FNQROC Board Meeting No. 138 Monday, 14 October 2019 Page 1 of 3 AGENDA FNQROC BOARD MEETING NO. 138 14 October 2019 at 09:00 AM Civic Reception Room, Cairns Regional Council, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns 1 Chairs Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners 2 Apologies noted (Including Qld Premier for Oct & Dec 2019) 3 Board Presentations 3.1 09:10am: KPMG via Tele-call / Wendy Hughes in Person Mr Robert Poole and Ms Georgie Aley KPMG re FNQ Ag Supply Chain/Air Export Issues (Advance Cairns Study) (10 Mins + 10 Mins Q&A) - Project Overview / Objectives - Work Completed to date and next steps - Discussion on FNQROC Ag Supply Chains/Q&A 20 Mins See separate Confidential Pre-Reading 3.2 10:15am: Mr Graham Quirk,SEQ Council of Mayors Olympic Games Bid Discussions (30 Mins + 15 Mins Q&A) 45 Mins 4 Confirmation of Previous Minutes 4.1 Minutes of Meeting held on 12 August 2019 Pages 1-14 5 Business Arising from Previous Minutes: 12 August 2019 Minute Number Action Responsible Person(s) Status 2664 B Down to provide more information regarding Thriving Communities meeting and participation B Down Complete 2672a T Sydes (in conjunction with Cr Kremastos) to develop an Animal Stewardship Public Statement and an ‘accord’ to be tabled at the October FNQROC Board meeting for endorsement. T Sydes Cr Kremastos Complete (See Items 7.2 & 7.3) 2672b D Irvine to consider timeframes to undertake a review of the 5 Strategic Priorities D Irvine Pending 2681a D Irvine to draft a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Northern Australia and share with members and LGAQ for comments D Irvine Complete
Transcript
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 138 Monday, 14 October 2019 Page 1 of 3
3.2 10:15am: Mr Graham Quirk,SEQ Council of MayorsOlympic Games Bid Discussions(30 Mins + 15 Mins Q&A)
45 Mins
4 Confirmation of Previous Minutes
4.1 Minutes of Meeting held on 12 August 2019 Pages 1-14
5 Business Arising from Previous Minutes: 12 August 2019
Minute
Number
Action Responsible
Person(s)
Status
2664 B Down to provide more information regarding Thriving Communities meeting and participation
B Down Complete
2672a T Sydes (in conjunction with Cr Kremastos) to develop an Animal Stewardship Public Statement and an ‘accord’ to be tabled at the October FNQROC Board meeting for endorsement.
T Sydes
Cr Kremastos
Complete
(See Items
7.2 & 7.3)
2672b D Irvine to consider timeframes to undertake a review of the 5 Strategic Priorities
D Irvine Pending
2681a D Irvine to draft a submission to the Senate Inquiry into Northern Australia and share with members and LGAQ for comments
D Irvine Complete
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 138 Monday, 14 October 2019 Page 2 of 3
Minute
Number
Action Responsible
Person(s)
Status
2681b D Irvine to develop a submission in relation to tight timeframes around mandated public consultation of council budgets and in particular 2020 LG elections
D Irvine Complete
2681c L Hannan to advise FNQROC when the Belcarra Mandatory Training will be available and who the point of contact should be for this training
L Hannan Pending
6 Advocacy
6.1 Advocacy update from member Councils
6.2 Advocacy update from FNQROC
6.2.1 FNQROC Federal Priorities for November 2019 Verbal
APO LO G IE S: Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Queensland Premier
Ms Ann Leahy Shadow Minister for Local Government
Cr Bob Manning Cairns Regional Council
Cr Trevor Pickering, Mayor Croydon Shire Council
Mr Bill Kerwin, CEO Croydon Shire Council
Cr Warren Devlin, Mayor Etheridge Shire Council
Cr Ramon Jayo, Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Cr Mary Brown, Deputy Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Mr Alan Rayment, CEO Hinchinbrook Shire Council
Cr June Pearson, Mayor Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
Cr Desmond Tayley, Mayor Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
Ms Sarah Webster QTC
2662 Chair’s Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The meeting commenced at 10:00am.
Cr Tom Gilmore, Chair opened the meeting and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which
we meet today, paying respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
2663 Apologies and welcome to guests
Apologies as noted, including the Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Queensland Premier and Ms Ann Leahy
MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government.
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2664 BOARD PRESENTATIONS
3.1 Ms Belinda Down, Department of Premier & Cabinet
Ms Belinda Down provided an overview of her new role as Principal Stakeholder Relationship Officer with the Department of Premier & Cabinet.
Key presentation points included:
Overview of the new role with Department of Premier & Cabinet based in Cairns (additional officers are located in Longreach, Mackay, Toowoomba and Townsville, with possibilities to expand)
The role is that of stakeholder engagement, directly reporting to the Director General office (who reports to the Premier) and provide regional intelligence
Currently mapping the region and reporting back to the DG 3 times per week (therefore items can be of an urgent nature or a rolling agenda items)
Suggested that council members utilise FNQROC as a conduit to raising issues/priorities that they wish to be reported to the DG
The Chair asked for comments from the floor:
Highlighted the importance with engaging with TCICA, noting a number of FNQROC Mayors are also part of this group. Noted by B Down that this engagement has already commenced.
Noted that all Ministers/Shadow Ministers have a standing invitation to attend a FNQROC board meeting however this opportunity had not been taken up by the sitting government to date.
Noted the importance of Ministers visiting the region (particularly remote and indigenous communities) to expand beyond a fly in/out visit in order to fully understand the current challenges on the ground. It is also a courtesy to advise the local elected members prior to visiting the region.
Noted challenges around departmental response timeframes, for example when seeking approvals for media releases, that support State Funding pools, but delays often results in missed opportunities for both the region and the State in relation to PR.
Indigenous councils noted that the Government Champions program works well in assisting with Ministerial engagement and feedback, particularly in relation to media opportunities.
Council members support a continuation of the W4Q project beyond current commitments.
Discussion relating to a common problem across the region in relation to the responsibility of State-owned roads and National Parks when considering matters such as rubbish, facilities, etc. Currently Local Government rate payers are covering the costs of impacts resulting from increased tourism visitation. The State needs to take up responsibility or subsides affected councils.
Genuine concerns in Indigenous local government areas where the Government is taking advice from non-elected representatives and the impacts are on councils, ‘Thriving communities’ was given as an example. B Down advised that there is a meeting occurring this week and she though local council was going to be included, she’ll provide feedback to FNQROC for on-sharing.
Discussion re engagement opportunities around Governing from the Regions. D Irvine advised that invitations had been extended (26 June) to the Sitting Government to host a meeting in Cairns and the response received (17 July) advised that the forward program for the remainder of 2019 is yet to be finalised. No commitment to date.
Noted that the sitting of Qld Parliament in NQ will be held in Townsville 3-5 September 2019
ACTION: B Down to provide more information regarding thriving communities and participation.
ACTION: Member Councils to feed any emerging issues for reporting to the DG via FNQROC (Ongoing).
FNQROC Board Meeting No. 137 Monday 12 August 2019 Page 4 of 14
3.2 Mr Michael Whereat, Digital Economy Group (DEG)
Mr Michael Whereat (DEG) provided an overview of the FNQROC Mobile Network Testing Project
Key presentation points included:
Mr Whereat advised that he has conducted mobile testing projects for a number of Local Governments and for transparency declared that he also works for Sunshine Coast Council as the lead for their Smart Cities project and that this council is also aware of his additional consultancy role and the FNQROC project.
The work compliments the Regional Road Investment Strategy (RRIS), particularly in relation to the
heavy vehicle and tourism network
Information will be able to be harnessed by individual councils and as a region to be taken to State
Government for ongoing advocacy relating to connectivity and roads, as well as utilised to support
Black Spot Funding applications
During the testing process not all roads where accessible and therefore in some instances conducted
desktop testing; systematic testing via 3 Android devices conducted on 3G and 4G technology and
centred on 3 Key Tests: Network Test (Latency) / Download Speed / Upload Speed; Approximately
70% of the tested region had NO coverage (black spot); Key takeaway – not just about more towers,
carriers need to provide backhaul
Suggested priority locations and recommended actions include: -
1. Mobile Black Spot Program – Current
- Residential and business communities not currently serviced – target 100%
- Agriculture Stations – In additional to the station residence there are often workers on site
and increasingly tourism related visits or simply through traffic
- Tourism location – target 100%
- Selected national park sites – target 50% in 5 years
- Key sites in times of natural disaster – floods, cyclones & fires – target 50% within 5 years
- Identify acceptable distances without any mobile coverage – target mobile coverage
minimum every 100klms with 5 years and every 50klms within 10 years
2. Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) Policy and Advocacy
3. Carrier Network Upgrades – locally, back haul and the core
4. Non-Carrier Internet of things networks
5. Consider the development of a Strategic Action Plan
The Chair asked for comments from the floor:
It was noted that some of the named roads within the report (ie Waterfalls Discover Road and the Great Tropical Drive) have been used as identified as the published names via TTNQ/Outback Tourism. These names can be reviewed to be in sync with regional road names as identified by Council members.
Report findings and spatial data can be made available to FNQROC Council members to provide robust testing evident to build a stronger argument in relation to Black Spot funding.
Scope for individual council members to work directly with Michael to conduct additional work specifically drilled down data for their individual council. Michael offered to assist council members in what language to use and how best to negotiate with carriers.
Discussion regarding who decides which carrier comes into what part of the region? This is nominated by individual carriers and can result in users having to change carriers. Suggested advocacy ask for the region would be to have one tower in rural and remote areas that can support 3 carriers, rather than duplication of infrastructure
Noted that Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire has secured an extension of Fibre Optic – joint arrangement between State Government ($500k via Building our Regions funding) and Telstra
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Increased connectivity provides increased economic spend into regions via tourism visitation.
Advice from M Whereat:
Ask Federal Government and Carriers what their plans are. They won’t be able to give you details but you can map back and identify our priorities.
We’re not here to fund them, we’re here to identify where the priorities are for mutual benefit. It’s not local governments responsibility to fund this infrastructure. Councils could potentially support through operational capability rather than money.
Make sure your elected federal representatives pursue mobile blackspots – they have a say.
High number of microwave towers, they have tower and power which are the most expensive elements. – upgrades using these should be an ‘easy win’ for carriers.
3.3 Ms Crystal Baker (LGAQ) and Mr Greg Hoffman (Grassroots Connections)
Ms Crystal Baker (LGAQ) and consultant Mr Greg Hoffman (Grassroots Connections) provided an overview of the Shared Services Toolkit Project in conjunction with Cairns Regional Council.
Key presentation points included:
Project Partners include DSDMIP, CRC, FNQROC and LGAQ
Developing a toolkit (a ‘how to manual’) establishing a council-to-council shared service arrangements for planning and development functions
Developed to help alleviate resource pressures, retain corporate knowledge, provide economies of scale, meet an expected level of service and reduce overall costs
Specifically focussed on building certification, plumbing approvals/inspections, land use planning
The Chair asked for comments from the floor:
Noted limited skill planning capacity within remote communities and shortage gaps very obvious
Remote and rural councils often miss out on funding simply because they lack the capacity to develop the necessary documentation (i.e. business cases, EIS, land tenure, etc.) to ensure projects are shovel ready to take advantage of funding. Noted funding is available for this purpose via MIP.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2665 Confirmation of Minutes
MOVED: Cr Scott
SECOND: Cr Kremastos
That the minutes of the 136th FNQROC Board Meeting held on 17 June 2019 be confirmed.
CARRIED
BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES
2619 Minute – D Irvine to follow up TMR regarding safety signage on the road to Yarrabah Council
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In Progress – the District Director was following up and should report back at the FNQ RRTG meeting to be
held after the FNQROC Board meeting. Close out – and hold in FNQRRTG meeting.
2643B Minute – FNQROC to circulate all presentation with the minutes
Complete
2645 Minute – FNQROC to (1) write to the Minister and Shadow Minister for LG outlining the concerns with section 171(1) of the IR Act and request this be reviewed; (2) write to the Minister and Shadow Minister for IR outlining the concerns with section 171(1) of the IR Act and request this be reviewed; (3) write to the LGAQ outlining the concerns with section 171(1) of the IR Act and request this be reviewed; and (4) lodge an annual conference motion outlining the concerns with section 171(1) of the IR Act and request LGAQ to pursue this issue with the relevant Ministers.
Complete
2646 Minute – FNQROC develop and implement a specific advocacy plan aimed at securing the additional W4Q funding round outlined in this paper, including: (1) Report to/engagement with the LGAQ Policy Executive and LGAQ CEO seeking their support to advocate for the initiative at a ‘whole of Qld’ level on behalf of the 65 eligible councils; (2) Direct advocacy to the Premier and relevant Minister (Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP) and Shadow Minister (Ms Ann Leahy) for the initiative; (3) Direct advocacy and engagement with the four sitting ALP members of the Parliament within the FNQROC region seeking their support/advocacy for the initiative; (4) Direct advocacy and engagement with the three sitting KAP members of parliament within the FNQROC regional seeking their support/advocacy for the initiative (there are only three sitting members of the KAP in Qld in total);
Complete. Response received from the Department 5 August advising they would not be implementing any
additional programs to that already advised. Thanked us for our support.
2647 Minute – FNQROC extend a formal invitation to the Qld Premier and Shadow Cabinet to convene a regional cabinet meeting in Cairns/FNQ in the coming months and that support for this initiative also be sought from the four local Labor members of State parliament.
Complete. Current government advised that they have not undertaken any planning past December as yet. Shadow Cabinet advised they would like to hold a region meeting, but it would be in the new year.
2649 Minute – T Sydes to present AMWS Technical Committee recommendations for consideration and seek endorsement at the next FNQROC Board Meeting.
See item 7.1
2650 Minute – Invite DEG Consultant to present on the Mobile Network Testing Project update at the next FNQROC Board Meeting (12 August 2019)
Complete see Item 3.2. D Irvine to circulate spatial data and upload to the FNQROC website.
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2659 Minute – Cook Shire Council to draft up a policy to be circulated by Flying Minute to the FNQROC Board for endorsement and inclusion in the LGAQ Annual Conference (noting 5th August deadline)
Complete, motion sent to LGAQ Annual Conference.
2660A Minute – FNQROC to write to the relevant Minister, DG and local MPs expressing disappointment and request immediate stop on any future planned demolishment of houses in Croydon.
Complete, no response from Minister or DG to date. Response from Shadow Minister stating that they will
follow up further.
2660B Minute – J Andrejic to provide FNQROC with Belcarra clause re conflicts for circulation to the Board.
Complete – Referred to training
2660C Minute – D Irvine to investigate opportunities relating to Regional Deals and circulate to the Board.
Complete and information emailed to members.
2660D Minute – Councils to write to State and/or Federal members to highlight lack of in region engagement as required.
Ongoing as required – action closed out.
It was noted by Cr Kremastos that Major General (Rtd) Stuart Smith is no longer the lead on the State
Recovery Plan for the Monsoon Trough Disaster, the role has transitioned back to the QRA.
ADVOCACY
2666 Advocacy Update from Council Members
Carpentaria Shire Council provided in region support for Croydon Shire Council in relation to housing issues.
Douglas Shire Council thanked the FNQROC Board for the support extended relating to Mossman Mill
project which has been saved. It was also noted that this priority had received good coverage recently via
Landline.
Douglas Shire Council also thanked the board for support extended to the Wangetti Trail project and advised
that the first stage of planning and design almost complete and funding has been announced for the full
length.
2667 Kuranda Range Road Advocacy Action Plan
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Meetings have been held with Hon Warren Entsch MP, Member for Leichhardt, Mr Michael Healy MP, Member for Cairns and a number of Qld Senators (McGrath, McDonald, Stoker, Scarr and Green) to garner support for investigations and regional alignment into the safety, efficiency and capacity issues of Kuranda Range Road. Advice received was to get a consistent advocacy ask across the region. Support has been received from Advance Cairns, Enterprise North, RDA FNQ&TS, TTNQ, and Cairns Chambers of Commerce. Further support sought via industry groups to support: $21 million to undertake:
A. Strategic Assessment of Service Requirements (SASR) – estimated to be $0.5million to $1million B. Preliminary Evaluation and Business Case – estimated to be 1.5% - 2% of the project costs. This
could be between $15million and $20million depending on the technical studies TMR will want undertaken again.
FNQROC has undertaken an Engagement Strategy for this priority writing to a wide range of regional and
industry organisations requesting their support and identification of the impacts of the road on their
members. Additionally, the Kuranda Range Road Briefing Document has undergone a review focussed on
the economic impact and the new report has been uploaded to the FNQROC website.
2668 In region Engagement (Qld Senators / Local MPs)
It was noted that in region engagement had been undertaken with the following members: -
Hon Warren Entsch MP, Member for Leichhardt specifically re Kuranda Range Road strategy and
Nullinga Dam
Mr Michael Healy MP, Member for Cairns re Kuranda Range Road and COAG Engagement
Qld Senators (McGrath, McDonald, Stoker, Scarr & Green) re the role of FNQROC and key regional
priorities, including Nullinga Dam and Kuranda Range Road
Mr Nick Loukas, President Chamber of Commerce re Kuranda Range Road
Senator McGrath met with TRC CEO and continued discussions with Cr Gilmore re Nullinga Dam
Cr Gilmore meeting with Senator Rennick (LNP) on the 26th August
2669 Advance Cairns TNQ Convoy to Brisbane (Feb 2020)
It was noted that Advance Cairns would be conducting a TNQ Convoy to Brisbane during February 2020 in
advance of the June 2020 State Budget and Qld Elections, extending an invitation to Darlene Irvine to be
part of the convoy and planning committee.
With pending local government elections, it was noted that many regional Mayors would not be available
to attend.
The Chair asked for comments from the floor and the following concerns were raised by the board:
FNQROC has spent time developing our brand and advocacy, we don’t want to risk diluting our
message
Risk to obtaining appointments for FNQROC delegations as we have participated in the convoy
Risk to diluted regional messaging
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It was agreed that the FNQROC Board or Executive Officer would not participate in the Advance
Cairns TNQ Convoy (Feb 2020)
ACTION: D Irvine to advised Advance Cairns that FNQROC will not be participating in the TNQ Convoy to
Brisbane (Feb 2020)
2670 FNQROC Federal Delegation (26-28 Nov 2019)
The next FNQROC Mayoral Delegation to Canberra is currently scheduled 26-28 November 2019, however
a clash has now been identified with the Northern Australia Alliance (NAA) hosting their annual Cocktail
Event in Canberra on Thursday 28th November. Advance Cairns CEO has extended an invitation for the
Mayors of FNQROC to attend the NAA event, demonstrating a strong FNQ presence. The event is funded
by NAA, so there would be no cost outlaid by FNQROC/councils (other than flights, accommodation and
incidentals).
The Chair noted that he has had a number of conversations with the Advance Cairns CEO and raised
concerns that attending Canberra at the same time could dilute our regional messaging. However, at the
same time advised that FNQROC are more than happy to advocate for the 8+8 where appropriate.
It was noted should FNQROC wish to separate this delegation from this event, alternate Sitting Dates are
the weeks of:
9th or 16th September (too early to plan)
14-17 October (which clashes with the FNQROC Board Meeting & LGAQ Conference in Cairns)
2-5 December (which would run the risk of limited engagement post the NAA visit a week earlier
and many LG’s need to be in region to support community events)
February is an option however this could be an issue with LG elections being held in March 2020
The Chair asked for comments from the floor:
Noted that TCICA (approx. 6 representatives) are also planning a visitation to Canberra across the
same dates
Healthy that 3 organisations (FNQROC, TCICA and NAA) would be in Canberra at the same time as
many council members would cross over to support both FNQROC and TCICA
Noted that FNQROC need to increase media presence pre/post delegations
Overall the board agree that any time we are down there, there are other groups i.e SEQ Council of
Mayors also there, our position should not be compromised by advocating while others are there
as well.
The board agreed to maintain current date claimed dates (26-28 November) and consider hosting a
Cocktail Reception.
2671 Federal Parliamentary Passes
D Irvine reminded Council members to consider applying for a Federal Sponsored Pass to assist with
escorting purposes during future delegations. Passes can take up to six (6) weeks to process so it is
important that paperwork is completed now. Information has been provided to all PA’s and L Richardson is
available to assist with sponsors and submissions.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONAL PLAN
2672 AMWS Technical Committee Recommendations
T Sydes provided a brief update noting: -
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Next sitting of technical committee will be at the end of the month (out of sync with Board meeting for any recommendations for adoption)
Two MOUs in progress (1 working with QPS and 1 focussed on expanding the existing NAMAC MOU to include AMWS)
Key recommendation – looking at which other councils in the region where interested in the Good Dog Program, strong interest from TRC but little feedback from other councils as yet.
There are a number of actions from the framework being undertaken through technical committees as well as external projects such as:
o WIP – revision on Natural Asset Disaster Response particularly drought and heat wave (ie Stock, Flying Foxes, etc
o Eco Offsets for cassowary lands protected on private property (led by Terrrain.)
It was acknowledged that there was a lot of technical work going on behind the scenes and that this needs to be developed into a brief that elected members can use to show we are progressing this.
ACTION: 1-page summary of current outcomes to take back to the community (solid public statement); and an accord or similar to be tabled at the October for endorsement (T Sydes to develop with Cr Kremastos)
Douglas – if developing an MOU/accord is there a need to revisit parts of the strategy and/or policy statements (i.e. environment, climate change, etc.); re-visit in light of new information and global position?
DI advised that these were two different things, we could do a review of the 5 strategic priorities as a separate action.
ACTION a: T Sydes (in conjunction with Cr Kremastos) to develop an Animal Stewardship Public Statement and an ‘accord’ to be tabled at the October FNQROC Board meeting for endorsement
ACTION b: D Irvine to consider timeframes to undertake a review of the 5 strategic priorities.
This document aims to set out the roles, responsibilities and agreements of participating Councils, the Program Coordinator and FNQROC in relation to delivery of the annual regional bitumen reseal program. A reviewed document has been presented and recommended by the Bitumen Reseal Committee and now seeking adoption from the FNQROC Board.
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MOVED: Cr Paronella
SECOND: Cr Scott
“The FNQROC Board endorse the Roles & Responsibilities for the Bitumen Reseal Committee”
CARRIED
DISCUSSION TOPICS
Nil
CORRESPONDENCE
As noted.
FNQROC POLICY REVIEW
Nil
FNQROC REPORTS AND MOU
Nil
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2675 Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Financial YTD 30 June 2019
MOVED: Cr Kremastos SECOND: Cr Scott That the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Reports for the financial year ending 30th June 2019 be accepted.
CARRIED
2676 Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Financial YTD
MOVED: Cr Paronella SECOND: Cr Leu That the Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Reports for the financial year to date be accepted.
CARRIED
ATTENDANCE & MINUTES OF MEETINGS
2677 Meetings Attending by Executive Officer
Noted
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2678 FNQROC Advisory Committee Minutes (24 May – 26 July)
Noted
2679 Confidential Meeting Minutes (24 May – 26 July)
Noted
2680 FNQROC Western Council Meeting Minutes & Resolutions
Nil to report – Next Meeting 2nd October 2019
2681 LGAQ POLICY EXECUTIVE UPDATE
L Hannan provided an overview of the circulated LGAQ Policy Executive Update including the following key points: -
1. LGAQ Policy Executive meeting on Thursday Island
2. Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019
Debate expected on the Bill during the sitting week commencing the 20 August 2019
Greg Hallam and Stephan Bohnen met with the Department last Friday regarding their plans for Belcarra stage 3, which is currently on track for the end of the year which may include electoral caps, public funding of elections and Proportional Representation (partial) in undivided councils
The Department is also currently consulting with LGAQ’s CEO Reference Group and others on a number of reforms that may be included in the upcoming Local Govt Regulation. The Discussion Papers focus on:
o Councils reporting of budget Vs actual figures
o QAO recommendations regarding rates and charges
o Sale of land for overdue rates
o Consultation on local governments’ proposed budgets
o Transparency and accountability of local government-controlled entities.
Feedback on these discussion papers is due back to the department by late August and with council feedback to LGAQ due by the 16th August.
3. Waste Update
Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnership Program launched on 31 July to assist councils to respond to compliance matters around the incidence of illegal dumping and landfilling. Councils encouraged to apply for funding under program by 6 September.
LGAQ’s Local Government Waste Forum is being held in Brisbane on 29/30 August. It is a free event but will provide a platform to discuss latest and greatest in the reforms and what councils, regional groups of councils and the State are currently advancing.
4. Superannuation on Leave Loading
LGAQ are currently investigating how councils can limit their exposure and are consulting with Clayton Utz.
We will be sending out fact sheets and information in the very near future for both CEO and council consideration.
5. Senate Inquiry into Northern Australia Agenda
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LGAQ to liaise with FNQROC regarding submission. Submissions due 20 September.
The Chair asked for comments from the floor:
Noted that mandatory training re Belcarra will be provided by the Department and ECQ. Training will be predominately online, however noting connectivity and/or literacy challenges in some rural/remote communities there will be an offer for face-to-face training. Who will be the point of contact that councils can direct nominees to regarding the training (DLG or ECQ)?
Concerns raised in relation to timeframes if mandated to conduct community consultation prior to the development of budgets, particularly in light of pending LG elections and potential new councils.
Non-mandated example provided by Cook Shire Council: Prepared budget, staged a 2-day exhibition and there and available to answer questions from community, good approach with no contentious issues, provided opportunity for community to meet with Mayor, Councillors and CEOS.
Raised that the CEO Reference Group had highlighted the same concerns regarding timelines and had written to LGAQ, whom where pulling all views of the reference group together.
Noted that changes to the budget process is only one concern, there are a number of other changes proposed that also raise concerns for councils.
Do FNQROC want to make a submission suggesting a delayed start date noting challenges with 2020 LG elections? (MSC happy to share their submission)
Noted declining attendance from FNQROC members at the ALGAs National General Assembly
ACTION: D Irvine to draft submission to the Senate Inquiry into Northern Australia and share with members and LGAQ for comments
ACTION: D Irvine to develop a submission in relation to tight timeframes around mandated public consultation of council budgets and in particular 2020 LG elections
ACTION: L Hannan to advise FNQROC when the Belcarra Mandatory Training will be available and who the point of contact should be for this training
2681 GENERAL BUSINESS
FNQROC December Board Meeting – item waived and will remain at 9th December 2019
2682 Next Meeting
The Chair advised the next meeting will be held on the 14th October 2019 in Cairns, preceding the LGAQ
Conference.
Meeting Close: 1:15 pm
………………………………….
Cr Tom Gilmore
Chair
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ACTION ITEMS
Minute Number
Action Responsible Person(s)
Status
2664 B Down to provide more information regarding Thriving Communities meeting and participation B Down Complete
2669
D Irvine to advised Advance Cairns that FNQROC will not be participating in the TNQ Convoy to Brisbane (Feb 2020)
D Irvine Complete
2672a
T Sydes (in conjunction with Cr Kremastos) to develop an Animal Stewardship Public Statement and an ‘accord’ to be tabled at the October FNQROC Board meeting for endorsement
T Sydes / Cr Kremastos
2672b D Irvine to consider timeframes to undertake a review of the 5 strategic priorities. D Irvine
2681a
D Irvine to draft submission to the Senate Inquiry into Northern Australia and share with members and LGAQ for comments.
D Irvine
2681b
D Irvine to develop a submission in relation to tight timeframes around mandated public consultation of council budgets and in particular 2020 LG elections
D Irvine In progress
2681c
L Hannan to advise FNQROC when the Belcarra Mandatory Training will be available and who the point of contact should be for this training
L Hannan
014
Memorandum of understanding - REGIONAL RESOURCE SHARING IN JOINT OPERATIONS Amendment 4– August 2019
07 Aug FNQ Ag Supply Chain Study – Steering Committee Meeting
KPMG On-boarding Meeting
08 Aug Advance Cairns Pathway to Prosperity (Release of 8+8)
12 Aug FNQROC Board Meeting
FNQ RRTG Meeting
14 Aug Meeting with CRC re Select Committee on the effectiveness of the NA Agenda
15-28 Aug ANNUAL LEAVE
30 Aug Roads & Transport Advisory Group Meeting (BNE)
03 Sept Meeting with John Williams (DHPW) re Mobile Testing Project
Meeting with Chair & EO of NQROC
Meeting with Ann Leahy MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government
06 Sept Meeting with TCICA re Federal Advocacy Planning for November
09 Sept Savannah Way Ltd Board Meeting
11 Sept FNQ Trade & Investment Meeting
20 Sept Tele-call with CRCNA re Digital Connectivity
25 Sept FNQ CY&TS RASN Steering Committee Meeting
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MINUTES Western Councils Forum – 2 October 2019
Meeting No. 6
Meeting Western Councils Forum
Date 2 October 2019
Time 12.00pm
Venue Normanton – Council Training Room
Meeting Objectives To focus on the issues which will make a difference to our Western Council members
ATTENDEES
COUNCIL ATTENDEE TITLE
ETHERIDGE Cr Warren Devlin Mayor
Cr Will Attwood Councillor
Mr David Munroe CEO
CARPENTARIA Cr Jack Bawden Mayor
Mark Crawley CEO
FNQROC Darlene Irvine Executive Officer
APOLOGIES
COUNCIL APOLOGIES TITLE
BURKE Cr Ernie Camp Mayor
CROYDON Cr Trevor Pickering Mayor – No response received
Mr Bill Kerwin CEO – No response received
1. Welcome
Darlene welcomed and thanked everyone for coming.
2. Apologies As noted above
3. Business Arising from Previous Minutes
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Action Responsibility Status
Action 1 Darlene to identify the boundaries of the Art’s Qld silo trail project.
Darlene Irvine complete
Action 2 Review Savannah Way tourism strategy - local tourism organisations and Councils – Darlene to discuss with Bram on the date.
Darlene and Bram to organization date
Held waiting on outcome of GSD study
Action 3
Gulf Savannah Development - discussion and direction forward with all councils needs to occur - the GSD Chair will coordinate this. They will have a meeting in Croydon within 6 weeks.
Cr Ernie Camp (GSD Chair) Ongoing
Action 4 Darlene to have a look at the Cairns airport and if the outback pictures are there a thank you to be sent to TTNQ.
Darlene Irvine Complete – outback photos of Undara at the Airport
Action 5
Darlene to raise the possibility of electronic advisory signs at Ravenshoe/Mt Garnet and Charters Towers to advise if sections of the Gulf Developmental Road is open or closed.
Darlene Irvine Complete
Action 6 Etheridge to raise at FNQRRTG re allocation of funds to regional and remote airports owned by councils.
Etheridge Still to be completed
Action 7 Darlene to ask Jason Sprott to meet with the Mayors re Karumba master plan in development.
Darlene Irvine Ongoing
Action 2 – Waiting on resolution of Action 2. In the meantime it was: RESOLVED: Seek funding for an Integrated Tourism Strategy including product development & LTO to deliver. Action 5 – Ross Hodgman advised that a strategy for electronic advisory signs is currently being completed. Current options is the TMR website for road closures, which councils can directly link to. He acknowledges mobile communication to access this in rural and remote areas is an issue and advisory boards would be more beneficial in rural and remote areas than urban areas. (Political push would be supported).
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Discussion identified that Charters Towers already has one. One should be located at Mr Garnet and Normanton, which covers Gulf Developmental Road, Gregory Developmental Road and Hann.
Action 3 – include electronic advisory signs in Mt Garnet and Normanton for Gulf Developmental Road, Gregory Developmental Road and Hann Highway in next State Advocacy brief.
Action 7 – KPMG is currently undertaking the Cairns and Mourilyan master plan. Carpentaria advised that they have not seen anyone from Ports North in a long time. Need a way to increase use of the port thus increasing support services and economic development.
Action 4 – Darlene to follow up Ports North re Karumba Masterplan.
Discussion had around the sudden focus on burrow pits and gravel pits, with bills being issued for royalties not for approximately 4 years. Councils do not believe it is just them; the issue would also affect Tablelands, Mareeba and Cook.
Action 5 – Request some DG from DAF to meet with councils prior to the December FNQROC Board meeting to discuss gravel royalties to get some clarity…emergent vs construction, assign to pit, assign to purpose among other issues.
5. Regional Spatial Data to tell our story
Darlene gave an early presentation of the regional data collected to date, and how we can use it to start telling our story, both regionally and locally. Data in the set currently includes mobile black spots and road crashes. DES interested to feed into the prioritisation of mobile blackspots
Action 6 – Darlene to see if we can get microwave stations (those on homesteads etc) (note: the taxpayer paid for these)
6. Update on Regional Road Investment Strategy
Darlene gave an update on the Regional Road investment Strategy and the spatial data sets associated with it. The final results will be added to our regional data set to tell our regional/local stories.
Draft strategy on track for the end of the year.
7. Federal delegation – November 2019
Gilbert River Irrigation Project Fed 1/3 $450mil estimated construction cost.
Gulf Developmental Road $50mil + Gilbert River Bridge ($25mil).
Clarification of where the $62.5mil (ROSI) between Normanton and NT border is going.
Action 7 – Send copies of PPR’s for Ootann and Richmond-Croydon Rd to Mark Crawley.
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8. General Business items:a. Charleston Dam update
Cr Devlin gave an update on the Charleston Dam. Currently building and blasting. Trazlbat doing the trenching and is impressed with the unit which has cut through granite and includes a screening plant as part of the process. 40km of pipe was ~ $4mil.
9. Meeting Close
The meeting closed at 3.45pm
ACTION ITEMS:
Action Responsibility Status
Action 1 Review Savannah Way tourism strategy - local tourism organisations and Councils – Darlene to discuss with Bram on the date.
Darlene and Bram to organization date
Held waiting on outcome of GSD study
Action 2 Etheridge to raise at FNQRRTG re allocation of funds to regional and remote airports owned by councils
Etheridge Still to be completed
Action 3
Include electronic advisory signs in Mt Garnet and Normanton for Gulf Developmental Road, Gregory Developmental Road and Hann Highway in next State Advocacy brief.
FNQROC
Action 4 Darlene to follow up Ports North re Karumba Masterplan
FNQROC
Action 5
Request some DG from DAF to meet with councils prior to the December FNQROC Board meeting to discuss gravel royalties to get some clarity…emergent vs construction, assign to pit, assign to purpose among other issues.
FNQROC
Action 6 Darlene to see if we can get microwave stations (those on homesteads etc) (note: these were paid for by the taxpayer)
FNQROC
Action 7 Send copies of PPR’s for Ootann and Richmond-Croydon Rd to Mark Crawley.
