Council Snapshot - 25 September 2024

Council Snapshots provide a brief summary of each Council Meeting to highlight and summarise the issues discussed.

Residents can see the full agenda for each meeting, as well as watch Council meetings here.

Among the topics discussed at its meeting on 25 September were:

Council Christmas Closure 

Council has approved the Annual Christmas and New Year closure for its general workforce from close of business Friday 20 December 2024 and reopen Monday, 6 January 2025. Essential and emergency services are required to remain operational during Council’s approved closure period. Details of administration offices, customer service centres and library closure for specific townships can be found here.

Regional Flying Fox Management Plan

Council has given in-principal support to the Regional Flying Fox Roost Management Plan submitted to the Department of Environment and Science in 2023. Council has received funding to implement an alternative roost management plan for Surat. More information and the Management Plan can be found here.

Surat Water Schedule 

Council received a report on the current Surat water schedule and usage and resolved to continue the water schedule as per normal. Council recognises the Surat water schedule and allocations as an ongoing issue in the community and is investigating options to better manage water usage to benefit all Surat residents. Council has elected to increase awareness and education on best water use practices in Surat and review the water schedule again in December 2024.

Establishment of a Biosecurity Advisory Committee 

Council received a recommendation to establish the Maranoa Regional Council Biosecurity Advisory Committee (the Committee) to provide strategic guidance and recommendations to Council on the management of biosecurity within the region. A further report will be provided with recommendations on processes to establish the advisory committee. 

Wallumbilla Showground Precinct Master Plans

Council has endorsed the draft of the Wallumbilla Showgrounds Precinct Master Plan presented to Council last month. Working alongside the Wallumbilla Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Council has resolved to provide a letter of support for the funding application to the Regional Precincts and Partnership Program and assist in the preparation of this funding application.

Application through Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program 

Council endorsed the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Committee’s recommendation to support the Bymount Creative Circle’s application for $10,000 under the RADF grants program.

Letter of Support for MultiCap

Council received a support request from Multicap, a disability service provider that works within the Maranoa to provide permanent housing solutions for NDIS participants, staff and individuals transitioning from hospital to community care. Council has moved to provide a letter of support from the mayor to strengthen Multicap’s property acquisition proposal that if successful will benefit the broader community. 

Yuleba Water Play 

Council resolved to adopt a tender consideration plan for construction of the Yuleba Water Play project. Council has authorised the CEO (or delegate) to negotiate and enter a large-sized contractual arrangement with Beau Corp Projects Pty Ltd to design and construct the Yuleba Water Play.

The next Ordinary Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 9 October 2024.