Bundaberg Regional Council votes on Challenger committee, Fogo bins
A NASA-supported Challenger space centre and organic waste bin trial were among the key matters voted on by Bundaberg Regional Council. Find out more about seven key decisions that were made.
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A number of big decisions were made at Bundaberg Regional Council’s ordinary meeting on Tuesday.
While the development decision on a controversial daycare centre development garnered great interest, several other interesting items went before the council.
We take a look at them below:
Space centre a step closer
An application to establish a committee for the Challenger Learning Centre was approved.
Councillor Greg Barnes initially opposed the motion because a location had not yet been settled, before Councillor Tanya McLoughlin pointed out the vote was only on establishing a company and nominating committee directors.
Councillor Bill Trevor said a location would be set in stone at a later stage.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Memorandum of Understanding with UQ
A memorandum of understanding between the council and the University of Queensland got the green light.
The partnership aims to support greater placements of UQ engineers with the council and to encourage and support industry based research in marine, food, health, tourism and environmental industries.
South Beach Elliott Heads development
The council agreed to an application fee of $180,000 for the developer of a major project proposed for the coast if paid before July, 2023.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Building heights set in stone
Adoption of a planning scheme amendment to allow taller building heights in Bargara was finalised with the blessing of the state government.
The motion had been hotly contested by members of the public when it was voted for.
Councillors Wayne Honor, Tracey McPhee, Greg Barnes and May Mitchell voted against the finalisation.
The motion passed due to a majority.
Landcare set for a decade
Gin Gin Landcare had its lease renewed for 10 years.
Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey praised the group for their hard work in the community.
Bofors gun to Gladstone RSL sub-branch
The Bofors gun at Lions Park will move to Gladstone.
Costs are set to be covered by the Gladstone RSL sub-branch.
The 1930s Swedish anti-aircraft and anti-tank gun, which was made for use by the army, would cost thousands for the council to repair.
The council said it was a chance for the Gladstone RSL sub-branch, which had no military items, to have a piece of history.
The motion was passed.
Trial of waste collection for organics
A trial of kerbside food organics and gardens organics collection will run across 1300 homes in the region, with the first stage of the trial with 600 bins from October 1, 2023.
Waste and recycling spokeswoman Councillor Tanya McLoughlin said the project would need support from the state government, with an estimated cost of around $1,783,000 subject to trial outcomes.
According to the council there would be no additional charge to ratepayers during the trial period.
Benefits were listed as reduced waste to landfill and reducing cO2 emissions, and being beneficial for the agricultural sector.
The motion was passed.
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