Bundaberg Regional Council puts Bargara building heights on agenda

Building heights, sports grants and a Sleepbus were all on the agenda at the Bundaberg Regional Council mini meeting, with some good news for Bargara residents.

Link Airways is now operating Bundaberg to Brisbane flights.

Building height amendments were high on the agenda at the November brief meeting of the Bundaberg Regional Council.

Council members discussed ongoing amendments proposed to the Bundaberg Regional Planning Scheme.

The amendments called for “greater certainty to building heights, including providing the opportunity for community input on any development proposal within the Sea Turtle sensitive area that exceeds the building height nominated for the zone”.

After a short discussion on the nature of amendments development group manager Michael Ellery spoke on the future of building heights.

“The proposed amendment does not seek to change the heights in the current planning scheme, in fact it seeks to lock in the anticipated maximum building height,” he said.

Council also discussed the newest addition to Bundaberg airways Link Airways taking over an office space at the Bundaberg Airport.

It was proposed Link Airways be authorised to enter into a four year lease at market value, with the opportunity to extend for a further four years in the future.

A funding request from the Wide Bay Sports Academy was also discussed, with the council asked to supply $30,000 worth of funding every year for the next 10 years to the Academy.

It was recommended the council not provide the funding, with arguments from council members stating it was traditionally left to sports teams and clubs to apply for grants for funding.

“The council doesn’t traditionally provide funding for sports academies, that is usually done at a higher level through the Australian Institute of Sport or the Queensland Government,” community and environment general manager Gavin Steele said.

The council was also asked to consider a funding request for $5000 for an ongoing fundraising campaign for a Sleepbus. 

As part of the Housing and Homeless Forum initiative $59,513 of the required $100,000 needed for a Sleepbus has been raised.

Mr Steele said it was a great opportunity to provide safety, security and peace of mind to those struggling with the pressures of a rising housing crisis.