Mayor Beresford’s April 2025 Meeting Wrap-up

The monthly Council meeting for April was held on Tuesday 15th. It was the day after the Local Disaster Management Group’s status changed from “stand up” back to “lean forward” in response to the March extreme weather event easing and the Shire moving towards recovery mode.   Below are a few highlights from the meeting.

To read the full minutes please visit the Paroo Shire Council’s website, www.paroo.qld.gov.au  where the agenda and minutes of all Council meetings are posted.  

Community Grant Approvals

• Cunnamullla Clay Target Club
  Provision of ten blue bins for the May shoot and emptying of septic tank prior to the event.

Liquor Licence
The Council has advised the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation that it has no objections to a Liquor Licence being granted to the Wyandra Pub Pty Ltd for premises at 21 Railway Street, Wyandra. We are looking forward to seeing the doors open again welcoming back locals and visitors to town.

Restoration of Essential Public Assets (REPA)
Flood damage repairs to Shire roads from the September 2022 extreme weather event have been completed in three of the four quadrants. A few remaining roads in the south-east quadrant are due to be completed by early June. Work is also commencing on flood damaged roads from the January 2024 extreme weather event.   

Most of the emergent works associated with the December 2024 event had been carried out, however, the remaining works on the Thurulgoona Road could not be undertaken due to access restrictions from flooding during the March 2025 event.

Damage from the December 2024 is now being transitioned into a new scope of works in response to the additional damage sustained during the recent March 2025 flood event in line with advice from Qld Reconstruction Authority (QRA). Emergent works are also being undertaken as soon as possible and data collection on the extent of road damage from recent flooding has commenced.

Shepherd Services have been engaged to project manage the March 2025 flood event and will carry out emergent work supervision and scoping within the next three months.   Once the data is captured and the damage assessed, they will prepare Council’s submission to the QRA and supervise the delivery and acquittal of the works.

Infrastructure Operations

• A consultant has been engaged to assist with the preparation of a Landfill Management Plan to meet the requirements of the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. A draft plan is currently being reviewed. Council will consider the implications of the management plan at an upcoming 2025/26 budget workshop.
• During the past month Council has been inviting tenders through Vendor Panel for pre-qualified and preferred suppliers to register for Mobile Plant & Equipment for hire, Supply and Delivery of Various Products and the Provision of Trade & Professional Services. A report on the submissions received will be considered by the Council in time for new two-year contracts to commence as from 1st July.

Tenders
Council received Federal funding of 50% towards providing solar PV systems to its works depot, shire hall, Visitor Information Centre and library. Tenders were called and the contract has been awarded to Charleville Refrigeration and Electrical.

Local Recovery Group
As the response to the recent March 2025 flood event eases, the Local Disaster Management Group will move to recovery mode and a Local Recovery Group structure has been approved to co-ordinate the recovery.

This group will work closely with functional lead agencies to plan and co-ordinate local recovery operations under the four functions of Economic, Environment, Human-Social and Infrastructure. Full details of the group structure is available on Council’s website as part of the Supplementary Agenda.

Development Application
A Development Application, submitted by the Council, for a Material Change of Use to establish Low-cost Parking for self-contained motorhomes and caravans on part of Lot 5 on C14613 fronting William Street, Cunnamulla, adjacent to the showgrounds, was considered. Whilst the recommendation from Council’s Town Planning consultant was to approve the Development Application subject to conditions, Council decided to refuse the DA on the grounds of insufficient community support.

Next Paroo Shire Council Meeting
Our next meeting will be held Tuesday 20th May 2025 in the Council administration building in Cunnamulla.            

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