By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council received and noted the Corporate and Community Services Monthly Status Report at last week’s meeting.
The report noted that the Warwick Library has engaged a consultant to assist with the master planning and development of the open space located between the library and gallery.
“A number of areas have been engaged through this process to ensure all stakeholders views can be incorporated, where possible,” the report stated.
Cr Marco Gliori asked if the consultant for Warwick gallery is local, which staff said they would take on notice as they could not answer it at that time.
The report also stated that council has engaged a Project Manager to assist with the delivery of the $4m Stanthorpe Art Gallery and Library enhancement project.
Cr Gliori asked if this position was coming out of the budget, or on top of it.
A staff member confirmed this was included in the budget.
Cr Stephen Tancred asked later if councillors could be included or given updates on the progression of this project.
He requested a timeline for the project, including when they would turn the sod, as he stated locals would probably be interested to know this.
A staff member stated when there are updates, council will get them.
Officers are currently preparing for the induction of the new crop of Youth Council members, as stated in the report, with the 2022 Youth Council due to be formally inducted into the program on 24 February.
Cr Sheryl Windle noted that there had been requests for more interaction with councillors from the Youth Council.
The report also noted that Round 1 of the 2021/22 RADF program opened on Tuesday 18 January.
This round is due to close Monday 14 February, with the recommendations likely to come to council at its March meeting.
It was noted that on 21 January, council’s local disaster coordinator met with representatives of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority to discuss some potential opportunities around flood risk management.
A number of land management updates were noted.
The report stated that contracts for the sale of two lots located at the Stanthorpe Aerodrome were entered into in late December 2021 and settled in February 2022.
Two contracts for the sale of land at Maryvale and Pratten are currently with council’s solicitors for drafting.
Council staff are in current negotiations with third parties for the sale of land at Dalveen, Maryvale, and Massie.
The motion was moved by Cr Windle and seconded by Cr Jo McNally.
Cr McNally stated she had questions, but the information may be in confidence so she would ask outside of the meeting.
