September 25, 2024
South Burnett councillors have voted to establish an Advisory and Working Group to tackle issues raised by some residents in Hivesville township and surrounds.
The formation of the working group follows complaints to the South Burnett Regional Council by residents alleging non-standard housing and plumbing issues.
Mayor Kathy Duff and all councillors will become members of the working group.
They will be joined by staff representatives, including CEO Mark Pitt; managers Kerri Anderson, Rebecca Bayntun and Leo Jensen; senior compliance and NRM officer Scott Bastow, co-ordinator Development Services David Hursthouse; senior building certifier Russell Springall; plumbing inspector Arthur Dawson; and other parties as delegated by the CEO.
* * *
The SBRC is in the process of reviewing the local law which covers dog ownership and registrations … thorny topics which took up months of debate during the last term of Council.
At their meeting on September 18, councillors tackled the issue of hobby breeders and dog exhibitors.
After hearing a deputation from the Nanango Kennel Club, councillors voted unanimously to include the following conditions during its review of Local Law No 2 (Animal Management) 2011:
- Hobbyist Breeder and Dog Exhibitor will be defined as a person on more than 4.5 acres (18,200sq m) with 12 or less dogs who breeds or exhibits for non-commercial purposes
- A permit for a Hobbyist Breeder and Dog Exhibitor would allow for registration of up to 12 dogs for 12 months
- These registrations would be updated yearly
- Each dog registration would cost the same as what is listed on current schedule of fees, to be capped at $240 for total of 12 dogs
- The permit can only be given to a person who holds a current financial Nanango Kennel Club membership or Burnett Kennel club membership, and Dogs Queensland membership
- A yearly permit fee of $250 would be charged
- The permit holder must remain compliant with Dogs Queensland rules and regulations and have no unresolved complaints with South Burnett Regional Council
The review will also consider defined and non-defined areas and consider the restriction of the number of pets allowed in properties with flats.
A report will be brought back to the November meeting.
* * *
South Burnett Regional Council will write to the Department of Transport and Main Roads to request it take over responsibility for the signposted “heavy vehicle bypass” in Nanango.
At the moment, the sections of Cairns Street and Appin Street West are Council’s responsibility for upkeep, despite heavy trucks being directed off the D’Aguilar Highway to use (and damage) council roads.
* * *
Councillors have unanimously approved a Development Permit for a Material Change of Use for the construction of three two-bedroom units at 10 Agnes Street, Kingaroy.
The approval will remain in place for six years.
* * *
Council is in favour of a move to amend the borders between the South Burnett Regional Council area and the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council.
Councillors voted to write to Local Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon and Premier Steven Miles advising that Council supported a boundary change suggested by the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities and the Arts on behalf of Cherbourg Council.
Councillors voted to support that historical Lot 13 on SP104351 become part of the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council area and Lot 130 on SP104351 remain wholly South Burnett Regional Council, providing there is no cost to South Burnett Regional Council.
The border realignment will resolve an issue involving a house situated on Sunwater land near Bjelke-Petersen Dam.
* * *
After debate, councillors voted 4-3 to “lay on the table” (ie. revisit at a later date) a motion to lease a block of land for 10 years to the Wondai & District Men’s Shed.
Councillors sought more information about the proposal.
Mayor Duff, Deputy Mayor Danita Potter and Cr Dennien voted against the delay.
* * *
South Burnett Regional Council has renewed its partnership with Local Tourism Organisation “Visit South Burnett” for another three years.
