10 interesting items on agenda for first council meeting
WHITSUNDAYS: An Anzac memorial at Hydeaway Bay, project funding switch in Collinsville, councillor wages and more to be discussed.
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The first Whitsunday Regional Council meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday in Bowen.
Here are some major items of discussion set to be brought to the table:
Hydeaway Bay Anzac Memorial
A recommendation will be tabled at the council meeting to refuse the request for a Hydeaway Bay Anzac Memorial.
The council agenda states the denial would be because of the proximity of the existing Dingo Beach Anzac Memorial.
It notes that the refusal would encourage a joint Anzac Day ceremony between the Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach communities, and there is a risk another memorial on a foreshore could be damaged in bad weather.
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Project switch
The councillors will discuss whether to forgo the previously approved Railway Road Footpath Project in Collinsville, funded through Works for Queensland, and use the $400,000 elsewhere.
It was recommended the funding instead be used to irrigate the Collinsville Showground Oval, complete the missing footpath/pedestrian footbridge link along Scottville Rd and complete street beautification on Stanley St.
Agenda documents state community consultation showed the Railway Road project was not considered a high priority for Collinsville residents.
It was recommended the councillors use the funding for the alternative projects, rather than the Railway Road Footpath Project.
Bowen Men's Shed ownership
It's proposed the council take over ownership of the new Bowen Men's Shed clubhouse, located at 66 Dalrymple St.
The Bowen Mens' Shed Group contacted the council to ask if the insurance of the building could be covered under the council's insurance policies.
This was arranged and one of the conditions was that the council take ownership of the asset by way of donation.
This ensures the asset can remain on the insurance schedule and is covered by the council's insurance.
It's recommended the council accept the "donation" of the clubhouse.
New lease for BMX club
The Proserpine BMX Club has held a trustee lease with the council for 10 years but the lease is due to expire at the end of March.
The club wants to renew, but because of the type of lease they can't.
It's recommended the councillors vote to allow the CEO to enter negotiations with the club to set up a new lease agreement and allow them to continue using the land.
Human rights policy
A recommendation will be brought before the council to adopt a policy to document the council's intention to act in line with the Human Rights Act.
The policy has also been drafted to set up internal and external grievance procedures in case a complaint arises.
A draft policy document has been prepared for the council and it's recommended in the agenda that councillors adopt the Human Rights Policy.
Councillor wages
The Local Government Remuneration Commission Report for 2020 indicates that the remuneration levels for mayors, deputy mayors and councillors will not be increased from July 2021.
The issue is being brought to the council on Wednesday under the recommendation the Whitsunday Regional Council accepts this determination from the commission.
Financial report
A recommendation will be put before council to receive the unaudited financial documents for the current financial year up until December 2020.
The agenda documents state the council remains in a stable position halfway through the financial year.
It's also noted the Queensland Treasury Corporation confirmed the position but also identified opportunities for improvement, which will be reviewed and progress will be reported to the council.
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Two-wheel fun
A recommendation will be brought before the council to approve an application to operate commercial bikes, electric bikes and trikes on council footpaths, cycle ways foreshores and boardwalks in Airlie Beach and Cannonvale.
The application was made by Whitsunday Fun.
There's a long list of more than 20 conditions that go along with the recommendation for approval.
These include ensuring vegetation, soil, rocks and native animals are not damaged, ensuring litter is collected and complying with workplace health and safety requirements.
Sponsorship requests
It's recommended the council approve a $2000 donation to help Bowen Cricket Club.
The money will support the hosting of the 2021 Pink Stumps Ladies Day, set to be held on February 20.
It's also recommended the council approves a $3300 sponsorship to the Whitsunday Airport to host the 2021 Airlie Beach Fly-In and Runway Dinner in April.
The council is also recommended to approve donations to three other Whitsunday clubs.
Under the proposal, Whitsunday Sporting Car Club Association would receive $3000, Whitsunday Automotive and Restoration Club would get $1500 and Whitsunday Australian Football Club would get $3000.
House exceeds height limit
An application will be brought to the council for the construction of a house in a recreation and open space zone on Seaview Dr, Airlie Beach.
The dwelling also rises above the nominated building height for the zone and building works.
The application is recommended for approval, but agenda documents state it should be subjected to reasonable and relevant conditions, including ensuring the house is consistent with adjoining development on Seaview Dr.
Porters throw final party at historic home
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Fatal hit and run case hit with more delays
A Bowen man accused of a fatal hit and run has had his matter adjourned as prosecution says they need more time to search for missing evidence.