An Ordinary Council Meeting was held this morning, Tuesday 28 September, 2021.
Review the full Table of Contents for the Agenda here.
Some of the key decisions are summarised below:
At the outset of the meeting, a host of Council Officers were presented with Recognition Certificates for achieving the milestones of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 years of service to Douglas Shire Council and our community.
Councillors then reviewed an application for a Prelodgement Planning Scheme Variation And ROL (1 Into 8 Lots) at 22 Mountain View Drive Shannonvale which was rejected for non-compliance with regional and local planning schemes. Crs Kerr, McKeown and Scomazzon all expressed their support for a review/ revisit of the Douglas Planning Scheme.
Cr Kerr expressed frustration with Far North Regional plan, and the Douglas Planning Scheme…”this is exactly the type of block that we should be looking to allowing (sic) subdivide…
Cr Kerr said he agreed with Cr Scomazzon, “we’re sitting here screaming for new residential allotments….um and yet, here we have another one where our hands are tied and we have to say no because it’s the wrong colour on the map…and it’s extremely disappointing.”
5.2 Material Change Of Use For Resort Complex At 71-85 Port Douglas Rd Port Douglas
Councillors unanimously voted to reject the proposed Fairmont resort application citing the well-defined and articulated reasons given by planners for the recommendation to deny the application as sufficient. The proposed development is considered to be non-compliant with a significant number of planning scheme components due to its height, length, site cover, setbacks, bulk, scale and provision of facilities rendering it inconsistent with the character of the area.
The proposal is in conflict with the planning intent for the site and locality and is recommended for
refusal.
Crs Noli and Scomazzon encouraged the applicant to continue to pursue compliant aspirations for their resort development.
5.6 Foreshore Management Plans
Councillors voted to defer the adoption of the five Foreshore Management Plans until after further discussion in workshop.
The Foreshore Management Plans identify management objectives and actions to undertake to reduce the impacts of coastal hazards in the coastal zone. The Plans will help to guide Council in the protection, maintenance and management of the coastline and foreshore areas within Douglas Shire.
The intent of the Foreshore Management Plans is to help guide Council in the protection, maintenance and management of the coastline and foreshore, while maintaining the natural character of the area and respecting the ecological, cultural and social values of these coastal reserves.
5.8 Douglas Chamber Of Commerce Resource & Performance Agreement 2021-2024
Council voted to continue its support for the Douglas Chamber of Commerce with a Resource and Performance Agreement over a period of three years, with KPIs to be developed through negotiation between Councillors and Council officers.
Council resolved to contract the Douglas Chamber of Commerce as a specialised service provider under S235(b) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for specialist business support under terms set out in a Resource and Performance Agreement, for the following years and amounts:
i. $20,000 (Ex GST) year 1 October 2021 to 30 June 2022; and
ii. $10,000 (Ex GST) year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, and
iii. $10,000 (Ex GST) year 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
5.9 Mossman State High School Sponsorship
Mossman State High School will be supported with $500 sponsorship as Gold Sponsor of the Awards Presentation on 17 November 2021.
5.10 RV Park Mossman Business Case
Councillors agreed to defer a decision on exploring options and undertake activities regarding a proposed RV Park until the next meeting, after further workshop discussion.
5.13 Request For Funding – Taste Port Douglas
Funding was agreed upon, but Cr Scommazon stated her preference for funding for this tourist activity to come through TPDD particularly because there has been no allocation within Council budget and therefore funding would need to be siphoned from elsewhere.
5.16 Daintree Ferry Advisory Committee
Terms of reference for the governance of the Daintree Ferry has been, and will continue to be discussed and established in Councillor workshops.
5.17 Building Douglas Standing Committee
Agenda item was withdrawn.
5.18 Legal Expenses Former CEO
Agenda item was withdrawn.
6.1 Notice Of Motion – Options For Council To Develop Retirement Style Living Houses
Councillor Lisa Scomazzon submitted an (amended) motion concerning Council options to develop affordable retirement style living houses in Craiglie and Mossman, which Councillors agreed to pursue.
We don’t need another residential area we just need to stop B&Bs and holiday letting