Media Responses (02 - 06 August 2021)

Media Responses (02 - 06 August 2021)

CONTENT: TLPI, Imbil Water Break, Removal of Trees (Mary Street)

Gympie Times: 02 August  – TLPI

QUESTION:
Why did Council lift the TLPI’s? Can I please have an update on the reference group put together after the lifting of the TLPI’s?

ANSWER:
Please find attached the Council agenda and the report which details the information regarding the lifting of the TLPI.

The decision is one of Council (Councillors) and not an operational decision. 
The Biodiversity and Koala Habitat Development Strategy Reference group has been established and have met and discussed the following agenda items. 

Meeting agenda items discussed:
1.           Introductions of members and Council attendees
2.           Background, Terms of Reference, Purpose of the group, Reference group meeting guidelines
3.           Amendment package 2 and 3
4.           Planning Scheme Process
5.           Land supply and current building statistics
6.           Climate Change Policy, Sustainability Policy
7.           Review Environmental Policy and Environmental Strategy
8.           Development of voluntary codes of practice – developers, builders, property owners

Please find attached both the terms of reference and appointment information. 

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Gympie Times: 03 August – Imbil water break

QUESTION: 
Time reported?
Time fixed?
How many houses: 
What was the issue?

ANSWER: 
The first call to council was received at 7.55am this morning, 3 August. The issue was a rupture to a 150mm water main on Yabba Road. A council crew was redirected from another town to undertake this urgent repair. Water was turned off so repairs could take place, impacting approximately 165 properties. Council fixed the problem by replacing a 1.5m long section of damaged pipe. The problem was resolved and water restored around 11.25am.

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Gympie Times: 05 August – Removal of trees (Mary Street)

QUESTION: 
[Member of the public] is concerned about the two healthy leopard trees to be removed out front of Mia Bella. [they] are extremely against this happening and hopes the council will change its mind.
Council response? 

ANSWER: 
Unfortunately, the trees are causing too much damage to the kerb/footpath, the underground drainage system and water mains – not to mention the risk for residents using the footpath. The risk associated is just too great now, we can no longer ignore the issue, I’m not sure how any of us would feel if an older resident had a fall due to the damage from the trees.
Mary Street is renowned for its tree scraped beauty.  The program that we need to initiate will maintain this amenity but deal with the serious safety issues that have developed.

Mayor Glen Hartwig