December 19, 2024
The South Burnett Regional Council’s amnesty for Hivesville residents to work with Council to get their buildings up to legal minimum standards expires on Friday (December 20).
The amnesty – which followed complaints to Council from other Hivesville residents about health and safety issues in the town – was approved at a Council meeting in March and began on July 1.
A letter was sent to all properties in Hivesville in August alerting owners to the fact that to take advantage of the amnesty, households must register with Council before December 20.
The aim was to give people the opportunity to work with Council, without the added worry of enforcement action.
Mayor Kathy Duff told this week’s Council meeting that it was very important that community members come forward and put their names down so Council can work with them.
“We realise a lot of them are struggling so if you put your name down, and you’re showing that you are trying to work towards compliance, we’ll absolutely be giving you every bit of time,” the Mayor said.
“But anyone who’s not – who hasn’t put them name down – who refuses to or doesn’t work with Council … we’re going to be forcing the compliance.
“There has been so many internal complaints, it’s forced our hands as Council.”
Mayor Duff said Council realised everyone was struggling but it was “trying to be as soft as we can”.
“Certainly, anyone who misses out on that amnesty period will have to be dealing with the compliance team,” she said.
Mayor Duff said the Hivesville amnesty process was being used as a model by Council because there were other areas in the South Burnett which have similar issues.
Cr Heath Sander told the meeting he had received positive comments from Hivesville residents.
He said people appreciated how Council staff had not come in heavy-handed, but instead spoke to them with respect.
“It just shows, we’re not out there to attack them, we’re just doing our job,” Cr Sander said.
A letter sent to the Hivesville Progress Association last week by Council CEO Mark Pitt also emphasised the importance of Hivesville residents registering with Council by December 20.
“To date, we have been pleased to work with several properties within the Hivesville area to identify and assist them to rectify any issues without fear of penalty,” the letter said.
“Regrettably, there are still a number who have not contacted Council or indicated a willingness to work with Council to achieve the necessary approvals.
“Please note that there are very few buildings or structures that are exempt from assessment or approval.
“To this end, those who pass up this opportunity and continue with non-approved works will have action taken.”
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In September, Council established a Hivesville Advisory and Working Group which consists of Mayor Duff, all councillors and senior Council staff members.
The Terms of Reference for this Working Group were adopted by Council at this week’s Council meeting.
It includes an Action Plan on community compliance-related maters including building, plumbing, environmental health and animal management.
- Related article: Council Forms Hivesville Group
