THE Palmwoods Progress Association returned Ron Corelli as president at its annual general meeting last month.

In his report, Mr Corelli gave a brief resume of the group’s activities during the past 12 months:

"Invitations were extended to all Palmwoods community organisations to join our monthly meeting to produce stronger voice for the community," he said.

"We are seeking stronger input on local matters, in particular the opinions and views of residents for the Local Area Plan."

Mr Corelli said it had been necessary for the PPA executive to take the unusual step of recording a resolution in its stand against the legal action against the Orange County development.

The resolution read: "The PPA supports planned and effective controlled development of a rural residential nature in the Palmwoods area.

This Association supports Residential A type development for infill sites within the township area. This Association opposes further Residential A rezoning in rural areas including those areas surrounding the town."

"This resolution and statement was made due to the erroneous impression which some people may have had that the PPA is pro-development," he said. "In fact, this Association has in the past sought to avoid taking policy stances on planning and political issues.

The individual action of another group in taking legal proceedings regarding a particular residential development in the Palmwoods urban area provoked confusion and stress among Palmwoods residents."

The subsequent hearing by the Planning and Environment Court dismissed the appeal against the Orange County development in judgement on March 27.

"The views being put forward by the appellant failed to take into account the provisions of the earlier approved Strategic Plan in relation to the site," Mr Corelli said.

"This plan depicted the entire urban designation for Residential A land."

The Maroochy Shire Council announced a proposal for a Palmwoods Outline Development Plan and the PPA has been active in matters of internal roads, signage and traffic matters.

"In fact, there have been submissions over the past three years on these matters and through the valuable guidance of Cr Geoff Littler, several of our recommendations have already reached Council for consideration and have led to recognition for a Palmwoods Local Area Plan," Mr Corelli said.

Mr Corelli reported that the PPA's continued strong representation on traffic control at the Keil Mountain, Woombye Montville Road intersection had been successful.

There have been further discussions regarding Palmwoods inner road and by-pass traffic routes, in particular school bus routes and interchange stops within the township and its outskirts.

Town beautification was given a high priority by the PPA and with great support by Cr Geoff Littler, the council approved an "entrance statement Palmwoods Concept Plan" - an impressive masonry block textured wall with anodised aluminium signage and group planting of tropical palms behind the wall.

They will be erected on either side of the main roads at the northern and southern entrances to Palmwoods.

Garden beautification has already started outside the Police Station and Post Office road areas on Margaret Street.

Further enhancement of the many rock walls around the main part of town will follow. Woombye Sunrise Rotary Club has offered assistance to the PPA in town beautification works.

The next monthly meeting of the PPA will be on Thursday, May 8 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Room, Palmwoods Memorial Hall. All welcome. Meetings are usually completed within one hour.