Councillor Report – Council Meeting 28 September 2016

Agenda Item # 5 Matters of Public Interest

29 September   Kilcoy Chamber of Commerce & Community Inc. Monthly Meeting

30 September   Queensland Ballet – Tutus on Tour – Esk

1/2 October       Somerset Relay for Life – Kilcoy

1 October            Glamorgan Vale QWCA Fashion Parade

8 October            Field Day – Esk & Fernvale

8 October            Mt Beppo Hall Committee Inaugural Dinner

8 October            Mt Kilcoy State School P & C Spring Fair

8 October            Kilcoy Art Society Spring Clean Out Auction

8 October            Skydive Ramblers Drop Zone official opening of 2016 Equinox Boogie Skydiving & Music Festival

Agenda Item #58 Councillor Report Meetings/Functions attended

16 September   Somerset Photo Competition Presentations

22 September   Kilcoy CWA Special Meeting

22 September   Invitation from residences 138 & 88 Gregors Creek Road to call in

23 September   Council of Mayors Economic Development Committee Meeting

24 September   BBQ & Beer Festival – Kilcoy

24 September   Di McCauley Open Garden – Mt Kilcoy

24 September   Yowie Markets & Kilcoy Show Society Pet Parade

24 September   Kilcoy Classics on Wheels

25 September   Health, Harmony & Healing Expo – Fernvale

26 September   Farewell to Kilcoy Newsagency Proprietor

27 September   BVRT Inspection of trail – Toogoolawah to Moore

SEQ Council of Mayors – Economic Development Committee Meeting

It was noted that there will be minor changes made to the Council of Mayors (One Region, One Voice) Draft Strategic Plan 2016 – 2020.  Meetings have been held with the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) team in Brisbane City Council to commence work on the regional involvement in the 2017 APCS in South Korea.  Agricultural Technology –  Agtech event to be held 22/23 November 2016 in Brisbane.  The SEQ Invest Website continues to be updated by Councils and the Board has requested that the committee identify an opportunity for a formal launch of the site.   Smart Safety – ongoing discussions with Toowoomba Regional Council have been aimed at scoping a pilot for Video Analytics and the opportunities that may provide to councils in the region.  A high level discussion has occurred with Redland City Council around what opportunities may be available to them as a new setup given their limited capacity with CCTV cameras.   The Smart Lighting project being delivered by LGIS remains on track to provide a report to the Board by October 2016.  Smart Transport project is awaiting decisions/ announcements form the State Government on a potential mass vehicle trial that is to be undertaken in SEQ.  Following that announcement, more detailed engagement will occur with Department of Transport and Main Roads to determine the broader opportunities in the region.  Toowoomba Regional Council is hosting a tour to China and will be utilising the SEQ Invest Website as a platform for trade opportunities.  The meeting also endorsed the release of a letter addressed to Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, expressing serious reservations regarding the Government’s proposal to remove the tax free threshold for working holiday makers – the so-called “backpacker tax”.

It was announced after the committee meeting, that the SEQ Council of Mayors would proceed with a $2.5 million 2028 Olympics feasibility study – despite Logan and the Gold Coast City Councils refusing to contribute to it.   Lord Mayor Graham Quirk insisted the study would be of use even if an Olympic bid did not eventuate. The feasibility study will provide a lot of work that has to be done in any event – whether there is an Olympic bid ultimately to occur or not. The study would look at transport, infrastructure and venue needs for the South-East.  Ipswich and Moreton Bay Councils are yet to vote.  Cr Quirk said councils would not be asked to pitch in extra to pay for Logan and the Gold Coast’s share. He said the Council of Mayors would go to the private sector for any additional support. Cr Quirk said an Olympic bid could not go ahead without private sector support.

Kilcoy BBQ & Beer Festival, Kilcoy Classics on Wheels, Di McCauley Open Garden

Around 5000 patrons enjoyed the perfect weather and the inaugural BBQ and Beer Festival.  The program consisted of lots of free events for families and all who attended the event.  The B-Double slip lane appeared to work extremely well and avoided the costly need to remove and replace the traffic island at the intersection of William and Seib Streets.   The number of classic car entries were down to previous years of this event, causing concern for continuing this show in its current format.  The absolute beautiful setting of Ian and Di McCauley’s home and garden were enjoyed by many garden lovers.  The many photographs taken at the property display and record the visual impact of this magnificent Mt Kilcoy location.

Health, Harmony & Healing Expo – Fernvale

The Fernvale Indoor Sports Centre proved to be the perfect venue with lots of space available for setting up stalls.  The venue also offers a weather proof setting.  There was a good variety of stalls that were well stocked and provided a wide range of related information.

Council Free Tree Distribution Days

Due to the popularity of this event, a resident has asked if it would be possible to extend the hours of operation when Council visits Fernvale in future.  The extra time would assist the process due to the number of people who attend the three-hour session, with many residents travelling from nearby populated areas.

Kilcoy Art Society Inc.

I have been informed by the society, that it has been successful with a Community Benefits Funding application for the amount of $35,000 to assist meeting the costs to build a deck on the eastern approach of the Courthouse Gallery.