NDRRA arrangements on track

Council remains on track for delivery of the multi-million-dollar Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements roadworks.

North and South roads design packages have been completed with roadworks expected to begin next month.

The total cost of Council’s approved NDRRA roadworks to date is in excess of $14 million, with more than 70 roads to be repaired in the Douglas Shire.

Council has appointed a traffic management officer for the project who has met with businesses, tourism organisations and indigenous groups to discuss the roadworks program and minimise impacts where possible.

Council has also developed an online NDRRA Activity Map douglas.qld.gov.au/activity-map/ndrra-activity-map/ which details all of the roadworks.



Illegal dumping surveillance camera program gets results

A program to target illegal dumping with surveillance cameras has proved successful for Douglas Shire Council.

As part of a State Government initiative, Council was supplied with four specially designed cameras for the monitoring of hot spot locations.

After the implementation of the program, an increase in the incidence of illegal dumping was recorded, with 64 cases dealt with by Council staff over a three-month period compared with an average of seven cases per month prior to the implementation of the program.

The projected yearly cost to Council for clean-up, based on program figures, is $55,000 including labour, the use of special vehicles such as backhoes, transport and disposal.

One offender was identified which otherwise would not have been possible without the cameras and six other offenders were identified as part of the enhanced reporting framework.

All offenders removed and properly disposed of the material at their cost.

Council will continue to purchase and use cameras as part of a holistic illegal dumping management strategy.



Regional Arts Development Fund application for funding

Council will apply to Arts Queensland to contribute $29,400 towards the total cost of Council’s $42,000 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program for the 2015-16 financial year.

RADF invests in local arts and cultural priorities as determined by local communities.

Its key objectives are to support local artists and arts and cultural activity, provide opportunities for local communities to participate in arts and culture, invest in locally-determined priorities and contribute towards State Government targets and priorities.

Council will also adopt new guidelines as part of changes to the RADF program which include the removal of categories and an eligibility checklist and an increased capped amount to $5000.

Council can now also receive funding under RADF to drive community projects.
 


Circuses not restricted on Council land

Douglas Shire Council will not restrict circuses from exhibiting non-native fauna on Council parks and reserves.

Council conducted community engagement on the issue following the presentation of a petition to ban all future animals on Council land last year.

As the licencing, review and monitoring of animal welfare is a State Government responsibility, Council determined that animal circuses should not be restricted in utilising Council land provided applicants hold all relevant licences.



Council to improve safety at Mossman intersection

Council will prepare a proposed design to improve road safety at the intersection of Maxwell St and Forest Glen Rd, Mossman, and undertake community consultation with local residents.

Council officers will also hold discussions with the Department of Transport and Main Roads regarding the existing intersections of Maxwell St (North) and Alchera Drive, the lack of connectivity for pedestrians, the proposed closure of Maxwell St (South) as a condition of the development approval for future stages of the Shepherd Valley estate and the impacts on safe vehicle movement and bus turning needs.



Land reconfiguration approved

Council has approved a development application for reconfiguration of land at 1 L Oasis Drive, Wonga Beach.

The land, previously part of the Redbacks Resort and Tavern, currently supports a single house with frontage to two streets and Council approved the reconfiguration of the land into five lots.

The lots will range in area from 1944sq m to 2269sq m.



Extension granted for Craiglie Industrial Estate Stage 2

Council has granted a four-year extension to develop Stage 2 of the Craiglie Industrial Estate.

Council has also approved amendments to the layout of the development to meet the current requirements of the FNQROC Development Manual.



Residential subdivision approved

Council has approved an application to subdivide a self-contained residential unit at 53 Endeavour Rd, Port Douglas.

The lot that contains the existing self-contained residential unit does not meet the minimum lot size for subdivision in the Planning Area however Council determined the proposed subdivision will not have any significant impacts on the infrastructure, environment or amenity of the surrounding area.

Strategic Freehold Land Policy adopted

Council has adopted a Strategic Freehold Land policy.

The policy establishes general principles for the strategic acquisition of land and also the disposal of Council freehold land that is surplus to Council’s requirements.

Council approves Macrossan St development application

Council has approved a Material Change of Use application for Port Douglas Car Hire and K-Star Tours in Macrossan St.

The approval for display facilities (car and bicycle hire) was required after a review of the property file revealed conditions for a consent permit issued in 1997 had been overlooked and required updating.

As a condition of Council approval, all vehicles that need washing will be cleaned off-site as will all mechanical servicing of vehicles.

A program to target illegal dumping with surveillance cameras has proved successful for Douglas Shire Council.

As part of a State Government initiative, Council was supplied with four specially designed cameras for the monitoring of hot spot locations.

After the implementation of the program, an increase in the incidence of illegal dumping was recorded, with 64 cases dealt with by Council staff over a three-month period compared with an average of seven cases per month prior to the implementation of the program.

The projected yearly cost to Council for clean-up, based on program figures, is $55,000 including labour, the use of special vehicles such as backhoes, transport and disposal.

One offender was identified which otherwise would not have been possible without the cameras and six other offenders were identified as part of the enhanced reporting framework.

All offenders removed and properly disposed of the material at their cost.

Council will continue to purchase and use cameras as part of a holistic illegal dumping management strategy.