COUNCIL BRIEFS
WITH CR GEOFF LITTLER

LAST month I mentioned that council had appointed a new CEO. This announcement was premature, as the successful applicant was offered an inducement to stay with his present employer which Maroochy Shire Council could not match. The package offered by his employer was such that it needed the approval of Premier Jeff Kennett. The search for a CEO continues.

IT IS pleasing to see that after the school holidays Waterwatch volunteers are planning a clean-up at Paynters Creek, Woombye and have a tree planting at Paynters Creek, Lower Landershute Road.

THE Maroochy Shire Council has applied to Main Roads for TIDS (SafeST) funding to improve safety for school traffic in the vicinity of Tytherleigh Street. For the past 18 months, I have shared an office with the new Member for Nicklin, Cr Peter Wellington, and I know he will support this request. He has already told me that he will make representations on our behalf to see that the Keil Mountain overpass happens sooner than later.

THE Planning Department has asked for further time to consider the application of D and C Turner for consent of existing lawful non-conforming use. I made it clear at the Town Planning Meeting on June 24, that this was not acceptable as three months is more than ample time to consider this application. Also, it is extremely unfair to the applicant and the objectors not to have this application dealt with quickly. Prompt action has been promised.

AN application by P. W. Woods to conduct a pottery and sales at Lucy’s Fruit Stall has been approved. This will enhance Palmwoods as a tourist centre and I wish Peter every success in his new venture.

BY the time you read these briefs, Maroochy Shire Council will have brought down its budget. I became involved in the final stages of budget and as I write this, budget material is still embargoed it would be inappropriate for me to comment.
However, I can say that it was a very difficult budget to balance and Mayor Culley and the members of the budget committee spent many long and arduous hours in doing so.