In your last edition, I provided an update on this development and said that we were going to a hearing, 21-24 November.

Well, out of the blue, we were asked to attend a mediation on Thursday 9 November, nearly one year on from our previous mediation session which was unsuccessful.
The mediation session, which lasted for six and a half hours, was conducted on a “Without Prejudice” basis which means that I cannot report what was said. The session was attended by myself and Cr Hay. The outcome of the mediation was that we have withdrawn from the appeal. The main reasons were a precedent case from 2018 which was not favourable to our position and, because of this, the chances of costs being awarded against us.
Cr Hay and myself were highly disappointed at this outcome.
Let me say at this point that Cr Hay acted with strength and determination.
She is an excellent advocate for justice and the Mountain. I hope that she decides to run again in March 2024.
Cr Hay was determined to get the best out of the situation we found ourselves in, and she challenged one of the offers being made to us, which was a financial contribution of $5000. As a result of this challenge and a long conversation between the developer’s barrister and the developer, the financial offer was increased to $40000. This offer will be used by Cr Hay to pay off her costs of employing a Town Planner, and reimbursing those who made a donation towards these costs.
Nigel Waistell
WATER MINING REARS ITS HEAD – YET AGAIN
I am opposing the application for a new commercial water extraction bore to be built on Hartley Rd, Tamborine Mountain, at this time.
My reasons being that neither Council nor Government have been able to restrict commercial water extraction for local supply only.
Once a commercial permit is in place, the owner has the right to sell their weekly allocation to anyone.
If locals don’t need it, they are entitled to sell elsewhere.
The additional bore will further draw on the same underground supply as the four other commercial bores near this location.
This could further affect the water table, depleting water supply to local domestic bores, and could harm our subtropical ecosystem.
Hartley Road needs first to be upgraded to meet the demands of more heavy traffic on an overused public thoroughfare.
A water moratorium is presently in place with the purpose of studying the effect of commercial water extraction from underground aquifers. New commercial bores are banned.
A water management Plan is being considered by State Government for this locality in 2026. 
It is time State Government acted to ensure Tamborine Mountain residents have adequate water supply and not be dependent on private operators.
A better outcome for all would be a consensual agreement with commercial operators to provide water to local customers, for domestic use, as a priority.
This could be negotiated between Council and operators, with the right people in power.
It would eliminate the need for another commercial water extractor on Tamborine Mountain and the need for water to be brought up the Mountain.
Otherwise, a publicly-owned bore could be drilled, with a fixed charge for local delivery.
There are other options that should be given to the community for consultation, not left in the hands of this Council.
Please make your concerns known to: mail@scenicrim.qld.gov.au.  Asap...
Julie Wilkinson