2017-10-13 Special Meeting - Hinterland Environmental Conservation Project - Further Report

SPECIAL MEETING REPORT                                                         13 OCTOBER 2017


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Special Meeting dated 13 October
2017 and the further report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Special Meeting dated 13 October
2017 containing updated information regarding a proposed hinterland environmental conservation
project and:
A.   Note the proposed environmental benefits, risks and costs associated with the proposed
     project; and
B.   Approve the project “in principle” and authorise the Chief Executive Officer to proceed with
     the Approved Actions as set out in the further report.



REPORT
1.   Purpose

Further to the report provided to Council as part of the agenda for the Special Meeting on 13
October 2017, this report provides Council with additional and updated information.

2.   Parliament House meetings - 10 October 2017

On 10 October 2017, the Mayor, CEO and President of the Noosa Parks Association attended
Parliament House to undertake a series of meetings facilitated by our local member, Glen Elmes
MP.

2.1. Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection

A meeting was held with the Hon Dr Steven Miles MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage
Protection to update the Minister on progress with this project. Key outcomes from that meeting
are as follows:
    Minister Miles remains committed to this project and appreciated the update on progress;
    Minister Miles was advised that Council has a Special Meeting scheduled for 13 October
     2017 and that if Council supported the project “in principle” there would be no barriers to the
     Minister making an announcement of this project at a time after that date to be determined
     by the Minister;
    Mr Elmes also committed to supporting the project and not making any announcement before
     the Minister;
    We also provided positive feedback to the Minister on the support from Departmental staff;
     and
    Further, the Minister advised that he would brief the new Minister for Agriculture and
     Fisheries (Anthony Lynham MP). The previous Minister has resigned due to ill health earlier
     this week.




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