COUNCIL BRIEFS
With Cr Geoff Littler

THE study for the New Planning Scheme started in October last year and to date, the following has been undertaken:

Following earlier workshops for community and industry groups, a workshop for the shire’s councillors was held last month. Two focus group sessions looking at rural living and the environment were held on April 21-22. The opportunity to be involved in the focus groups was generally well received.

The Landscape and Character Study of the shire will take into account the landscape and built form character of individual areas within the shire. Work is continuing.

Draft scheme provisions are expected to be completed in June, which will be followed by a new round of community and industry workshops. The final draft of the new planning scheme is expected in October this year.

It is extremely important that you claim ownership by having input into it as the scheme will be around for a number of years.

SUBMISSIONS and proposed amendments to the Palmwoods LAP will be reported to council for approval and adoption on June 10, 1998. This follows consideration and approval by the steering committee on May 25.

I HAVE expressed my disappointment to Member for Nicklin Neil Turner that the State Government has allocated only $1.1 million for the Kiel Mountain overpass in its next budget. I was looking forward to its completion next financial year. Mr Turner has advised that he has written to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads regarding the Kiel Mountain/Nambour Connection Road overpass and will report once he receives a reply. It is hoped Mr Turner will expedite this by making further personal representations.

A 29-lot subdivision by G.E. And J.P. Eales has been approved for Jane Street, almost completing the residential subdivision of this area. An application by T. Burrough for rezoning of 2937 sq m from Rural B to Residential A has been approved at 17 Landershute Road.

A NEW Chief Executive Officer has been appointed and will commence duties when his current contract in Melbourne expires in three months, unless his employers agree to his earlier release. He is a former Queensland resident.

THE Queensland Building Act requires building permits to be lodged with and approved by council for the following building works:

• All new unit, office, shop, factory, warehouse, assembly buildings etc
• All single tenancy fitout works to shops, offices, factory and warehouse buildings.
• dwellings including removal and mobile homes
• roofed pergolas, patios, carports, shed greater than 10 sq m , sail structures etc.
• unroofed pergolas and carports, shadecloth covered structures where they are located within 6m of the front boundary
• swimming pools including outdoor, indoor, public, private, above ground,in-ground and fixed or portable spas.
• retaining walls great than 1m in height or
• masts, antennas or aerials with a height greater than 10m or 2.5m above the roof line when attached to buildings.

If you intend to sell your property you should seek confirmation of building permits for any structures erected without council approval. For further information, contact the Building and Plumbing Branch on 5441 8249.

IT is hazard reduction burn time of year again and residents with excess fuel, (forest litter) on their properties are strongly urged to contact their local rural fire brigade to arrange for a hazard reduction burn. A raging wild fire does considerable damage to the environment and can be prevented with proper management.