MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF THE TORRES SHIRE COUNCIL HELD IN THE SHIRE OFFICES, DOUGLAS STREET, THURSDAY ISLAND ON TUESDAY, 17 JUNE 2008 PRESENT Mayor Cr. N. P. Stephen, Cr. N. Bin Tahal, Cr. I. Shibasaki and Cr. J. Abednego. ALSO ATTENDED Mr. B. McCarthy (Chief Executive Officer), Mrs. D. Yorkston (Director Corporate Services), Mr P. Chapman (WHS/HRO), Mr. D. Nielsen (Director Engineering Services) and Mrs. P. Wasaga (Minute Secretary). PUBLIC GALLERY Mr Henry Nona The meeting opened with a prayer at 9:15 am. APOLOGIES An apology was received from Cr. A. Ketchell. Min. 08/06/01 Moved Cr. N. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. I. Shibasaki “That Council grant leave of absence to Cr. A. Ketchell.” Carried CONDOLENCES As a mark of respect, Council observed a minute’s silence in memory of: Ms Ivy Toby, Mr Fredrick Saylor, Mrs Frances Thomas (nee Loban), Mr Leo Ketchell, Mr Derek Bon. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT…Nil CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Min. 08/06/02 Moved Cr. I. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. J. Abednego “That Council receive the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 20 May 2008 and confirm as a true and correct record of the proceedings.” Carried Min. 08/06/03 Moved Cr. J. Abednego, Seconded Cr. N. Bin Tahal “That Council receive the Minutes of the Special Budget Meeting of 12 June 2008 and confirm as a true and correct record of the proceedings.” Carried BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES Cr. I. Shibasaki - Min. 08/05/20 Rates Information – Prince of Wales Island - Min. 08/05/24 Water Supply Fluoridation - Min. 08/05/28 Cape York Helicopters Lease - Min. 08/05/30 TI Sports Complex – Dilapidation Report Cr. N. Bin Tahal - General Business - Crocodiles at HI Wharf Attendance: Mr Henry Nona attended the meeting at 9:20am. COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 JUNE 2008 1 MAYOR'S REPORT He expressed his appreciation to the staff for hosting another successful Local Government Week filled with programs and activities. He acknowledged and welcomed Mrs. Dalassa Yorkston in her position as Director of Corporate Services. Minister’s Response to Council’s Deputation Minister Warren Pitt MP, Minister for Main Roads and Local Government responded to the seven matters raised at council’s deputation meeting on the 1 April 2008. These were the issues raised: • Possible Accord between Torres Shire Council and the Torres Strait Islander Regional Council and Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council • Attraction and Retention of Qualified Staff – Child Care Centre • New Land Development and Housing/Home Ownership • Safe Boating/Landing Access for Prince of Wales Island Residences and School Children • Ngurupai Sports Complex Future Development • Torres Shire Interests – Tamwoy JWT Hall (ex- TRAWQ Facility) • Additional Funding – Horn Island Airport Extension and additional associated cost Island Industries Board Representatives Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership, Lindy Nelson Carr MP, has requested Torres Shire Council to propose at least two qualified persons to be nominated by the Minister for the appointment to the IBIS board by the Governor-in- Council. The proposal timeframe is recommended as the 30 June and for appointments by 1 September 2008, or soon after. Min. 08/06/04 Moved Cr. I. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. J. Abednego “That Council recommend Cr. A. Ketchell, Mr. R. Laifoo and Mr. P. Mills be nominated as representatives on the Island Industries Board. Carried Reef to Outback – Youth with a Mission Australia This youth organization based at Townsville will be hosting a Cape York Tour coming to Torres Strait Region in July/August. The tour is aimed at impacting the youth with a positive Christian message using dance, feats of strength and a ‘beauty space’ in which will promote true beauty and self confidence. All the performers and organisers are volunteers who will travel at their own expense. Min. 08/06/05 Moved Cr. N. Bin Tahal Seconded Cr. I. Shibasaki “That Council, as part of its in kind support, waive the hire fees for Anzac Park for the proposed YWAM activities on Monday 4 August 2008.” Carried QLD Regional Achievement & Community Awards Nomination for the 2008 Regional Achievement and Community Awards is now opened. Closing date for nominations will be by close-of-business, Friday 12 September 2008. The categories are: Business & Employment Award; Arts & Cultural Award; Events & Tourism Award; Regional Service Award; Environment & Landcare Award; Youth Leadership Award and Community of the Year Award. Min. 08/06/06 Moved Cr. I. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. J. Abednego “That Council nominate candidates for different categories or support nominations by various community organisations.” Carried COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 JUNE 2008 2 MAYOR'S REPORT (cont’d) Celebration – Indigenous Festivals Strategy The Australia Council, through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board, has considered Torres Shire Council’s proposal and approved $55,000 for “Celebrations” – Torres Strait Cultural Festival (‘the project’). Australia Council funding is offered on the conditions in the funding agreement, including any special conditions included in the Agreement’s Schedule. Whilst the revised payment schedule is spread over 3 years – 2011 there is flexibility agreed by the ATSI Arts Board for the project to be implemented over a shorter time frame. For information Indigenous Flexible Funding Pool The Torres Strait Free Thinking Symposium was hosted by the Mayor’s Office in December 2007. This event brought together Torres Strait Elders and Torres Strait academics to share their worldview from a Torres Strait perspective. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) announced that Torres Shire Council was successful through the indigenous Flexible Funding Program to secure $49,000.00 for the implementation of the Symposium’s recommendations for the ‘ Zenath Kes Academy – Pathway towards Prosperity’. Noted Cultural Village Development Proposal The Port Kennedy Association Inc. has submitted application for funding through possible funding organisation to conduct a feasibly study for the development of a Cultural Village concept on Thursday Island. Council has identified the development of Cultural Village in its Corporate Plan since the early nineties. Min. 08/06/07 Moved Cr. J. Abednego, Seconded Cr. N. Bin Tahal “That Council provide written support for the development of a Cultural Village through a feasibilities study for Port Kennedy Association Inc.” Carried State Election At the 3rd Community Partnership forum, 11 June 2008, the Shadow Minister for Tourism, Regional Development, Small Business and Industry and Shadow Minister Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership, Rob Messenger, MP, implied that the State Election is proposed for the end of the year, possibly November. Mr Messenger, MP, welcomed the opportunity for Torres Shire Council to resubmit copies of Council’s submissions regarding ‘Enquiry into High Cost of Living in Torres Strait/NPA Region’, Green Paper submission (‘Torres Strait Governance’) and ‘Hands on Parliament’, which recommended indigenous designated seats as essential to the State’s Enquiry. Min. 08/06/08 Moved Cr. N. Bin Tahal, Seconded Cr. J. Abednego “That Council submits copies of its submissions through Robert Messenger MP’s office.” Carried 2008 Careers Market The Tagai State College Thursday Island Secondary Campus extends an invitation to the Torres Shire Council to participate in the annual Careers Market to be held on Tuesday 22 July. Noted COUNCIL MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 17 JUNE 2008 3 MAYOR'S REPORT (cont’d) Mackay Christian College From 28 June to 12 July 2008 a team of 40 students and teachers from Mackay Christian College and Northside Christian College in Brisbane will spend time on Warraber, Horn and Thursday Island as well as the NPA communities. The Team leader has requested council for the use of the Horn Island Stadium as a base to conduct bible based children’s activities on Horn Island and assist with the current Children’s Holiday Care Program and use facility as accommodation during their stay. The team requires this accommodation from 1 July until 10 July. They would also like to offer their services on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 July to engage in practical community assistance projects such as painting and cleaning to help the communities of Thursday and Horn Islands. Min. 08/06/09 Moved Cr. J. Abednego, Seconded Cr. I. Shibasaki “That the Mayor liaise with team leader Pastor Peter Lister from Mackay Christian College.” Carried Min. 08/06/10 Moved Cr. I. Shibasaki, Seconded Cr. J. Abednego “That the Mayor’s Report be accepted.” Carried Attendance: Cr. N. Bin Tahal presented TSC plaques to past and present Councillors in honour of Appreciation of Services. Ex-Councillors were in attendance. Attendance: Police Officers: Snr. Sgt. Les Bulluss, Sgt. Dave Rutherford and Sgt. Allan Dewis attended the meeting at 10:30am and addressed the following topics: Snr Sgt Les Bulluss 1. Liquor licencee and public drinking. 2 Road Safety message – strategy of bicycle helmets. 3. Thursday Island – reporting of crimes. 4. Public drinking – liquor fines, licencee meeting in 2 weeks. Police requested a Council member to be present at meeting. 5. Safety audit within community – improved lighting viz. Anzac Park and Victoria Parade. CEO advised that he would provide a copy of the approved SIP street lighting grant which covers these areas. 6. Assistance from other organisations, AQIS etc. to supply helmets through careers markets or gifts. 7. Issuing of Drivers Licences – Thursday only. Snr Sgt Bulluss stated that Police resources do not enable the service provision to increase/expand. CEO stated the Ngurupai Sports Complex is now available for weekend and public holiday activities. A dog survey/inspection is to be undertaken within the next two months with visits to residential properties by Council’s Authorised Animal Control Officer. DES advised double road lines near the National Bank on Hastings Street were not being adhered to.