Nine reasons why Council wants to veto Nautilus Aviation application
Council Meeting Agenda
Douglas Shire councillors will be advised to refuse the development application for Material Change of Use for Air services (Helipad and Caretaker's Accommodation) at 35-39 Port Street, Port Douglas at Tuesday’s open session in Council Chambers (10:00am).
According to Council papers, Morris Aviation Australia, trading locally as Nautilus Aviation, operate scenic flights and propose to establish a new facility for use as a base for the tourist operation equipped with two helicopter landing pads, refuelling infrastructure, hangars, an office, reception for patrons and a caretakers residence.
“The Air services land use is impact accessible (inconsistent) within the Industry zone and the application underwent public notification, with 24 submissions received by Council.
“The primary concern raised within the submissions was the potential for unreasonable noise impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses. The applicant did not accept an information request from Council and is of the view that the proposal will not create an unreasonable noise impact.
“An acoustic assessment has been provided to Council by the applicant, however there are several concerns with the assessment. The application cannot be recommended for approval primarily due to the risk of noise nuisance.”
Nautilus Aviation currently operate scenic flights from the Sheraton Mirage next to the Port Douglas cemetery and from a rural site adjacent to the highway at Killaloe. Both sites present constraints for business efficiency. Consequently, the applicant seeks to establish a new central facility with the necessary infrastructure to operate tourist flights and service the local tourism market.
In refusing this application, Council has listed nine reasons on planning grounds.
Water and wastewater quarterly report
The water and wastewater quarterly report for the period ending December 31, 2021 will be presented to the Councillors to note the progress of the Quarterly Report of the Water and Wastewater department for the period ending December 2021.
This report enables Councillors and the community to obtain a strategic view of activities within the Water and Wastewater department.
The Quarterly Report documents progress on key operational and service delivery aspects and regulatory compliance levels.
The Water and Wastewater Quarterly Report does not include comprehensive progress reporting in terms of the Capital Works Programs, Operational Plan and financial statements as these are dealt with in separate Quarterly Reports to Council.
Council as a registered water service provider has a statutory obligation to ensure it is able to provide water and wastewater services to customers. Council’s reputation would suffer if it is unable to maintain service levels at prescribed standards.
Financial report January 22
In the financial report, it will be advised that the COVID-19 pandemic will likely have a negative impact on the economic sustainability of Douglas Shire Council and may impact sustainability ratios.
This will be closely managed by Council and mitigated where possible. The aim of the long-term financial forecast is to meet all three of the ‘measures of financial sustainability’ within an eight-year time frame.
Council has received notification that the annual Financial Assistance Grant will have a significant increase for the Financial Year 2023, which should have a positive impact on Council Results.
The timing of the first payment, which has previously been received in June of the prior Financial Year has not yet been advised.
Key budget points:
- Operating revenue is behind budget by $181k;
- Operating expenditure is under budget by $1.7m;
- The Operating Surplus is currently $10.4m, compared to a budgeted Surplus of $8.9m.
AGENDA ITEMS
- Application for Material Change of Use (Air services and Caretakers accommodation) 35-39 Port Street, Port Douglas
- Amendment Declaration of Sewer and Water Service Areas within Douglas Shire – Feb 2022
- Water and Wastewater Quarterly Report for the period ending 31 December 2021
- Financial Report January 2022
- Closed session
Agenda: Closed session:
Confidential 254J 3 G Local Government Regulation 2012 - Road Encroachment Lot 1 RP748285 Whiteley Road, Miallo