Eight major items to be discussed in today’s council meeting
The region’s cemetery policy, Whitsunday Paradise development, a new Bowen BMX track and more will reach the council table.
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Whitsunday councillors will meet for an ordinary meeting in Bowen on Wednesday.
Here are some major items set to be discussed at the council table.
Cemetery policy review
Council agenda documents state that after a council briefing session on February 17, changes were made to the region's cemetery policy to better reflect community expectations.
Some of the major amendments suggested for the policy include allowing real and artificial flowers after the first month after interment and allowing adornments on graves if they are secure and don't encroach on other graves.
"The amendments reflect a more considered approach to respecting the rights of families and the broader community feedback to allow for managing cemeteries and their ongoing maintenance," council agenda documents state.
It is recommended councillors adopt the revised cemetery policy.
Whitsunday Paradise infrastructure agreement
A late inclusion in this week's council meeting is an item related to an infrastructure agreement proposed for the Whitsunday Paradise development.
It is recommended councillors decline the offer from developers Homeland Property Development Pty Ltd to enter an infrastructure agreement to supply water and sewer infrastructure and the decommissioning of the onsite sewage treatment plant.
"The request proposes that council will refund 100 per cent of the costs of providing water to the estate, 100 per cent of sewerage infrastructure and 100 per cent of the costs of decommissioning the existing on-site sewage treatment plant," council agenda documents state.
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The council estimates the value of these works is about $20 million.
"Council is advised that there is no lawful requirement for the community to contribute to the construction of the proposed works, which will service only the Whitsunday Paradise estate," the documents state.
Motorsports application
Bowen Junior Motorsports Club Inc has submitted a development application for a motorsport facility and reconfiguration of a lot (Access Easement) at Woodhouse Rd, Bowen.
The development will consist of a 9.7ha motocross track and a 1ha BMX track.
It attracted two submissions from adjoining landowners.
The submissions raised amenity and environmental concerns that could arise due to the proximity of the track to the residential premises.
It is recommended the council grant conditional approval and a revised noise impact assessment will need to be prepared based on the final track design.
Extension of development approval
A recommendation will be brought before the council to approve a request to extend a development approval for a major project at Funnel Bay.
The proposed tourist facility will include an eco-tourism resort including 172 units, a function centre, restaurants, bars, cafes, wedding chapel and much more.
The developers have requested an 18-month extension to the current approval.
Council agenda documents note the applicant has taken "significant steps" to complete the development with multiple development permits obtained and some works started and finished.
"Based on the applicant's representations and the completed site civil works, the development will likely proceed should an additional 18-month extension be granted," the documents state.
"On this basis, the request is recommended for approval."
The council originally granted a preliminary approval for the Funnel Bay tourist facility back in November 2006.
Funding opportunities
Cash is up for grabs that could help improve cycling routes in the region.
Councillors will decide whether to support a submission to the 2021-22 Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program.
The submission will seek $15,000 for the Catalina Shared Path Project and $115,000 for the Scottsville Shared Path missing link project, but the second half of the recommendation requires councillors to approve a co-contribution of the same amounts in the upcoming 2021-22 budget.
Similarly, councillors will vote on whether to support funding applications to the Stronger Communities Program for the Mt Coolon Community Centre, Collinsville RV Park, Cannonvale Men's Shed and Queens Beach basketball lighting project.
Big money is also up for grabs through the Building Better Regions Fund and it is recommended councillors seek cash for Lake Proserpine, the Choose Collinsville Project and Whitsunday Arts and Culture Identity Project.
All these projects also require co-contributions from the council.
It is recommended the councillors vote to support all the submissions and approve the required co-contributions in the budget.
Infrastructure projects report
It will be recommended council receive the Infrastructure Services Capital Progress Report for January 2021, which outlines the progress of key projects in the region.
This includes the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Flagstaff Hill, Les Stagg Oval grandstand renewal, Bowen water park renewal and the new Chapman St car park.
Anglicare lease continuation
Anglicare Mackay Whitsunday currently have a trustee lease with the council over part of a lot of land on Main St, Proserpine.
The organisation provides food bank services to the Whitsunday community and wishes to renew its trustee lease on the site, which used to be the Tourism Whitsundays Information Hut, to continue its operations.
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Council agenda documents state it is recommended the new Anglicare lease is set for a term of five years, but Anglicare would like to do the lease on a year-to-year basis because of uncertainty around funding.
A recommendation will be brought before the council to allow Whitsunday Regional Council CEO Rod Ferguson to enter into negotiations to execute a trustee lease with Anglicare Mackay Whitsunday.
Save the date
A recommendation will be brought to the council to change the date of an ordinary council meeting scheduled for June 23, 2021.
It is suggested to move the meeting to June 30, 2021, because Mayor Andrew Willcox and CEO Rod Ferguson will be away at the National General Assembly in Canberra on June 23.
Council agenda documents also suggest calling a special meeting to adopt the 2021-22 Budget.
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