New application MCU24/174 for a Retirement Facility at 24-34 Macdonnell Road (the white plastic fence property).
Update: Further extensive application documents are now available on Council’s DAP Online. Please make yourself familiar with the application so that you can make an informed submission (for or against) once the application reaches the public notification stage.
Divisional Councillors have been asked to submit their top five budget items for consideration. I have suggested:
- A review and tightening of our Planning Scheme to ensure inappropriate developments don’t have loopholes due to content which can be interpreted in different ways and result in costly Planning & Environment Court appeals;
- A full review of the long-standing and significant drainage issues on both sides of Long Rd (from the fig tree roundabout to Forsythia Drive);
- A review of the impacts of tourism over-visitation on residential residents with a view to preparation of a long overdue mitigation strategy;
- Consideration of the potential for a signature bikeway as suggested by residents – you may have seen the petition, and
- I’m still considering this one. These are only a “wish list” at this stage.
Lately it has all been about tourism.
Cedar Creek Falls Road – a narrow Council-owned road which culminates in the State-Government owned public carpark at the falls. Unfortunately most visitors have total disregard for the parking limitations (including yellow lines on both sides) which results in significant safety issues as emergency services vehicles struggle to access the falls area. Currently, stakeholders including police, ambulance, fire services, SES etc are collaborating on possible solutions for this long-term problem. A recent helicopter rescue was required. Park users need to be aware of their personal limitations before accessing challenging terrain as the high cost of rescues is borne by taxpayers, not the person rescued.
Following a request from our Chamber of Commerce, I have asked for the placement of more bins at the hanggliders site as the current bins are inadequate to cater for the hundreds of people who visit, particularly on weekends.
Work on Council’s new carpark on Gallery Walk will commence shortly. Hopefully impacted residents (Huyber Lane) will be notified in a timely manner.
Whilst not a Council or police issue (but utilising Council’s carpark on Dapsang Drive), sadly there have been multiple reports of potentially unpermitted and unscrupulous tour operators taking groups through the National Park at night, utilising white rather than red light, and failing to observe tour group numbers and distances. Other reports advise of the “disappearance” of low-hanging native plants such as orchids, and the sighting on two recent occasions of three men of ‘bikie’ appearance in the park late at night carrying snake wires and knapsacks. The capture and theft of wildlife is an offence. Do not approach, but if you observe any suspect behaviour, take photos of vehicle registration numbers.
On a more upbeat note, congratulations to local artist Bronwyn Davies on her “Maps and Traces” exhibition launched at the Centre, Beaudesert, and which will be open to the public now until April 17, 2025. Good to see local artists recognised and celebrated. Well done Bron!
Reminder: SRRC rates are due on/by February20, 2025.
