MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL HELD IN THE SHIRE OFFICES, DOUGLAS STREET, ON WEDNESDAY, 17 APRIL 2019 ______

PRESENT Mayor Vonda Malone (Chair), Cr. Yen Loban (Deputy Mayor) Cr. John Abednego, Cr. Gabriel Bani, Cr. Thomas Loban, Dalassa Yorkston (Chief Executive Officer), Maxwell Duncan (Director Governance and Planning Services) Colin Duffy (Director Corporate and Community Services) and Nola Ward Page (Minute Secretary)

The meeting opened with a prayer by Cr. Bani at 9.05 am.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Mayor Malone acknowledged the traditional owners of the people and all island elders both past and present.

CONDOLENCES a minute of silence was held for:

Mrs Vida Whyte Mrs Alice Veronica Loban (nee Seden)

Mayor Malone, on behalf of Council, extended deepest condolences to the families of the loved ones who have passed.

COUNCIL REGISTER OF INTEREST

The Local Government Act 2009 requires a Councillor who has a “conflict of interest” (defined in the Act) in an issue to be considered at a Council or Committee meeting, to disclose the interest to the meeting and to determine whether the conflict of interest is:

(a) sufficiently significant such that the Councillor ought to leave the meeting room and not take part in the meeting whilst the issue is being considered or voted on

(b) not of sufficient significance that would lead the councillor to make a decision on the matter that is contrary to public interest and accordingly, the councillor ought to, in the best performance of the councillor’s responsibility of serving the overall public interest of the whole of the council’s area, continue to participate in the discussion and vote on the matter.

The Local Government Act 2009 requires a Councillor who has a “material personal interest” (defined in the Act) in an issue to be considered at a Council or Committee meeting, to disclose the interest to the meeting and leave the meeting room and not take part in the meeting whilst the issue is being considered or voted on.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT - Nil

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Min. 19/4/1 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council receive the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting 19 March 2019 and confirm as a true and correct records of the proceedings.” Carried

BUSINESS ARISING AND MATTERS FOR ACTION FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

CEO referred to the ‘Matters for Action following a Council Meeting document provided to Councillors with updated information on the 19 March 2019 meeting.

Section in March Council Minutes - Apology Mayor Malone – was attending the Parliamentary Hearing on the Intrastate Shipping held in Cairns on Tuesday 19 March 2019 hence the apology lodged for the absence from the March Council Ordinary Meeting.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 APRIL 2019 1

BUSINESS ARISING AND MATTERS FOR ACTION FROM PREVIOUS MEETING (cont’d)

CEO Report - Item JMTI Pty Ltd and Steven Mills Recovery of fines to be updated at the next Ordinary Council Meeting.

Queensland Health – Primary Health Care Centre Development Agreement in principle has been reached on the regularisation of car-parking for Queensland Health employees and Primary Health care users.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Acknowledgement to the traditional owners of Kaiwalagal and of the Torres Strait & elders past and present

PURPOSE To provide an update on representations undertaken by Mayor Vonda Malone for the period 20 February – 16 April, 2019.

Women of the World, 5-9 March 2019 – London, United Kingdom I was privileged to be part of the Women of the World (WOW) event in London as part of the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2019 celebrations. WOW started in the United Kingdom in 2010 to mark the centenary of IWD and has grown into one of the biggest movements of women and girls in the world. In the lead up to IWD a series of smaller events were held to recognise women’s evolution and contribution:

1. BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour – Interview with Jane Garvey at the old BBC Studios at Portland Place. The BBC has a massive audience, and this was an opportunity to share and give an insight to the UK about the Torres Strait.

2. The Hon. Julia Gillard – The former Prime Minister established the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership in 2018 at the Kings College, London. The Institute presented the research findings on the causes of women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions across sectors and countries and the way gender negatively impacts progress at every stage of their careers.

3. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, Clarence House – It was an honour to be part of a dynamic group of women that had the unique opportunity for a meet and greet with HRH the Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House.

4. International Women’s Day, WOW, What Now Royal Festival Hall – A line-up of special guests where featured over the 2 days including Julia Gillard, Annie Lennox (singer-songwriter), President Tarja Halonen, Finland, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Angela Davis, Lily Allen (singer- songwriter), Naomi Klein, Dr Sandra Phillips and myself.

Women of the World, 5-9 March 2019 – London, United Kingdom (cont’d) Additional side engagements were also held over the time allowing one-to-one smaller group discussions with Angela Davis and Naomi Klein. I would like to express my thanks to the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women, Torres Strait Ministerial Champion Minister and Government Champion Michael Hogan for sponsoring my attendance at WOW London 2019.

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, 12 March 2019 – Cambridge, UK Dr Anita Herle, Senior Curator at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology provided a private tour of Alfred Haddon’s Torres Strait Collection. Dr Herle has dedicated 25 plus years to the preservation of the vast historic artefacts collected by Haddon from 1888. A large percentage of Haddon’s collection stemmed from Mer and Islands and it was a humbling experience to see first-hand these items that are so far away from the Torres Strait but fortunately well preserved for us to still enjoy and value.

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MAYOR’S REPORT (cont’d)

Commonwealth Youth Awards, 17 March 2019 – Marlborough House, London UK Through the High Commission of , Australia House – London, I was invited to attend the Commonwealth Youth Awards.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham City Council, 15 March 2019 – Birmingham, UK Through the High Commission of Australia, Australia House - London, a visit was organised in order to meet with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Yvonne Mosquito. The meet and greet enabled direct engagement with the Lord Mayor at the Birmingham Council House to get an insight on the matters dealt with in Birmingham city.

Matters Arising: • A letter of thanks forwarded to Lord Mayor Yvonne Mosquito on behalf of Torres Shire Council.

Min. 19/4/2 Moved Cr. Bani, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council forward a letter of thanks to Lord Mayor Yvonne Mosquito for hosting our Mayor’s recent visit to Birmingham City Council.” Carried Inquiry into a Sustainable Queensland Intrastate Shipping, 18 March 2019 – Cairns I appeared before the Queensland Legislative Assembly’s Transport and Public Works Committee, to put forward Torres Shire Council’s (TSC) submission to the Inquiry into a Sustainable Intrastate Shipping. I joined the collective group of councils of Cairns Regional Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council and Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance.

Torres and Cape Indigenous Council’s Alliance, 28-29 March 2019 – Cairns The Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA) Inc held its first meeting for 2019 in Cairns on 28-29 March. Elected leaders from 14 local governing authorities across the Torres Strait and Cape including the gulf communities of Kowanyama and Mornington Island, discussed the progress of regional priorities and other common interests over the two days.

Recommendation: 1. That TSC endorse the TCICA Financial Statements as at 31 March 2019. 2. That TSC endorse the TCICA Federal Election Priorities for the 2019 Federal Election.

LGAQ General Meeting, 2 April 2019 – A representation of 75 Queensland Councils congregated in Brisbane to discuss and vote on the LGAQ’s recommended motions pertaining to the legislative changes to the 2020 and 2024 Local Government elections. The changes imposed by the State Government has had little consultation and input from Councils and timing of the meeting to gauge the views of the collective Councils was imminent.

The position of the Queensland wide Councils has been put forward to the Minister for Local Government and the .

TSC State Government Deputations, 3 April 2019 - Brisbane TSC conducted a series of deputations with various State Ministers and Director Generals to advocate on the 10 key priorities for our Torres Shire.

Recommendation: • CEO to follow-up on matters arising from the various State Government deputations.

Other Representations 1. Year 12 Senior Badge Ceremony, TAGAI State College - 22 March 2019. 2. TSIMA Radio Interview, regular Council update - 25 March 2019. 3. Maritime Safety Queensland presentation of gift to Torres Strait Local Disaster Management Group (TSLDMG) for the successful Exercise Torres 2018 (Oil Pollution) - 10 April 2019. 4. TSC Australian Citizenship Ceremony of Pooja Rani – 16 April 2019.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 APRIL 2019 3

MAYOR’S REPORT (cont’d)

RECOMMENDATION

That Council: 1. Notes this brief. 2. Endorses matters arising and recommendations as per brief. That Council notes this brief.

Min. 19/4/3 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Bani “That the Mayor’s Report be received.” Carried

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned for Morning Tea at 10.25a.m and resumed at 10.55 a.m.

1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Outcome of Federal Budget - Council’s 10-Point Election Plan

Safer Communities Fund - Round 5 retained The Federal Government will provide $58.2 million over four years from 2019-20 to increase funding available under the Safer Communities Fund (SCF).

This includes:

• $35.1 million over four years from 2019-20 for Round Five of the SCF to provide grant funding to local government and community organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour by funding crime prevention initiatives and to protect schools, pre-schools and community organisations that are facing security risks associated with racial or religious intolerance; and

• $23.1 million in 2019-20 to increase funding for Round Four of the SCF, which provides grants to local government and community organisations, such as organisations of religious worship and religious assembly, to fund crime prevention initiatives to keep children safe, including those who face a risk of attack, harassment or violence stemming from racial or religious intolerance.

Initiatives that could be funded include the installation of closed-circuit television to help protect schools, pre-schools and places of religious worship and religious assembly.

Australia Day The Government will provide $0.8 million over three years from 2019-20 to provide additional support for Australia Day activities and funding to undertake a review of the National Australia Day Council’s programs.

FAGS Funding The Government will pay half of the expected 2019-20 local government financial assistance grants in 2018-19 to enable the immediate use of these funds. This will provide greater flexibility and support to local governments, particularly in areas affected by severe or unexpected weather events.

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

The following outlines budget measures relevant to Council’s 10 Point Plan:

Point 2 - Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples The Government will provide $7.3 million in 2019-20 for the co-design of options for a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The co-design of a model to improve local and regional decision-making will involve engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities and organisations across Australia and is consistent with a recommendation of the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Point 2 - Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (cont’d) The Government remains committed to the process of constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and will conduct a referendum once a model has been settled, consistent with the recommendations of the Joint Select Committee.

Funding for this measure has already been provided for by the Government.

Point 3 – Regional Telecommunications The Government will provide $220.0 million over four years from 2019-20 to the Department of Communications and the Arts to improve regional telecommunications, including:

• $160.0 million for grants under Rounds 5 and 6, and additional funding for Round 4, of the Mobile Black Spot Program; and

• $60.0 million for a Regional Connectivity Program that will provide grants to improve mobile and broadband services in regional areas, online telecommunications advice to regional users, trials of innovative solutions for providing voice services to remote Australia and support the development of the Universal Service Guarantee.

• The Government will provide $7.2 million over four years from 2019-20 (and $1.4 million per year ongoing from 2023-24) to the Australian Communications and Media Authority to improve dispute resolution for Australian telecommunications consumers by providing advice, support and oversight to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.

• The cost of this measure will be recovered through an increase in the Annual Carrier Licence Charge from 2020-21.

Point 5 – Horn Island Airport • The Government will provide $102.8 million from 2019-20 to establish the Regional Airports Program that will provide grants to upgrade infrastructure and deliver improved aviation safety and access at regional airports.

• The $2.8 million departmental cost of this measure will be met from within the existing resources of the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Point 6 – Environment Protection – Waste Management • $100.0 million to establish an Environment Restoration Fund to provide grants for on-ground restoration and protection projects focussing on threatened and migratory species and their habitats, coasts and waterways, recycling and waste reduction and other priority and emerging environmental issues;

• $28.3 million to establish the Communities Environment Program, providing $150,000 to each federal electorate for community led environment projects; and

• $9.2 million towards controlling yellow crazy ants in and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World - The Government will provide $130.5 million over five years from 2019-20 to reduce the risk and impact of disasters. This funding includes $104.4 million for a five-year national partnership agreement to support the states and territories in reducing disaster risks and $26.1 million to deliver initiatives that reduce disaster risk at the national level.

Funding for this measure has already been provided for by the Government.

Point 7 – Tourism Investment The Government will provide $50.0 million over three years from 2019-20 to support the development and enhancement of nationally and regionally iconic tourism infrastructure, with co-contributions from state and territory governments and industry. These projects will generate tourism demand in regional areas and support regional economies.

Provision for this funding has already been included in the forward estimates. Other regional infrastructure includes: The Government will provide additional funding of $2.2 billion from 2019-20 to improve local road safety and provide upgrades across local road networks. The funding includes: • an additional $1.1 billion for the Roads to Recovery Program; • an additional $275.0 million for the Bridges Renewal Program.

Point 8 – High Cost of Living The Government will provide $3.5 billion over 15 years from 2018-19 for a Climate Solutions Package to deliver on Australia’s 2030 climate commitments including:

• $61.2 million over four years from 2019-20 to establish the Energy Efficient Communities Program, which will provide grants to businesses and community organisations to improve energy efficiency practices and technologies to better manage energy consumption; • $18.0 million over six years from 2019-20 for households and businesses to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills; and • $50.4 million to support feasibility studies into the development of microgrids in regional and remote communities; • $10.0 million for the development of business cases for reliable and affordable energy supplies for commercial and industrial customers in North and Central Queensland

The Government will provide $206.2 million from 2019-20 for a further round of the Building Better Regions Fund, to support investment in community infrastructure and capacity building projects in regional areas. This investment increases the total funding provided for the Building Better Regions Fund to $841.6 million and is in addition to the Government’s previous commitment to the National Stronger Regions Fund of $611.2 million over five years from 2015-16. This measure builds on the 2018-19 Budget measure titled Building Better Regions Fund — round three.

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT Point 8 – High Cost of Living Point 8 – High Cost of Living (cont’d) The Government will provide $284.4 million over two years from 2018-19 to make a one-off Energy Assistance Payment of $75 for singles and $62.50 for each member of a couple eligible for qualifying payments on 2 April 2019 and who are resident in Australia.

This measure builds on the 2017-18 Budget measure titled Energy Assistance Payment.

The Government will provide $36.4 million over five years from 2018-19 to extend Family Tax Benefit eligibility to the families of ABSTUDY (secondary) student recipients who are aged 16 years and over and are required to live away from home to attend school. This will improve access to secondary education for and help reduce the gap in outcomes between Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australians in high school completion.

This measure builds on the 2018-19 Budget measure titled 50 Years of ABSTUDY — strengthening ABSTUDY for secondary students.

Point 9 – Economic Development - Employment Skills The Government will provide $525.3 million over five years from 2018-19 (including $15.6 million in capital funding over four years from 2019-20) to further improve the quality of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, and to respond to the Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System led by the Hon Steven Joyce. The Government will also put in place the building blocks for long-term tertiary reform to enhance the VET brand, keeping it at the centre of modern skills development into the future, and ensuring that the VET sector is student focused and responsive to change.

This package includes: • $132.4 million over four years from 2019-20 to build an enhanced approach to skills development by establishing a National Skills Commission to drive long- term reforms in the VET sector, piloting new Skills Organisations in key areas of future job growth and establishing a National Careers Institute to improve career advice and provide necessary information for jobseekers; • $67.5 million over five years from 2018-19 to trial 10 national training hubs supporting school-based vocational education in regions with high youth unemployment, with an aim of creating better linkages between schools and local industry, and other skills development measures; • $62.4 million over four years from 2019-20 to expand second chance learning in Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Skills to upskill at-risk workers, and to trial four Indigenous delivery pilots providing tailored services in remote communities; • $200.2 million over four years from 2019-20 (and $147.5 million in 2023-24) to establish a new Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment to boost existing incentives for areas of identified skills needs to support up to 80,000 new apprentices over five years, as well as simplifying and streamlining the Australian Apprenticeship Incentives Program; • $34.2 million in 2019-20 to further support the six signatory states and territories to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) National Partnership Agreement to support initiatives to boost apprenticeships and traineeships;

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Point 9 – Economic Development – Employment (cont’d) • $20.1 million over four years from 2019-20 to better identify emerging skills needs in the Australian economy through phase three of the Jobs and Education Data Infrastructure Project, along with simplifying students’ access to their education and training records by expanding the Unique Student Identifier to all higher education students and developing a centralised repository for students’ education and training records; and This measure will be partially funded by redirecting unallocated funding from the SAF and other vocational Education portfolio programs. • This measure builds on the 2018-19 Budget measure titled Trades Recognition Australia — additional funding • The Government will provide $276.5 million over five years from 2018-19 to support Indigenous students to undertake and complete study to help close the gap in education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. • The Government will provide $200.0 million over four years from 2019-20 to fund additional scholarship placements and mentoring support for Indigenous students. Scholarships will support young Indigenous students to access education and mentoring opportunities and will help improve the rate of Indigenous people completing secondary school.

The cost of the package of measures will be partially met from within the existing resources of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Point 10 – Health and Support for education pathways including full scholarships • $0.8 million in 2018-19 to assist isolated families through a one-off payment of $1,000 per student currently receiving support through the Assistance to Isolated Children Scheme or ABSTUDY. • $93.7 million from 2019-20 (and $23.7 million per year ongoing) to establish the Destination Australia Program to support domestic and international students to study in regional Australia by providing scholarships towards a higher education or vocational education and training (VET) qualification.

The Destination Australia program will be funded by terminating the Endeavour Leadership Program. Funding of $17.1 million over four years from 2019-20 will remain available to support existing program recipients.

Funding for this measure has already been partially provided for by the Government.

• provide $448.5 million over the three years from 2020-21 for a new chronic disease care funding model that will provide additional funding to participating practices to better support high-needs patients; • provide $62.2 million over five years from 2018-19 to implement a new medical training pathway for rural generalists and provide additional training places for General Practitioners in rural, remote and regional communities

This measure builds on the 2018-19 Budget measure titled Sport — building a more active Australia, and on the 2018-19 MYEFO measures titled Sport 2030 — Community Sport Infrastructure Program — additional funding and Sport 2030 — high performance funding.

COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 APRIL 2019 8

1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Outcome of Federal Budget - Council’s 10-Point Election Plan (cont’d)

Point 10 – Health and Support for education pathways including full scholarships (cont’d) The cost of this measure will be partially met from existing resources and funding that has already been provided for by the Government.

• provide $17.2 million over five years from 2018-19 to establish a chronic disease grants program to improve outcomes for Australians living with chronic disease by funding priority activities recommended by the National Strategic Action Plans • $42.5 million in 2018-19 for the Community Sport Infrastructure Program to fund sport infrastructure projects in local communities;

Min. 19/4/4 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council make further representation to the Federal Government on the Council’s Ten-Point Election Plan.” Carried

Torres Shire Council Tenders and Quotations As Council progresses to construction stage of current grant funded projects, a number of tenders and quotations have been prepared and called. In particular the following tender is open:

Tender/Quotation Particulars Closing Date Tender 01/2019 - Loggy Creek Water Tenders invited for: The Design and Construction Mon, 6 May 2019 Treatment Plant Permanent Facility, of supply & installation of a permanent water Horn Island, Torres Strait treatment facility on Horn Island.

Min. 19/4/5 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council acknowledge the current Tender 01/2019 - Loggy Creek Water Treatment Plant Permanent Facility, Horn Island, Torres Strait.” Carried

Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11.25pm to prepare for the visit of the Acting Deputy Japanese Consul Mr Takeshi Tanabe from Brisbane.

At 12.10pm Mayor Malone welcomed Mr. Tanabe to Thursday Island and to Torres Shire Council and introduced the Councillors and Executives present. On arrival this morning Mr. Tanabe was given a tour of the Japanese Cemetery by Council and saw first hand at Council’s Works Depot, the progress being made on the new posts for the Japanese divers’ graves.

The meeting adjourned at 12.30pm with an invitation to Mr Tanabe to join the Councillors for lunch and the meeting resumed at 1.05pm

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Ministerial Deputations and Meetings

March 2019 - Katter Party Deputation At the Ordinary Council Meeting of 19 February 2019 Council endorsed the 2019 Federal Election Local Government Policy Plan. Following the Council Meeting, representation was made to Parliament House to various Ministers, Opposition Leaders and Senior Policy Advisors.

On Friday 29 March 2019, Mayor Vonda Malone Deputy Mayor Yen Loban and CEO Dalassa Yorkston met with the Katter Party -

The Hon. Bob Katter MP and, Mr. Daniel McCarthy (Katter Party Candidate for Leichhardt)

at the Torres Strait Island Regional Council Offices on Grafton Street, Cairns.

The issues of autonomy, constitutional recognition, economic development and employment, security and bio-security (including waste management) housing, shipping and air transport, health – particularly chronic disease prevention and tourism development were raised and tabled to the deputation.

April 2019 - State Government Deputation to Parliament House At the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 19 March 2019, Council endorsed the Torres Shire Council Submission to the Queensland Government 10-point plan.

Councillors and CEO travelled to Brisbane and met with Queensland Government Ministers and Policy Advisors to discuss its 10-Point Plan on 3 April 2019.

Councils Submission to the Queensland Government sought to address the issues of autonomy, economic development and employment, environmental and crocodile management, affordable housing and social housing transfer, shipping and air transport, cost of living and tourism development.

Queensland Productivity Commission Report 2017 The Queensland Productivity Commission December 2017 report noted that the achievement of greater autonomy in the Torres Strait is key to Closing the Gap and overcoming indigenous disadvantage.

Representation and Torres Shire Councils Submission to the Queensland Government Ten-Point Plan were made to:

Hon MP -

Hon MP - Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Hon MP - Member for Cook

Hon Shannon Fentiman MP - Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Ministerial Deputations and Meetings (cont’d)

Hon MP - Minister for Environment and and Minister for Science and Minister for Arts

Hon MP - Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs

Office - Hon MP Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner - Mick Gooda Qld Housing & Public Works Policy Advisor – Cameron Mitchell

Office - Hon MP Minister for Transport and Main Roads

Office - Hon MP Mr Jeff McAlister Deputy Director-General Tourism Division - DITID Development and Mr Michael Hogan DG Champion for Torres Shire Council

Min. 19/4/6 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council formally write to Queensland Parliamentarians thanking them for meeting with Council in Brisbane on Wednesday, 3 April 2019 on the Submission to the Queensland Government.” Carried

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)

(a) General Meeting - Tuesday, 2 April 2019 Brisbane

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) called a General Meeting under the Constitution and Rules, the Board of LGAQ Ltd had regard to the fact that such meetings are rare and reserved for the most important and urgent of matters. It must be noted that only two such meetings have occurred in the past 30 years.

Both the LGAQ Board and the Policy Executive believe that with such critical matters as proposed changes to the voting arrangements for the 2020 Council elections, there should be a full discussion and debate by members. This will ensure that the Association can convey directly your considered views to the Government and indeed the Parliament, before the enabling legislation is debated.

The General Meeting was held at 10.00 am on Tuesday 2 April 2019. Attending on behalf of Torres Shire Council were Mayor Vonda Malone, Deputy Mayor Yen Loban, Cr. Thomas Loban and CEO Dalassa Yorkston.

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) (cont’d)

(a) General Meeting - Tuesday, 2 April 2019 Brisbane (cont’d)

On Monday 1 April 2019, prior to the General Meeting of LGAQ members, a Media Release by the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP advising of the Queensland Government’s plan of rolling out the Belcarra Stage 2 recommendations was published

From the Special General Meeting of LGAQ members regarding the Palaszczuk Government’s planned electoral changes, the following outcomes of voting on the motions were:

1 Oppose Compulsory Preferential Voting: 98 % support 2 Oppose Proportional Representation: 99% support 3 Oppose Dual Candidacy: 96% support 96% support 4 Oppose Government-imposed Expenditure Caps: 86% support 5 Support LGAQ expenditure Caps: 92% support 6 Support regulation of Third Party Expenditure: 98% support 7 Oppose public funding of Council Elections: 99% support 8 Oppose reduction of mayoral power to direct staff: 82% support 9 Oppose removal power of mayor, deputy or 92% support committee chair to appoint senior executive staff: 10 Call on Government to abide by the same rules they set for councils: 83% support

(b) LGAQ Indigenous Leaders Forum (ILF) – Cairns

For Council information and reference, the next LGAQ ILF (Indigenous Leaders Forum) will be held in Cairns on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 June 2019. Confirmation of attendance from Councillors is requested.

(c) Local Government Association of Queensland – Policy Executive Meeting

The next LGAQ Policy Executive Meeting will be held here on Thursday Island, hosted by Torres Shire Council. Bron Browning, Executive Officer has been working with Torres Shire Council staff to formalise the agenda for the visit. A draft travel itinerary is attached for Council reference

An overview includes: • Policy Executive Board Meeting held in Torres Shire Council Chambers on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 August • Policy Executive Members to attend the Obon Commentative Event with Council at the • Dinner to be extended to the three local governments (TSC, TSIRC, NPARC) with the Policy Executive Members on Thursday 15 August at the Gab Cultural Centre

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) (cont’d)

(d) LGAQ Annual Conference 2019 – Cairns The 123rd LGAQ Annual Conference is set to be held on 14-16 October at the Cairns Convention Centre. This conference date coincide with the October Ordinary Council Meeting scheduled to be held on Tuesday 15 October 2019.

(e) Elected Members Update (EMU) The Elected Members Update final workshops for Queensland will be held at Logan / Redland - Friday 31 May, 9am to 3.30pm and Cairns - Wednesday 17 July, 9am to 3.30pm. Mayor Vonda Malone, Cr. John Abednego and CEO Dalassa Yorkston are yet to attend an EMU session.

Australian General Assembly of Local Governments The Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly, held in Canberra, attracts more than 870 representatives from councils across the states and territories. The theme for the 2019 Conference is Future Focused. This assembly will consider what councils can do today to get ready for the challenges, opportunities and changes that lie ahead.

The Conference will be held from 16 June to 19 June 2019 and coincides with the June Ordinary Council Meeting date. Early bird registrations close on 10 May 2019.

Council Meeting Dates – June and October 2019 For Council consideration, a resolution is required to change the dates set for the Ordinary Meeting for the months of June and October 2019. This will allow Council to attend the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra and the Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference in Cairns.

Min. 19/4/7 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council (i) resolve to move the date of Council Meeting from 18 June to 25 June to allow Councillors to attend the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly in Canberra, and (2) resolve to move the date of Council Meeting from 15 October to 22 October to allow Councillors to attend the Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference in Cairns.” Carried

Queensland Freight Strategy - Advancing Freight Queensland's freight task continues to rise in response to increases in population, economy and demand for goods. The Queensland Freight Strategy – Advancing Freight in Queensland, sets a shared vision for the state’s freight system, guiding policy, planning and investment decision making over the next ten years to give customers greater choice and support economic growth (see Attachment 1.7).

The Queensland Freight Strategy – Advancing Freight in Queensland is a 10-year strategy identifying 5 Shared Commitments that government and stakeholders will work collaboratively towards achieving. The Strategy has been developed in partnership with the Queensland Ministerial Freight Council.

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1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

REPORT

Letters of Support provided to Community Organisations Council was requested by a number of community organisations to provide letters of support in aid of funding applications.

The following Letters of Support were provided to:

Torres Strait Youth & Recreational Sporting Association TSRA Common Round funding - Support for a Healthy Snack Van

Kaziw Meta TSRA Common Round Funding - Support for a Utility Vehicle

Min. 19/4/8 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council receive the report of the Chief Executive Officer.” Carried

2. CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

REPORT

Financial Statements Min. 19/4/9 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Deputy Mayor Loban “That Council adopt the Financial Reports for Comprehensive Income, Financial Position, Cash Analysis, Capital Works, Grants Register, Monthly Financial Health Check, Horn Island Airport Financial Position and Quarry Financial Position as presented as at 31 March 2019.” Carried

Min. 19/4/10 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Deputy Mayor Loban “That Council receive the report of the Director Corporate and Community Services.” Carried

3. ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

REPORT

Min. 19/4/11 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Deputy Mayor Loban “That Council receive the report of the Director Engineering & Infrastructure Services.” Carried

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4. GOVERNANCE AND PLANNING SERVICES

REPORT

Wasaga Masterplan Review On 5 April 2019 DGPS met with Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP) and representatives of the Department of Infrastructure and State Development. Stage 1 of the Management Plan was completed. The Wasaga Masterplan appropriately interfaces with the new Council Planning Scheme.

20 John Street Survey Plan In 2016 Council approved an internal boundary alignment of a property at 20 John St Thursday Island. The survey plan has now been provided to Council by the registered owner for the affixation of Council’s seal. The survey plan is presented for Council’s consideration.

Min. 19/4/12 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Deputy Mayor Loban “That Council (1) endorse the affixation by the CEO of Council’s seal on the survey plan for 20 John Street, Thursday Island, and (2) authorise the CEO to affix the seal of Council to the survey plan for 20 John Street Thursday Island.” Carried

IDAS 18/05 Eco Pty Ltd c/o Ricky Zietlow Development application for tourist accommodation on Prince of Wales Island.

Application is in the applicant information request response period. The applicant response period has been extended until 26 April 2019. When the information request response is received, the application will proceed to the Decision stage. This application is Code assessable and public notification is not required.

IDAS 18/07 Black and More c/o Brazier Motti Pty Ltd Development Permit for a Material Change of Use Local Utility 56-58 Douglas Street, Thursday Island

Application is in the decision stage and a planning report and recommendation will be presented to Council at the next Ordinary Council Meeting on 21 May 2019.

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4. GOVERNANCE AND PLANNING SERVICES

REPORT

IDAS 18/05 Torres Strait Islands Eco Pty Ltd c/o Ricky Zietlow – con’t

Previous notes: Advice provided to the applicant that the Council wishes to seek additional on street car parking in Hastings St to address the on-site carping shortfall. This will require works to bridge an existing culvert and install line marking for carparking.

It has been highlighted that Hastings Street is a heritage place in the planning scheme and the heritage item in the street are the stone flagged street drains

To pursue the changes and works in the street constitute assessable development different to that applied for and would be a change to the application. This change would also warrant re-referral to the State for assessment of impacts to Hastings Street as a state controlled road. These outcomes are unreasonable in my professional opinion.

The application is only assessable by seeking a building setback variation. This is the only trigger for this whole application. Car parking would not be achieved for accepted development under the planning scheme.

The applicant is at a loss on how to proceed and may adjust the setbacks so that the application is withdrawn, and Council will receive no upgrades or infrastructure charges.

Crocodile Sighting – Thursday Island On Monday 8 April 2019 Rebel Tours personnel advised Council’s compliance team about the sighting of a crocodile in the waters in front of the Rebel Jetty at Thursday Island. In accordance with Council procedures, Rebel Tour personnel were advised to further report the sighting to CrocWatch. Council’s Senior Compliance Officer immediately erected a crocodile sighting warning sign near the jetty where the crocodile was sighted.

The Crocodile was said to be approximately three meters in length. Council’s Senior Compliance Officer has contacted officers of the Department of Environment and Science to obtain approvals for the placement of a crocodile trap at Navy Jetty.

Animal Management In February animal management compliance activities were conducted on Thursday Island. The Animal Management statistics for the month are set out hereunder:

A veterinary visit was conducted between 18 - 31 March 2019 on Thursday Island. DGPS discussed with the vet the detailed animal management plan that is continuing to be developed. The plan includes:

• community education and awareness sessions on Horn Island to advise of the need for dog and cat registration and the availability of veterinary assistance and de-sexing services; • responsible dog and cat ownership; • amnesty on local law (animal management) enforcement to encourage registration; and • local laws enforcement.

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4. GOVERNANCE AND PLANNING SERVICES

REPORT

Abandoned Motor Vehicles and other objects on Council property The attractive nuisance doctrine applies to the law of torts. It states that a landowner may be held liable for injuries to children trespassing on the land if the injury is caused by an object on the land that is likely to attract children. The doctrine is designed to protect children who are unable to appreciate the risk posed by the object, by imposing a liability on the landowner. The doctrine has been applied to hold landowners liable for injuries caused by abandoned cars, piles of lumber or sand, trampolines, and swimming pools. However, it can be applied to virtually anything on the property of the landowner.

Council has a duty of care to ensure that objects abandoned on Council property do not provide an inducement to children or others to injure themselves. Accordingly, DGPS has developed a comprehensive plan for dealing with the issues of abandoned motor vehicles and other objects on Council property.

Local Law Enforcement and Compliance DGPS has conducted a comprehensive review of Council’s Local Laws. A community awareness and engagement plan concerning Local Laws compliance and enforcement has been developed in relation to the following areas:

• Abandoned motor vehicles • Street side shipping containers

Local Law Enforcement and Compliance Min. 19/4/13 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council endorse the Local Laws Community Awareness and Engagement Plan.“ Carried

Min. 19/4/14 Moved Cr. Bani, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council receive the report of the Director Governance and Planning Services.” Carried

5. IN COMMITTEE

That Council discuss ‘In Committee’, the items as listed below, under the provisions of the Local Government Regulation 2012, 275 Closed meetings; (1) A local government or committee may resolve that a meeting be closed to the public if its councillors or members consider it necessary to close the meeting to discuss— (a) the appointment, dismissal or discipline of employees; or (b) industrial matters affecting employees; or (c) the local government’s budget; or (d) rating concessions; or (e) contracts proposed to be made by it; or (f) starting or defending legal proceedings involving it; or (g) any action to be taken by the local government under the Planning Act, including deciding applications made to it under that Act; or (h) other business for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government or someone else, or enable a person to gain financial advantage. (2) A resolution that a meeting be closed must state the nature of the matters to be considered while the meeting is closed. (3) A local government or committee must not make a resolution (other than a procedural resolution) in a closed meeting.

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5. IN COMMITTEE

Prince of Wales Island – Safe Marine Landing Facility

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)

Quarry - Fees and Charges 2018-2019 Amendment

Min. 19/4/15 Moved Deputy Mayor Loban, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council go In Committee.” Carried

Min. 19/4/16 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council come out of Committee.” Carried

Prince of Wales Island – Safe Marine Landing Facility Min. 19/4/17 Moved Cr. Bani, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council resolve, in its assessment of the impact of the development (as advertised) and notified to reduce the scale of the approval to part of the notified area, as recommended in the Planning Report, and approve the development application, in part, as detailed in the Planning Report.” Carried

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP Min. 19/4/18 Moved Deputy Mayor Lobn, Seconded Cr. Abednego “That Council adopt the ERP report.” Carried

Quarry - Fees and Charges 2018-2019 Amendment Min. 19/4/19 Moved Deputy Mayor, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council endorse the new fees and charges for the Horn Island Quarry Materials effective from 17 April 2019.” Carried

6. LATE ITEM

Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance (TCICA) Meeting Report 28 & 29 Mar 2019 Min. 19/4/20 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Cr. Bani “That Council (1) endorse the TCICA Financial Statements as at 31 March 2019, (2) endorse the TCIA Federal Election Priorities for the 2019 Federal Election, and (3) endorse the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO to attend the next TCICA meeting on 14 and 15 May in Cairns.” Carried

Lifting The Water Restriction from Level 3 to Level 1 Min. 19/4/21 Moved Cr. Bani, Seconded Deputy Mayor Loban “That Council approve to endorse Level 1 Water Restriction in force in the Shire from 17 April 2019.” Carried

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6. LATE ITEM

State Government Community Hub Min. 19/4/22 Moved Cr. Abednego, Seconded Deputy Mayor Loban “That Council express its interest in being the head tenant for the State Government Community Hub located on 156 Douglas Street, Thursday Island.” Carried

Torres Shire Council Indigenous Councils Strategy – Ministrial Correspondence Min. 19/4/23 Moved Cr.Abednego, Seconded Cr. Loban “That Council write to Minister for Local Government and Ministerial Government Champion and confirm that: (a) Torres Shire Council does not seek to have its local government classification changed from a main stream council to an indigenous council states, and (b) That Torres Shire Council confirms its interest and application is for the State Government grant funding that is currently available to indigenous Councils.” Carried

7. GENERAL BUSINESS

Deputy Mayor Loban • Removal of containers on Council kerbside in the Shire need urgent attention

Mayor Malone • Drainage on Douglas Street needs attention • Containers on Council footpath at Post Office should be removed • Water supply required to be on-going at Frog Gully Gardens

Cr. Abednego • Query business being run from residence at Rosehill • Demountable dongas used for staff accommodation on Douglas Street

Cr. Loban • Removal of tree in front of residence at suburb of Quarantine previously reported

Cr. Bani • Road washout on Chester Street needs attention • Removal of nuisance bean trees on Council kerbside in Chester Street

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, 21 May 2019 (at Horn Island Sports Complex)

CLOSURE: The meeting closed with a prayer by Cr. Bani at 5.40pm.

Confirmed this day of

MAYOR

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