The “water issue”: It may seem that a simple solution to what is potentially going to be an issue for residents reliant on tank water in coming months would be for Council to approve extraction from new locations purely for local supply. Council is aware of the supply issues. For those who recall the many and lengthy Planning and Environment Court appeals relating to Power Pde, there can be unintended consequences to what starts out as a well-intentioned application and approval. The legal costs footed by Council (read ratepayers) were horrendous.

The Alpine Terrace footpath and handrail: Total cost to date: $746,893. There remains $41,648 in the budget for minor adjustments and landscaping between the footpath and the road. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to fix the unsightliness of the handrail, although I have made some simple suggestions which would reduce its spartan and confronting appearance. I have had more contacts and comments in relation to this than any other matter.
Out and About: State Government Shaping SEQ in-person consultation session conducted in a talk to a planner format on 7 Sept. 2023. This was an opportunity for residents (and Councillors) to have one-on-one discussions with a planner re-shaping the future growth of South East Qld: “As Qld continues to grow, the Qld Govt is updating the plan in response to our growing and changing region to enhance our communities in a sustainable way”. I raised the issues of State Government-driven population growth without the provision of necessary infrastructure to support such growth including public transport, jobs, inland rail, a permanent solution to Canungra’s water supply issues, no restrictions on new housing being used as other than dwellings (e.g. Air B’n’Bs), the impact of visitor numbers on Tamborine Mountain and the lack of rental properties which impacts on the ability to attract and retain workers in the region. Growth for growth’s sake will – in my opinion – lead to increased social issues. Read further and have your say at www.qld.gov.au/shapingseq – submissions close 20 September.
Congratulations to the Tamborine Mountain Scout Group on the official opening of its Heritage Den on 10 September 2023, which has been many years in the making. The building has been relocated and repurposed, providing a permanent home for local scouts. Historical photos and youth member achievements were on display and the building has been named The Fay Schulz Building, in honour of one of many tireless volunteers. Cr Jeff McConnell (Division 2), former Crs Vanessa Bull and Nigel Waistell and I were thrilled to attend the opening, and it was good to see the site enhancements made in collaboration with Landcare.
Tamborine Mountain College held its Arts Fest on
9 September which featured drama and music showcase performances, art displays and workshops and a great musical “Winnie the Pooh” (performed by primary students and which was two semesters in the making!). So good to see engaged teachers and students and also that artistic abilities are nurtured and developed... and ‘thank you’ to Archie for being our enthusiastic guide on the day!
Topics of concern raised recently: parking/safety issues outside businesses caused by lack of on-site parking, Council’s pump-out of public toilet facilities, building envelopes, use of private certifiers and the fact that works signed off by them are not publicly visible on Council’s website, Shelf Road issues, stolen and damaged rubbish bins, Air B’n’Bs (noise, parking) and an increase in barking dog complaints. When investigated, it is often found that the dogs are unregistered.