Congratulations: Council’s new CEO, David Keenan, has been appointed to the position following completion of his probationary period. He brings new eyes and ideas which will hopefully move our Council forward in a positive manner – particularly important now that the State Government Advisor’s term ended on 09 June 2023.

Development Applications (DAs): Tuscany on Tamborine 87 Main Western Rd. Appeal lodged in the Planning & Environment Court re- Council’s recent development refusal. Freemont Dr – application for setback. 1-5 Eagles Close – building envelope amendment (approved) – “the changes will improve the useability of the site and have been undertaken to ensure consistency with what is currently occurring on-site”.
Have your say: Council’s Draft Scenic Rim Region Biosecurity Plan 2023-2028 – Council is seeking community input via Let’s Talk Scenic Rim from 28 July – 25 August 2023 (letstalk.scenicrim.qld.gov.au). This Plan provides guidance on how to reduce biosecurity risks associated with invasive plants and animals and their impacts on the community, economy and the environment.
Grants information: Council’s 2023-2024 Environmental Grants Program is now open for applications. Find out the details on how to apply here:
www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/gra.../environment-grants/
Council Ordinary Meeting - 18 July 2023: OIA complaint against Cr McConnell. Unfortunately, Cr McConnell was found to have engaged in inappropriate conduct following a tied vote 3:3 with the Mayor having the casting vote. Who knew that a comment made at a staff Christmas party could result in a complaint, appointment of an external investigator (at ratepayer expense) and take seven months to be resolved? Crs McInness, Chalk and myself voted against the motion. Cr McConnell must now make a public apology at the next Council meeting.
Topics of concern raised recently: neighbour installing multiple floodlights to bully another neighbour, trespass (police matter), boundary disputes (QCAT matter), clearing of trees and incineration of the waste on site (Young St), graffiti, real estate agent issues, incursion onto parkland (Kaiser Rd), delays in obtaining approval (new restaurant) and “that handrail” on Alpine Terrace.
If you intend to construct a fence or erect a shed/extension, you must know where your boundary line is to determine placement, and for sheds/extensions, boundary setbacks. Many neighbourhood disputes come about as a result of construction without boundary pegs being in place. Whilst a surveyor may be an unanticipated cost, their services can save a lot of grief, animosity and legal costs. Potential purchasers should ask if survey pegs are in place – it is good to know what you are actually buying. Also be aware that pegs have been known to “migrate” mysteriously. When we purchased our property in 2009, there were no pegs on the front boundary, nor fences, but joint gardens which had expanded on both sides, and our block seemed considerably narrower than all others in the street. A quick survey identified that we had “lost ground” on both sides.
Be aware that outstanding compliance issues become the responsibility of the new owners, so due diligence is essential. Purchasers should pay for the more expensive searches which will reveal such issues (such as a concrete spoon drain constructed across a boundary).
The well-known “go-to guy” who will remove trees no questions asked needs to re-think his approach.
“Do No Harm”
I can be contacted on 0448 376 650 or via e-mail at amanda.h@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
Cr Amanda Hay
Division 1