COUNCIL BRIEFS
WITH CR GEOFF LITTLER

THE public exhibition of the draft Palmwoods Local Area Plan and associated Planning Scheme amendments closed on January 30, 1998.

A total of 11 submissions were received including a "whole government response" from the Department of Local Government and Planning.

The submissions are currently being summarised and any amendments to the draft Palmwoods LAP determined.

The submissions and proposed amendments will be presented to the Steering Committee for consideration in mid-May. These timelines are longer than expected due to other project priorities, especially the introduction of the Integrated Planning Act and the development of the new Planning Scheme.

Following Steering Committee consideration and approval, the submissions and proposed amendments to the Palmwoods LAP will be presented to council for approval and adoption. Subject to Steering Committee direction, the LAP is scheduled to be reported to council at the end of May or early June.

IT is estimated that $23 million is required to seal the 70kms of gravel road in Division Two.

GARDEN proud residents could be rewarded for their efforts with the introduction of the inaugural Maroochy Shire Garden competition expected to be launched in May. Council will be looking at not only the types of gardens entered into the competition but also how they blend in with the natural environment and use of natural resources such as water.

The competition is an exciting initiative and aimed at promoting sound environmental principles and practices by residents and businesses throughout the Shire. Details about the competitions, the categories which people can enter and prizes, will be released during the launch in May.

THE Hinterland Shire Steering Committee is holding a public meeting at 3pm on Sunday May 17, to discuss the question of Nambour’s inclusion in their proposed new shire. the meeting is to be held in the main pavilion of the Maleny Showgrounds. I wonder what the residents of Nambour think of this?

AS part of its Disability Access Project, Maroochy Shire Council staff are undergoing training to evaluate and improve access to all council services and facilities for all members of the community.

The project will include community consultation, the physical auditing of all council facilities, training of council staff and action planning.

It is important to remember that projects like this benefits the whole community - parents with prams, seniors as well as people with a disability. This project will aim to equip council with the skills to ensure that a disability does not become a handicap.

The community consultation process is expected to be held in May with two separate sessions, one for disability service providers and one for people with a disability and their carers.

The finished report will include a plan of action to address any issues highlighted through the project and will then be submitted to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. For further information contact Erin Jones on 5441 8141.