This scheme supports transportation to State and Commonwealth Networks and continued and increased investment into our road networks is a priority with an estimated 90% increase in freight movement between 2011 and 2026.
NATIONAL HIGHWAY
ACCELERATION OF EDMONTON TO GORDONVALE DUPLICATION Infrastructure Australia identifies the Bruce Highway as Queensland’s major north-south corridor connecting coastal population centers from Brisbane to Cairns and supporting 58 percent of the State population. A general lack of capital investment over the years means the road now faces significant safety, flooding and capacity challenges.
We are seeking:
continued commitment and investment into the Bruce Highway Action Plan focusing on safety, flooding and capacity and acceleration of Edmonton to Gordonvale duplication using savings obtained from completed Bruce Highway projects.
2 Infrastructure Australia Northern Australia Audit Pg 113
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62 EXTENSION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAY FROM RAY JONES DRIVE TO SMITHFIELD ROUNDABOUT
The designation of the National Highway should be extended from the current terminus in the Cairns CBD to the intersection of the Captain Cook and Kennedy Highways at Smithfield.
The Bruce Highway is part of the National Highway and provides the vital linkage between Cairns, other Queensland coastal cities and Brisbane.
Currently the Bruce Highway terminates in the Cairns CBD, almost adjacent to the Port of Cairns, but some distance from Cairns Airport.
Access to Cairns City from the north is via the Captain Cook Highway, which links Cairns and Port Douglas / Mossman and via the Kennedy Highway which intersects with the Captain Cook Highway at Smithfield. The Kennedy Highway (via the Kuranda Range) provides the principal link to the Atherton Tablelands and Cape York Peninsula and eventually links to the Kennedy Development Road to provide access from Far North Queensland to Gulf of Carpentaria communities and to the Northern Territory. The Captain Cook Highway terminates at Cairns Airport, on the northern fringe of the Cairns CBD.
The Kennedy Highway is currently a critical freight route for the efficient distribution of fuel, fertiliser and other products from Cairns to Tablelands, Peninsula and Gulf industries and communities and for transport of product from these areas to Cairns. The road is also a growing commuter route for residents of Kuranda and the Northern Tablelands who work in Cairns.
The Cairns Airport is the single most critical piece of infrastructure in North Eastern Australia. Whilst providing the point of entry or exit for tourists visiting the region, it is a critical freight hub enabling the export of a variety of products including seafood, fresh flowers and fruit and vegetables and it provides expertise and service capability in aviation services. It is considered that there is significant potential to expand export activities, particularly to Asian markets. Some airlines operating services to / from Cairns have an ever increasing reliance on the freight component of the flight which serves to sustain seasonal variation in passengers. Connectivity to the Airport from the north and south is a critical enabling factor in the future development of the airport as an export and service hub.
There is an obvious “missing link” in the current road configuration:
1. the National Highway does not connect with the principal regional export hub i.e. the Cairns Airport;
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2. the National Highway does not connect with the principal freight route into Cairns from the region’s productive agricultural regions i.e. Atherton Tablelands, Cape York Peninsula and Mossman.
REGIONAL INTEGRATED ROAD TRANSPORT STRATEGY It is noted that the Far North does not have any nominated State Strategic Roads in the region. Nor do we have a regional integrated road transport strategy. Investigations cannot find when or if one has ever been in place. Surprisingly, the FNQ2031 was not informed by an integrated road transport strategy.
Development of a Far North Regional Integrated Road Transport Strategy in consultation with Local Governments is a priority to inform decisions and support economic development.
BRUCE HIGHWAY Infrastructure Australia identifies the Bruce Highway as Queensland’s major north-south corridor connecting coastal population centers from Brisbane to Cairns and supporting 58 percent of the State population. A general lack of capital investment over the years means the road now faces significant safety, flooding and capacity challenges3
We are seeking continued commitment and investment into the Bruce Highway Action Plan focusing on safety, flooding and capacity.
HANN HIGHWAY CSIRO’s Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TRANSIT) is being utilized by the Commonwealth Government to priorities’ $100million funding on the Beef Roads. This same tool has identified that sealing the remaining 105km of the Hann Highway would reduce travel time on the highway from five to three and half hours. TRANSIT also identified that the number of road trains using the fully sealed Hann Highway would increase by 25 per cent.
When the then Prime Minister (Tony Abbott) was in Cairns to launch the Northern Australia Alliance he announced funding to seal the Hann Highway.
3 Infrastructure Australia Northern Australia Audit Pg 60
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Currently we are seeing a difference in opinion between Councils and the Department of Main roads on the cost to seal the remaining unsealed sections of the Hann Highway. This difference in the main is due to the differing standards applied to the costing. The sealing should be fit for purpose rather than to the ‘gold plated standard’ meeting Q50 (or 2% Annual Exceedance Probability) standards. To ensure value for money and continue employment of the local workforce we are seeking the support of the State Government to have this funding delivered directly to Etheridge and Flinders Councils to undertake fit for purpose works.
We are also seeking to see this funding identified within the Commonwealth and State budgets.
OOTANN ROAD Ootann Road is a critical north-south link road in the central western area of Mareeba Shire Council and Tablelands Regional Council. It is identified as a Local Road of Regional Significance (LRRS) by the FNQ RRTG and is the last missing transport link between the Cape and Burke Development Road at Almaden with the Kennedy Highway 22km west of Mt Garnet. The road is 91.4km in length (82.59km within the Mareeba Shire Council, and 8.81km within the Tablelands Regional Council), most of which is unsealed. Ootann Road is a Type 2 road train route, used predominantly for cattle and mineral ore transport. Ootann Road is a road of vital importance to the cattle industry. Many large cattle properties to the west of Chillagoe (Nychum, Bolwarra, Wrotham Park, Mt Mulgrave, Gamboola, Highbury, Dunbar etc.) and further to the north in the southern reaches of Cook Shire transport cattle to southern and eastern markets.
The road once sealed will become the primary access to southern markets for fruit and vegetables from the Peninsula and Tablelands regions, as it represents the shortest route (by 600 kilomentres) to Melbourne and other southern markets, reducing the cost of transport for these vital industries.
The road had an AADT of 40 – 50 vehicles per day in 2008. Heavy vehicles comprise approximately 60 - 70% of the traffic. Between 2004 and 2008, traffic volumes grew by 30-50%. With the highly likely increase of mining operations in the area and the increased marketing and promotion of the area as tourism “must see”, traffic volumes are continuing to increase significantly.
With definitive wet and dry seasons and the high heavy vehicle component of traffic volumes, the unsealed pavements are susceptible to rapid deterioration and damage. The road is now in very poor condition and has long sections which require
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gravel re-sheeting. Anecdotally, heavy transport vehicles are starting to avoid using this road due to its poor condition awhich is damaging their vehicles and stock, and they are choosing to instead take a lengthy detour through the Atherton Tablelands at considerable additional cost and unnecessarily accelerating the deterioration of both State and Council roads. For B-doubles, there is a detour of approximately 261km from Almaden to Ravenshoe via Mareeba and Atherton. On the same route, a detour for Type 1 road trains is 540km as Road Trains are not permitted between Mareeba and Ravenshoe, so they decouple at Mareeba and double back from Ravenshoe. For Type 2 Road Trains the detours would be 680 km as they need to travel 3 times between Mareeba and Ravenshoe to carry the three trailers.
Tablelands and Mareeba Shire Councils have limited funds and is currently struggling to maintain the 91.4km section of predominately gravel road and is unlikely to be able to fund upgrades.
An estimate of $100mil is required over the 91.4km to widen and seal the link.
MAREEBA BY-PASS Planning for the proposed Mareeba By-pass has been in place now for many years with the By-pass branching off the Mulligan Highway at Adil Road north of Mareeba, skirting around the western edge of the currently developed section of the Mareeba Industrial Park and continuing south to intersect with the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road, then continuing south and south-easterly in a gradual curve to link up with the Kennedy Highway.
While there has been no specific time frame set for construction of the By-pass and time periods of up to 20 years have been mentioned, Council requests that the Department of Transport and Main Roads gives consideration to the early construction of the northern section of the By-pass ie from where it branches off the Mulligan Highway at Adil Road through to its intersection with the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road, for the following reasons:
The northern section of the By-pass will become an integral part of the direct inland route from the Peninsula region to Melbourne. For south bound heavy vehicles, the By-pass connection to the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road will allow those vehicles to travel west along the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road and the Burke Developmental Road (BDR) to Almaden, then south via the Ootann Road to meet the Kennedy Highway south of Mt Garnet. From there, the direct inland route follows the Kennedy Highway to the Lynd Junction, then via the Hann section of the Kennedy Developmental Road to Hughenden and then on sealed roads south (either via Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine or Torrens Creek, Aramac-Barcaldine). It then
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continues down the Landsborough Highway, then to Charleville, Bourke, Cobar and Griffith to Melbourne with a branch off to Adelaide. The number of heavy vehicle movements north and south via Mareeba will only increase as agricultural production expands in the Peninsula. Some 2 million hectares of soils suitable for cropping have been identified in the Cape York Peninsula. Advice from Swiss Farms at Lakeland is that the banana industry alone generates 1,200 B-Double loads of bananas per year which travel south through Mareeba. As cropping expands and the population of the Peninsula region increases, the cartage of machinery, equipment, fuel, foodstuffs etc to the Peninsula will also increase. Currently, Type 1 road trains (two semi-trailers or commonly called doubles) are permitted to Mareeba from the Peninsula but must un-hitch at McGrath Road, Mareeba and travel as a single semi-trailer across the Tablelands via Tolga, Kairi, Ravenshoe and Mt Garnet. They are then required to un-hitch at Mt Garnet and travel back to Mareeba to pick up the other trailer then back to Mt Garnet where they then hitch up again and continue south as a Type 1 road train. If they don't wish to go through the process in dot point 3 above, they can remain as a Type 1 road train and use the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road and Burke Developmental Road to Almaden and travel down the Ootann Road to the Kennedy Highway south of Mt Garnet as per dot point 1. This option saves the un-hitching but is hard on machinery as the Ootann Road is gravel and at times quite rough. The Mareeba Northern By-pass from Adil Road to the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road, will not alleviate the Ootann Road issue but will allow Type 1 transport to access the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road and Burke Developmental Road at Mareeba without travelling through residential areas fronting Vaughan Street. It will also provide direct access from the Mareeba - Dimbulah Road and Mulligan Highway to the Mareeba Industrial Park.
PENINSULA DEVELOPMENT ROAD (PDR) Cook Shire Council, Weipa Town Authority and North Qld Bulk Ports have met to discuss the evolving opportunity of Weipa Port as a cattle/produce/tourism export and import facility. The South of Emberley (Amrun) project will see a new prupose built port/loading facility at Pera Head south of Weipa which in turn will free up use of the Weipa Port.
Weipa is close to the Asian market and operations/dredging have no impact on the Great Barrier Reef. It is also understood the commercial operational future of the Port at Kurumba is also in jeopardy folling the closure of Century Zinc. There are also opportunities for a naval defence base and container freight import/export at Weipa.
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To this end, it is imperative to have the PDR fully sealed to Weipa and develop a linkage to the Western ‘Beef Roads’.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SEALING LAST 30KM OF BLOOMFIELD TRACK COAST ROAD Cook Shire Council, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and Douglas Shire Councils wish to work in partnership to investigate the social and economic impact of sealing the last 30km of the Bloomfield Track Coast Road.
MAREEBA AIRPORT EXPANSION4 The Mareeba Airport was constructed quickly during the World War II period, 1941 - 1945 as an important military base and is now over 70 years old. The airport is strategically positioned well above sea level, close to the town of Mareeba and within easy driving distance of the coastal regional city of Cairns, in Far North Queensland.
The Mareeba Shire is home to a population of 21,382 persons, of which 13.4% of the population are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, compared to the Queensland average of 3.6% (Source: OESR, June 2013 & ABS, 2011). Critical to the Mareeba region and growth of the Far North Queensland’s economy is an alternative location to Cairns Airport for light aircraft.
Cairns Airport is growing strongly and is considered the leading airport in Northern Australia. Congestion of the Cairns Airport runway is increasing and economic modelling by Cummings Economics has shown that it is evident that over a 30 year period, very substantial single runway congestion constraints are likely to emerge. Further, in an emergency situation, there is no close alternative airport for smaller passenger aircraft or large freight to land. These constraints and the significant projected growth in the region due to planned investment projects highlighted in the Northern Australia White Paper mean that a regionally beneficial solution is required to enable the economic growth potential of Far North Queensland to be realised.
An upgraded Mareeba Airport will provide an alternative to Cairns Airport for activities like pilot training, maintenance and some general aviation, almost certainly delaying the need for a costly new runway in Cairns resulting in catalytic economic efficiencies. The upgrade will build export income by providing access to growing international demand in flight training from Asia. Regionally, the upgraded airport will be an effective facility
4 Mareeba Airport Upgrade Business Case, Mareeba Shire Council
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for use in the case of disaster management. The new facility will increase employment as it becomes a base for development of regional capabilities in avionics and aircraft maintenance. Economic modelling has shown that the upgraded airport will satisfy the needs of growing regional aviation demand flowing from major projects and developments identified in the Australian Government Northern Australia White Paper, particularly in the Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) market and maintenance of larger aircraft.
The Mareeba Airport Upgrade currently underway provides a regional solution for growing aviation demand. The Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.66, a projected Gross Regional Product of $430 million, is strongly supported by all levels of government and a key stakeholder – the Cairns Airport.
CAIRNS SHIPPING It is envisaged a more detailed briefing will come from Cairns Regional Council, Ports North and Advance Cairns. The Port of Cairns is a strategic port with a diverse range of operations and is critical to the economic sustainability of our region. Closing the port for future expansion will have a major impact on our economy. We continue to advocate for the Port of Cairns and the ability for the port to develop as the city grows. There is a clear message of broad support to ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with our population growth.
MOURILYAN Mourilyan is an ideally placed port with access to air, rail and road. It has easy access to the Tablelands and no dreading is needed.
FNQ 2013 recognises that rural residential development between Mourilyan township and Mourilyan Harbour should be limited to protect the port’s freight route. The regional plan recognizes the potential of the Innisfail-Mourilyan area as a transport hub for the region and advocates further investigation of land for industrial purposes.
We seek to maintain Mourilyan as an option for further development in the future.
WUNGU BEACH Wungu Beach is located on Yarrabah Aboriginal Community land just 20 kilometers as the crow flies to the east of Cairns.
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Passenger numbers at the Cairns Airport are forecasted to double of the next 20 years and the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council has a strategy to facilitate the development of a resort and cruise ship precinct on its lands at Wungu Beach to contribute capacity to meet the future demand for resort and tourism products in North Queensland.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council has been allocated $7 million for a jetty in Yarrabah by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. It is believed that the project would complement other ports in the areas and bring economic development.
Appendix B contains further briefing notes on this proposal.
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POLICY PRIORITIES
INDEXATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS In 2014 the Federal budget froze indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) for 3 years. This decision will cut $925m in revenue to local governments across Australia by 2017/18. This cut compounds past 2017/18 if future allocations do not take include the indexation that should have occurred in the previous three years.
These grants help to ensure the provision of equitable levels of service by councils to the community. Councils, particularly rural and remote are suffering as a result of this freeze.
The below table identifies a 3 year freeze on FAG’s and the impact on the region (based on a round estimate of 2.5% increase each year).
Local Government Base Rate Effective loss (2.5% per year) Total loss over 3 years 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Cairns Regional Council (incl. $6,115,215 $152,880 $156,702 $160,620 $470,202 Douglas Shire Council) Cassowary Coast Regional Council $3,172,230 $79,306 $81,288 $83,321 $243,915 Cook Shire Council $8,663,069 $216,577 $221,991 $227,541 $666,109 Croydon Shire Council $3,201,742 $80,044 $82,045 $84,096 $246,185 Hinchinbrook Shire Council $2,052,162 $51,304 $52,587 $53,901 $157,792 Tablelands Regional Council (incl. $8,734,413 $218,360 $223,819 $229,415 $671,594 Mareeba Shire Council) Wujal Wujal $415,675 $10,392 $10,652 $10,918 $31,962 Yarrabah $810,976 $20,274 $20,781 $21,301 $62,356
Regional Total $2,550,115
There is a cumulative effect on councils (and subsequently the rate payer) with: a. Continued reduction in funding options. Over the period since 2002/03 State Government funding has effectively been halved from levels averaging approximately $480 million between 2002/03 and 2009/10, to approximately $225 million in 2013/14. (Source: LGAQ) The below table identifies the impact on Cairns Regional Council for the various funding sources removed in 2009. Major known Capital Works projects Council Total project Funding or Funding / Funding / cost Subsidy lost Subsidy lost Subsidy lost 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
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3 water reservoirs Southern catchments Cairns RC $2.25 mill $0.9 mill (project had been partially approved prior to announcement) Bramston Beach/Miriwinni/Babinda Cairns RC $28.3 mill $11.32 mill regional sewer scheme project Mossman wastewater treatment plant Cairns RC $17.4 mill $6.96 mill upgrade Sewer for Wonga Beach, Newell Beach, Cairns RC $25.9 mill $10.36 mill Cooya Beach and reuse scheme Southern Sewer Catchment upgrades Cairns RC $13.7 mill $5.494 mill Cairns new water supply (3 stages) Cairns RC $106.5 mill $42.6 mill Recycled water projects Cairns RC $10 mill $5 mill Cultural Facilities - Tanks Arts Centre Cairns RC $5 mill $271,200 (total project cost $5m) Public Toilets - Tanks Arts Centre Precinct Cairns RC $5 mill $55,200 (total project cost $5m) City Safe CCTV System Expansion (SIP Cairns RC $600,000 $37,500 funding)
Annual projects Annual Capital Works Program (minor Cairns RC $5 mill $5 mill $5 mill sewer and water upgrades - excluding cleaner seas) from 20010/11 – 2013/14 DEEWR funding for Youthlynx – to be Cairns RC $40,000 $80,000 $80,000 discontinued as at 31/12/2009 Local Area Multicultural Program Cairns RC $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 (LAMP) – funding reduced Road and Drainage grant Cairns RC $650,000 $650,000 $650,000
b. Continued devolution of responsibility to local government with little or no resource support (Reference 2003 Hawker report “Rates and Taxes: A fair Share for Responsible Local Government”)
"The unanimous report of the inquiry into cost-shifting onto local government, released today, finds local government has been short-changed, particularly by the actions of state governments, with more functions expected of local government but no or insufficient funds provided to undertake them." Media Release by Inquiry Chairman David Hawker MP (24/11/03)
"4.2 It is clear from Chapter 3 that cost shifting by State governments has been a major cause of the increasing financial concerns of local government and neglect of asset maintenance. Also, State-imposed restrictions on council revenue are burdening local councils particularly in the case of the huge distortions created by rate capping in NSW. This situation is not new and has been building for many years under successive governments." (P. 57)
"4.3 In many instances the cost of a service is shifted from a State government onto local government without any corresponding transfer of income to provide the service." (P. 57)
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c. Local Governments limited revenue raising capacity. The key points from the Productivity Commission Report “Assessing Local Government Revenue Raising Capacity” April 2008 identified amongst other things: i. Analysis of the relative potential of local governments to increase their own-source revenue indicates that councils are raising about 88% of their hypothetical benchmarks (on average across Australia) – whether councils can realise this hypothetical benchmark will depend on their individual circumstances and the willingness of their communities to pay. ii. The fiscal capacity of a council is best measured as the aggregate after- tax income of its community – Remote and rural councils tend to draw more heavily on their fiscal capacities.
The most significant of these was the loss of Water and Sewerage Program (WASP) funding which helped support council costs for water and sewerage by up to 40%. This was a significant loss for our region, over a 2 year period post the removal, there was an estimated $90mil in funding lost for the Cairns Regional Council alone. Mareeba Shire Council is now bearing the brunt of this loss with the need to build a sewerage plant at a cost of approximately $27mil.
The majority of member councils will need significant funding for water and sewerage upgrades or new plants.
Potential impact on communities with councils having to raise rates significantly:
As an indication of the community’s capacity to pay, we have seen over the period 2008/09 to 2012/13 a steady increase in the percentage of rates arrears: Comment [DI2]: Need to update this
Local Government Rates arrears ratio 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 2009/10 2008/09 Cairns Regional Council 9.5% 9.3% 10.8% 4.5% 5.40% Cassowary Coast Regional Council 14.6% 11.4% 14.6% 5.6% 5.50% Cook Shire Council 17.3% 16.0% 24.6% 5.7% 12.32% Croydon Shire Council 10.5% 18.1% 0.0% 5.7% 4.27% Hinchinbrook Shire Council 3.6% 2.9% 7.6% 4.1% 3.06% Tablelands Regional Council 6.2% 8.2% 6.1% 4.7% 3.80% Source: Department Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience
Note: The arrears ratio is impacted by councils policies related to hardship and arrears and it may be difficult to compare council to council however there is still an increase.
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RED TAPE REDUCTION Use this region as a pilot and delegate authority for decisions to be made in the region across ALL state agencies. We are seeing a similar process across all state agencies where a decision is made locally in the region and before any action can occur, it needs to go through a Brisbane-based hierarchy. This is causing a significant delay in getting action. 40% of current project timings is related to the approval process within State agencies. Our view is that officers delegated to make a decision ought to be trusted to so do. Regional decision making would certainly reduce the time lag between application and approval.
As an example, Planning Schemes, once approved at the regional office, then need to go through another four approvers outside the region in a hierarchy, before it reaches the Minister. Whilst we are advised there are internal service levels, these are not being met. If the regional office deems the plan appropriate, then it should go directly to the Director-General and then the Minister. This process could have cut the approval timeline by over half – we have and have had development on hold, waiting for these planning schemes.
Under the proposed Planning Bill, Councils are required to make a development application decision within 20 days, else it is deemed to be approved. Whilst there are provisions within the current legislation for referral deemed approval, this does not apply if the following is triggered; in a wet tropics area, wild river area, heritage place, vegetation clearing under the Vegetation Management Act or a building development application. Essentially, in this region the State (in the main) is the hold up for development applications.
In another instance, the Mareeba Shire Council recently finalised a simple road opening/road closure process which took ten years.
ALIGNMENT AND TIMING OF GRANTS Alignment of the timing of Commonwealth and State Government grants; financially we need the support of Commonwealth and State Government grants to get major infrastructure projects off the ground, this is made difficult when there are three or more months between notifications of funding. It is also difficult when funding is announced in the second or third quarter of a year it is to be delivered in.
HEALTH SERVICES FNQROC understands there is a Health Strategic Plan for the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Healthcare Service. The Plan has been written to meet the clinical demands of the Tropical North Queensland region (including those referrals from the
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Cape & Torres Hospital and Healthcare Service). To fully fund this plan a further $80mil is required annually to fund additional bed capacity following the hospital redevelopment and the recruitment of approximately 100 additional frontline and tertiary personnel.
FNQROC is seeking a staged plan to fund the requirements of this Strategic plan.
NATURAL DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY ARRANGEMENTS There is a need for the State and Commonwealth governments to show commitment to restoring the region after a natural disaster. Private investment in the region is likely to be difficult if essential and social infrastructure within the region deteriorates as a result of reduced Commonwealth and State support to restore infrastructure within the region.
We are seeking Federal Governments response to the Productivity Commissions report to provide some clear direction.
Councils contribute significantly to preparing and restoring their communities after an event. A significant amount of resources are put to those assets not deemed essential under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA); generally this is for all restoration works outside of a road network. In addition to this they contribution funds up to a ‘trigger’ point before they can receive any support. We are still waiting on confirmation that the annual trigger point requirements are an acceptable demonstration of the exhaustion of Councils’ resources from Emergency Management Australia.
The Productivity Commission recommendations for Disaster Funding displayed a clear direction to retract financial support for those areas affected by a disaster which has caused considerable concern for both State and Local Governments. Whilst the Commonwealth Government has assured us that there is reluctance to lessening their support, there is no clear direction forward to allow us to plan a response with confidence. This lack of direction could cause significant financial hardship on a local government area resulting in a further backlog of asset maintenance and renewal thus making the region less appealing for an investor.
We are aware of a number of ‘audits’ undertaken on the benefits and savings as a result of the Federal Inspectorate and Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) however, it is argued that these ‘savings on ineligible claims’ are a result of unclear Commonwealth
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policy with the interpretation consistently changing at both the Commonwealth and State level.
We understand there is a new approach to NDRRA by the Commonwealth and the possibility of an upfront agreed restoration of essential public asset (REPA) cost. The QRA were at one stage looking to agree project costs up front with each Council and sought tender rates for the 2013 and 2014 contracts and Councils own rates to build a data base of these unit rates. It appears that rates will be ‘locked’ for Councils. This concerns us as:
1. Each Council area and in fact each area within a Council will have differing rates depending on the damage and the distance from a service center.
2. QRA representatives have advised that there may be a contingency and possibility to be able to go back to the QRA to request additional funds if the agreed amount is exceeded. Our confidence in this occurring is very low with a high expectation that the requirements needed to justify additional funds could never be met by Councils; especially if we can’t put in place processes to prepare substantiating evidence for all projects to show a ‘profit’ from one could not be put on an underestimation of another. This exposes Councils to a high risk of funding the difference as you cannot stop construction once it has started. As we approach the next season it is concerning that discussions between the Commonwealth and State have become quite complex on this issue and there is no resolution in sight.
3. Also concerning are the discussions around betterment; it is understood that the current deal is the Commonwealth will fund 70% if 5% of the costs are going to betterment (essentially, that 5% will come from Councils). How is this determined?
With this proposed new approach, will it resolve the ineligibility of day labour and internal plant hire for counter disaster operations, emergent and restoration works? It just does not make sense that a contractor can cover day labour and plant hire costs but a Council cannot. It does not make sense to a community that the Commonwealth and Commonwealth Governments will pay significantly more for a contractor than use local Councils and their workforce; the economy of a town.
FNQROC acknowledges the efforts of the State Government and Queensland Reconstruction Authority to resolve these issues with the Commonwealth government however we cannot stress enough the financial impact of any ambiguity on Councils. The majority of Councils are not out to defraud the Commonwealth and State
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Governments of funding to restore essential assets they are simply unclear of eligibility as what is eligible and how it is substantiated changes from one year to the next and from one person to the next assessing the claim.
COST OF ELECTRICITY It is recognized that the provision of electricity to the region and the policies and legislation around it are very complex. However Infrastructure Australia identified that Northern Queensland power prices for industrial use are comparatively high, relative to other northern locations and despite connection to the National Electricity Market. This limits resources, agricultural and other economic opportunities. Long transmission lines from southern-located generators and marginal losses result in higher prices. The extent to which prices are also a function of market cost allocation rules and whether there could be an economic efficiency case for altering these rules, including the concept of splitting Queensland into two or more market regions, are matters for review5.
A typical electricity bill within the region is broken up as follows:
21% Wholesale 3% Green schemes 49% Network distribution 5% Solar Rebate and 22% retail
Large processing businesses are the mainstay of many regional economies and the ripple effect of their closure would be economically and emotionally devastating to whole towns and communities. One long established regional manufacturing business employing up to 100 people has managed to negotiate on average a 2 percent rise on all input costs except for electricity. Their electricity bill increased 52% in 5 years. Electricity is necessary for the business to continue operating. 6
The frustration and impact of high electricity costs are evidenced by the broad involvement in the recent Australian Energy Regulator 2015-2020 distribution reset process. This caused the creation of the Far North Queensland Energy Users Group and
5 Infrastructure Australia – Northern Australia Audit Pg 8 6 Far North Queensland Electricity Users Network (lead by Cummings Economics) submission to Australian Energy Regulator 24 July 2015
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the Alliance of Electricity consumers; both of which provided in depth responses to both the AER and Ergon Energy’s proposal.
It is recognised that Electricity is a significant revenue source for the State government with sole shareholder status in generation, transmission (Powerlink), distribution (Ergon) and retail (Ergon) earning the State dividends.
There are a number of State Government policy decisions which are a hindrance to electricity affordability and economic investment in the region. We would like to see: Removal of the 5% headroom charge Removal of the Solar Feed in Tariff (FiT) in network charges, and Reflection of actual not market borrowing costs from the Queensland Treasury Corporation within the Weighted Average Cost of Capital.
5% headroom Charge
The 5% headroom charge is recommended by the Queensland Competition Authority to promote retail competition for Energex and Ergon. This charge maybe appropriate for Energex where there is a competitive market however for the Ergon region there is no competition and is perceived as an additional hidden tax by the State on communities within the Ergon area.
This 5% is reflected in the fixed service fee and variable consumption charge.
Solar Feed in Tariff
The cost of electricity in this region has caused those who can afford it to move to solar which has in turn had a major impact on the Feed in Tariff (FiT) also added to our electricity bills.
The Solar Feed in Tariff (FiT) (a State policy) is funded by consumers rather than from general State Revenue. The FiT is included in the network charges – this in effect means that those that can least afford it are substituting the cost for those that could afford this infrastructure; this is a state policy which should be funded by State Government revenue
We now find that those with and without solar are facing high network (service) charges; with the introduction of affordable battery storage, those that can afford it will look to moving ‘off the grid’ to avoid the service charge; again leaving many businesses and those that can least afford it to fund the network and state policy decision.
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LAND TENURE AND LEASE ISSUES At the request of the Northern Australian Ministerial Forum (NAMF) and under the direction of its Expert Advisory Panel (EAP) CSIRO (supported by James Cook University and The Cairns Institute) prepared a report on Land Tenure in Northern Australia: Opportunities and challenges for investment7.
The report identifies the case for improving tenure arrangements are compelling but the challenges in doing so are significant, requiring cross-jurisdictional cooperation, research, data management and policy development.
Common barriers to investment include:
deficiencies in specific aspects of tenure information and registration of interests and accessibility of this information to investors; diversity of tenures and land and water entitlements including the different conditions of use on similar tenures across jurisdictions; under resourced negotiation and tenure resolution mechanisms; and legal and other conditions that limit Indigenous and other land owners ability to leverage their land assets for capital and development purposes without affecting existing rights.
It identifies three avenues by which impediments to investment might be reduced and development in the north encouraged:
1. Increase consistency and reduce complexity through improved tenure arrangements. This was also identified in the Queensland Parliamentary Committee report Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure across Queensland8 2. Improve development assessment, and 3. Improve landscape-scale planning
In March 2014 the State Government announced the first phase of restructure to Queensland’s land tenure system and the Land Act. These reforms were to made in two phases and deliver on the 2013 Parliamentary Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure in Queensland9
7 CSIRO Land Tenure in northern Australia: Opportunities and challenges for investment 8 Parliamentary Committee Final report: Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure across Queensland 9 Media Statement made by Minister for Natural Resources and Mines – March 19, 2014
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This inquiry10 identified 44 recommendations; as subset of this is below:
one of the important issues which became apparent during the Inquiry was the currently fragmented division of responsibility between departments administering the tenure of various forms of state land and that a more coordinated approach was needed. It was apparent that addressing the needs and aspirations of Indigenous Queenslanders and complying with the future act regime under native title law lay at the heart of ensuring a sustainable and viable future for all Queenslanders. The development of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) in Future Development Areas; One of the most important issues affecting the viability of the pastoral industry in Queensland is certainty. There is a need to support pastoralists seeking to enter into, extend or roll over lease agreements by establishing services to facilitate the streamlined development of Future Development Area ILUAs. Recommendations also included reforms to include a program of incentives to support lessees wishing to convert from term leases to more secure forms of tenure or fee simple. The need for business certainty was critical to the tourism sector. It was recommended that the Government review the trigger point for the renewal of leases, particularly in circumstances where a proponent is contemplating capital investment for a future development.
“Our North, Our Future: White Paper on Developing Northern Australia” was released in June 2015 and identified the need for secure, tradeable titles to land (and water) to improve economic growth opportunities. Principles for pastoral lease reform in the North are proposed with specific actions to address tenure issues include: 1) improving certainty for investment – bringing forward opportunities for lease renewals and introduction of rolling pastoral lease renewal; 2) diversifying economic activity on leasehold land - business friendly information; legislating for transferable permits for non-pastoral use on pastoral leases; template leases for large capital investment and for greater range of economic activities; 3) providing pathways to freehold – template ILUAs to assist conversion of pastoral leases to freehold; and,
10 Parliamentary Committee Final report: Inquiry into the future and continued relevance of government land tenure across Queensland
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4) easier administration – compensation costs to be borne by prospective lessee/grantee; detailed data/maps to be made available; land condition linkages to lease renewal process.11
The region is eager to see active continued reform of the land tenure system and the Land Act.
11 Our North, Our Future: White Paper on Developing Northern Australia, 2015, Commonwealth of Australia
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APPENDIX A – AQUIS GREAT BARRIER REEF RESORT BENEFIT SUMMARY
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APPENDIX B – WUNGU BEACH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY
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