Almost $40,000 available for local art projects

Almost $40,000 will be available for Council to distribute to local art projects under the 2015/16 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) program.

Council was successful in attracting $26,460 from Arts Queensland and will contribute a further $12,600 to the RADF fund.
The RADF program will open on 6 October when funding guidelines will be revealed.


Monthly interim financial report on track

Council’s budgeted finances are on track, according to the Interim Financial Report for the period ended 31 August 2015.

Most categories of year-to-date operating revenue are close to budget which the exception of grants and subsidies which are currently well ahead of budget as a result of the early receipt of 50 per cent of Council’s allocated Grants Commission funds and fees and charges which are currently $86,000 ahead of budget.
All categories of year-to-date operating expenditure are under budget.


NDRRA provides boost to economy

More than $1.7 million was poured into the economy during August as a result of National Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements activities in the Douglas Shire.
More than $1 million was spent in the Douglas Shire during August on accommodation, wages, fuel, material supply and plant hire, with a further $710,000 spent in the regional area on wages, subcontractor and material supply.

NDRRA construction is expected to be completed by December.


Council approves telecommunications tower

Council has approved the construction of a 41m telecommunications tower in Mowbray Valley.

The telecommunications tower, to be located at 21 Spring Creek Rd, to be built by NBN Co Limited, will significantly improve broadband speeds in the Douglas Shire.


Mulching site approved

Council has authorised for vegetation mulching activities to be allowed on a Mowbray site.

Vegetation mulching has been conducted on the land, on the corner of the Captain Cook Highway and Trezise Rd, for some time without planning approval.
Conditions imposed on Council’s approval to continue mulching activities lawfully included restricting operations to between 7am-6pm. The sale of mulch is not permitted on-site.


NDRRA landslip contractor appointed

Council will enter into a contact with Earthtec Pty Ltd to repair landslips at McDowall Lane and Stewart Creek Rd under the NDRRA program.
Earthtec is a specialist retaining wall contractor with experience in the region and has the potential to support local industry.


Council supports transfer of Wangetti land

Council has supported an application from the Yirranydji people to be transferred a parcel of land in Wangetti largely owned by the State Government.
Council is the trustee of a portion of the land near Hartley’s Crocodile Farm and has provided in-principle support to the State Government in support of the land transfer.


Council allows road closure application

Council has allowed an application for the permanent closure of a road in Miallo to be lodged with the State Government.

The road, which dissects a property off Tati Rd, has not been used for several years and is not marked or visible.


Wedding ceremony venue application rejected

Council has rejected an application to allow a Mowbray property to be utilised for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Council rejected the application, for 188R Trezise Rd, on the grounds that noise and traffic generated as a result of it being used as a wedding venue would be too disruptive for the neighbouring rural settlement.