By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) noted the operational details as outlined in the Planning & Environmental Services Monthly Status Report at the 9 March Ordinary Council Meeting.
Regarding Planning Services, the report outlined three planning applications that require mediation or have been taken to the Development Tribunal.
An order was made on 24 February 2022 in relation to the Development Permit for a Material Change of Use for animal keeping (Breeding kennel – keeping up to 20 dogs) at 42 Careys Road, Emu Vale. The order relates to all parties participating in a mediation to be held prior to 14 April 2022.
Negotiations are continuing to resolve a Development Tribunal matter in relation to 22-24 Project Street and East Street, Warwick, relating to a Low impact industry (Extension to SelfStorage Facility).
An appeal was lodged with the Development Tribunal on 18 February 2022 in relation to Council’s decision relating to a Dual occupancy (Second dwelling) at 127 Gentle Road, Dalcouth.
The report also stated that communication has begun with affected stakeholders in relation to Council’s approval to opt into the Queensland Development Code (QDC) provisions relating to mandatory rainwater tanks for new residential and commercial buildings within a reticulated water area.
The report also gave an update on SDRC’s Environmental Services.
SDRC has undertaken roadside pest management activities for tree pear, lantana, mother-of-millions, ragweed and agave. These were either in response to residents’ reports to SDRC, or Local Laws Officers identifying the invasive plants as part of their routine work. The report stated that when work is undertaken on the roadside, letterbox drops/education is undertaken to nearby landholders where appropriate.
The report stated that planning has commenced for the 2022 aerial baiting program, to occur on 4 and 5 May.
It further stated that ground baiting is also being planned for 20, 21 and 22 April 2022.
Officers have reportedly been spending time making contact with potential new landholders to include in the program.
The report stated that 18 overgrown allotment notices were issued for February 2022, while 15 parking infringements were issued in the Warwick CBD for February 2022.
The report also gave an update on SDRC’s pound facilities, stating that in February 2022:
• 42 cats were impounded
• Two cats were returned to their owner
• 21 cats were rehomed
• 12 dogs were impounded
• Four dogs were returned to their owner
• Eight dogs were rehomed
This leaves 19 cats unaccounted for.
The report outlined SDRC’s work on waste in February 2022, stating that work is continuing on preparing for the expansion of the waste and recycling collection service area.
A scrap metal collection occurred from all supervised waste facilities during February 2022.
Applications have been made to the Department of Environment and Science to amend the Resource Recovery and Landfill areas at all three of SDRC’s landfills. These are minor amendments to ensure ongoing compliance with waste levy obligations.
In February 2022, there were 6,604 transactions across the weigh-bridge at the Warwick Waste Facility and 2,890 transactions at the Stanthorpe Waste Facility.
