general meeting minutes agenda item details / discussions /...

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General Meeting Minutes Monday, 22 April, 2013 at 6.00 pm

Florence Fitzgerald Room, Excelsior Library

Agenda Item Details / Discussions / Resolutions Formalities Actions Due Date

Opened A quorum was established and the meeting called to order at 6.00 pm. Josie welcomed everyone to the meeting and commenced with self-introductions of committee and members.

Josephine Heading

Attendance

Sadie Hasthorpe, Betty Steele, Fergus Tait, Jody Collins, Leslye Muller, Frank Beveridge, Llana Fuller, Ted Allan, Denis Beahan, Sandy Turner, Leanne Baumgarten, Bernie Fisher, Phil Hill-Warner, John Lynch, Arthur Wright, Alistair Gordon, Wayne Miller, Josh Hoch, Josephine Heading, Barbara Robinson, Bernadette Taylor

Apologies

Susan Murphy, Shirley Symes, Leonie Davey, Neil Leader, Deb Durrington, Ruth Bell

Minutes “Instead of having the Secretary read the minutes, copies have been

distributed via email or post for your review. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes?” Motion: “That the minutes from the previous 4

th February, 2013 meeting, as

tabled, be confirmed as a true and accurate record.”

Moved: Sandy Turner Seconded: Leanne Baumgarten Motion: Carried

Business Arising from Minutes

Road Safety Committee – Sadie has been advised by Councilors R. Bailey and B. Robinson that the Road Safety Committee set up by Cr B. Beveridge is concerned solely with road conditions within the city of Charters Towers and its environs. The community is represented on this Committee by High School Principals and the local driving school

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instructor. Sadie has apologised for erroneously assuming that the Road Safety Committee covered roads within the entire local government region.

Power Plant – Josephine wishes to clarify the opening statement in Business Arising regarding the power plant, that she has never said she is against the power plant, but was seeking information regarding the location of the power plant, and the consultation process undertaken. Josie did submit her questions in writing to Council’s CEO at a meeting with him on 31 January, 2013.

Car from Tony Ireland – It has been raised that the issue of a second car was not resolved at the meeting. Would this mean that Chamber will have the expense of two cars and is Chamber able to afford this? Why not use a rent a car for the few occasions a car is required? A magnetic sign could be utilised for advertising Chamber, and a Chamber Members is an Agent for AVIS. Although there was discussion surrounding the possible donation of a car from Tony Ireland, there has been no formal offer of a vehicle. Should we hold off on discussions until such time as an offer is made, and take a resolution at that time?

The statement regarding 50% member attendance required for the AGM – As per the Constitution, “at any general meeting the number of members required to constitute a quorum shall be double the number of members presently on the Management Committee plus one”.

10 Days in The Towers – It was noted that no resolution had been taken for the donation from Chamber of $300. The minutes of previous meetings since the request for sponsorship/donation was received show that it was tabled in

Josh - Organise cheque for payment. (Payment made by Travel Experience and Invoice subsequently received.

ASAP – financial access?

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October 2012 that $700 would be the limit of support from Chamber. In November it was tabled that support would be for sponsorship of the Gold Rush Competition. In February it was tabled that Chamber will donate $300. Advertisement set to run in the paper on Friday. Not identified as a sponsor in the printed booklet. Motion: “That Chamber donates $300 to 10 Days in The Towers, in sponsorship of the Gold Rush Competition.”

Moved: John Lynch Seconded: Frank Beveridge Motion: Carried

Correspondence

Inward Correspondence - March

DATE NAME / BUSINESS DETAILS ACTION / FORWARDED TO

14.03.13 Greg Finlay Purcell Taylor Lawyers Pty Ltd

Request for a copy of the Constitution, a list of current nominees for Management Committee positions, and confirmation of financial status of nominees, on behalf of Member Neil Leader.

Tabled

26.03.13 Josephine Heading Hair Worx

Enclosing membership refund cheque as she felt that the rollover of memberships had not been clarified and she had nominated for a position in Chamber.

Tabled

26.03.13 Penney Wilson Previous Secretary of CTCCM

Tax Invoices supporting reimbursement for expenses Incurred, on behalf of Chamber.

Paid by previous Committee Tabled

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27.03.13 Jack Dempsey Minister for Police and Community Safety

Response to letter from Mr Tom Hogg on behalf of Chamber, regarding concerns about community safety and Charters Towers businesses.

Emailed to Members Tabled

27.03.13 Jack Dempsey Minister for Police and Community Safety

Response to email from Mrs Penney Wilson on behalf of Chamber, which enclosed Chamber’s letter regarding juvenile crime in Charters Towers.

Tabled

27.03.13 Nick Behrens Chamber of Commerce & Industry Qld (CCIQ)

Invitation for Chamber’s President to breakfast at the ‘North Qld Business Priorities Report’ launch, as part of the Roadshow in Townsville, 23.04.13.

Forwarded to J.Heading J.Heading registered for events Tabled

27.03.13 The Mining Advocate Magazine Tabled

27.03.13 R Dunstan WHK NQ

Tax Invoice for Financial Statement Audit and preparation of financial accounts for the year ended 31.12.12. Audit Management Letter. Letter of Engagement as Auditor for services performed for the period ending 31.12.12 and each subsequent reporting period, and enclosing an estimate of fees for the period ending 31.12.13.

WHK advised that there will be a delay in paying invoice pending account signing authorities. Invoice prepared for payment once signatories to account are finalised. WHK NQ appointed as Auditors for financial year ended 31.12.13 at AGM. Tabled

Inward Correspondence - April

DATE NAME / BUSINESS DETAILS ACTION / FORWARDED TO

03.04.13 E-Village Tax Invoice for website management and hosting fee for three month period.

E-Village advised of delay in paying invoice pending account signing authority. Invoice prepared for payment once account signatories are finalised. Tabled

04.04.13 Peter & Sadie Hasthorpe Track True Wheel Alignments

Amendments to February General Meeting Minutes and request for clarification of resolutions taken on February Agenda items.

Amendments to Minutes. Items to Business Arising on April General Meeting Agenda.

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Tabled

05.04.13 Deborah Johinke personal to J.Heading Email to J.Heading’s personal email re community lock out of rodeo/campdraft complex.

J.Heading responded personally. Tabled

05.04.13 Gold City Boxing Club Non-specific letter via Member requesting sponsorship of Gold City Boxing Club.

Tabled

05.04.13 Twilight Times April/May 2013

Tabled

05.04.13 Evan Sarinas Sarinas Legal

Request for business details (Registered Migrant Agent) to be provided to other Members, re Department of Immigration visit to Charters Towers.

Emailed to Members. Tabled

08.04.13 Leslye Muller Agenda items for April General Meeting. Items to General Business on April Management Committee and General Meeting Agendas. Tabled

08.04.13 Penney Wilson AGM Minutes. Provided to QCCU. Tabled

09.04.13 Shirley Symes Agenda item for April General Meeting. Tabled

10.04.13 Laurie Lancashire Dept. State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Queensland Government (DSDIP)

Request for attendance by June Powell and James Doyle at a future Chamber meeting.

Forwarded to J.Heading. J.Heading responded to DSDIP. Tabled

10.04.13 Tony Ireland – Townsville Remittance advice and cheque – membership fee. Cheque banked. Tabled

10.04.13 WHK Statement. Tabled

10.04.13 Australia Post Tax Invoice – PO Box renewal overdue notice. Prepared for payment once account signatories are authorised. Tabled

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10.04.13 North Queensland News Tax Invoice – Advertising overdue notice. Prepared for payment once account signatories are authorised. Tabled

10.04.13 RPG Australia Tax Invoice – Length of RHS – stamped paid. Forwarded to Treasurer to ascertain details. Tabled

10.04.13 Channel 7 Tax Invoice – Advertising – NIL BALANCE OWING. Forwarded to Treasurer to ascertain details. Tabled

10.04.13 ATO BAS Statement. Forwarded to Treasurer. Tabled

10.04.13 QCCU Bank Statements. Forwarded to Treasurer. Tabled

11.04.13 Sane Knuth MP Member for Dalrymple

Congratulations to Management Committee.

Tabled

12.04.13 Laurie Lancashire DSDIP

Acknowledgement of J.Heading’s response and tentative attendance by J.Powell and J.Doyle at May or June General Meeting.

Tabled

12.04.13 James Doyle DSDIP

Request on-forward of Capability Statement Writing Workshop, Townsville, 23.04.13.


15.04.13 James Doyle Thanks for on-forward of the above email and indicating interest in promoting the Workshop in Charters Towers.

Tabled

17.04.13 Charters Flowers Tax Invoice for flowers for AGM.

Advised of delay to payment pending account signatory authorities. Prepared for payment once account signatories are authorised. Tabled

17.04.13 Mary Maloney personal to J.Heading Zara Clark Museum

Request for letter of support for the Zara Clark Museum’s application for grant funding from the QCCU Community Grants Scheme - purchase of replacement seating and lockable, metal cabinet.

Letter of support drafted and forwarded to J.Heading for signing. Tabled

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19.04.13 Bernard Fisher North Queensland Gliding Club

Agenda items for April General Meeting. Items to General Business on April General Meeting Agenda. Tabled

22.04.13 Chris Judd Channel 7

Re Sunday Trading Advertising. Item to Agenda. Tabled

Outward Correspondence - March

DATE NAME / BUSINESS DETAILS ACTION

11.03.13 Josephine Heading Hair Worx

Enclosing refund cheque for membership fees paid in February, 2013.

Posted. Tabled

25.03.13 Members Notice of Management Committee Meeting to be held 08 April, 2013 at the Excelsior Library, commencing at 6.00pm.


26.03.13 Australia Post Charters Towers

Advice of new Committee Members and authorising Bernadette Taylor to collect any mail requiring a signature.

Hand-delivered by J.Heading. Tabled

26.03.13 QCCU Charters Towers

Advice of new Committee Members to be added as signatories to Chamber Bank Accounts.

Hand-delivered by J.Heading. Tabled

26.03.13 Telstra Townsville Business Centre

Advice of new Committee Members and authorising Bernadette Taylor to make arrangements to redirect the Chamber telephone to her phone number.

Hand-delivered by B.Taylor. Tabled

26.03.13 Members Apology from B.Taylor for sending email displaying email addresses. Emailed to Members. Tabled

27.03.13 Trudy Brown “The Northern Miner”

Attaching J.Heading’s comments to accompany photo of new Committee for paper.

Emailed to T.Brown. Tabled

28.03.13 John Clark The Charters Towers School of Distance Education

Request confirmation of the Happy Hour scheduled for 17 April, 2013 and venue details.

Emailed to J.Clark. Tabled

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Outward Correspondence - April

DATE NAME / BUSINESS DETAILS ACTION

03.04.13 Members Notice of General Meeting to be held 22.04.13 and request for Agenda items. Attachment of unconfirmed February Minutes for perusal.


04.04.13 Trudy Brown “The Northern Miner”

Attaching requested comment in response to press release by Shane Knuth MP, re mining investment in the region.

Emailed to Management Committee for approval. Emailed to Shane Knuth MP. Emailed to T.Brown. Tabled

04.04.13 Members Reminder of CCIQ Regional Business Roadshow, Townsville, 23.04.13.


04.04.13 Members Reminder of visit by representatives of the Department of Immigration, Charters Towers 11.04.13.


04.04.13 Members Apology for incomplete Members’ Email Directory and on-forward of emails sent to Members to date.


09.04.13 Qld Department of Fair Trading

5 x Associations Incorporation Form 10a – Change of details relating to an incorporate association:-

- Change to President - Change to Vice-President - Change to Secretary - Change to Treasurer - Change to nominated address for service

Copied for file. Posted. Tabled

09.04.13 Members Reminder of visit by representatives of the Department of Immigration, Charters Towers 11.04.13.


09.04.13 Members On-forward at request of Member, of details of Registered Migration Agent status.


09.04.13 Members On-forward of “Building for a Profitable Future Tradeshow and Information” session, Townsville, 30.04.13.


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13.04.13 Laurie Lancashire Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Queensland Government

Response from J.Heading re request for attendance of J.Powell and J.Doyle at a future Chamber meeting.

Tabled

13.04.13 Laurie Lancashire DSDIP

Advice from J.Heading that Chamber meeting dates will be set at the April GM and possibility of J.Powell and J.Doyle attending May or June meeting, or a Happy Hour.

Tabled

14.04.13 Members On-forward of “Capability Statement Writing” workshop, Townsville, 23.04.13.


14.04.13 Outreach Team Department of Immigration

Request for links to useful information, resulting from visit by representatives of the Department of Immigration to Charters Towers, 11.04.13.

Tabled

14.04.13 Members On-forward of upcoming “Supply Chain Opportunities” workshops by DSDIP, Townsville, 16/17.04.13.


16.04.13 Members On-forward of additional information regarding managed migration, provided by the Department of Immigration as per request.


18.04.13 Stuart Farquhar Member

April General Meeting Agenda and correspondence. Posted. Tabled

18.04.13 Members Attaching copy of letter from Chamber to Police Minister and response from Police Minister, re crime in Charters Towers.

Emailed to Members. Item to April Agenda. Tabled

19.04.13 Members On-forward of Council’s “What’s On” events reminder. Emailed to Members. Tabled

19.04.13 Members On-forward final reminder details of the CCIQ North Queensland Road Show, Townsville, 23.04.13.


19.04.13 Members Agenda for April General Meeting, unconfirmed February GM Minutes, Signed February Executive Committee Meeting Minutes, unconfirmed April Management Committee Meeting Minutes.


22.04.13 Mary Maloney Zara Clark Museum

Letter of Support for application for funding through the QCCU Community Grants Scheme.

Emailed to J.Heading for signature. Posted. Tabled

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22.04.13 Chris Judd Channel 7

Request for information relating to Sunday Trading advertising. Emailed to Chris Judd. Tabled

Motion: “That the inward correspondence be adopted and outward endorsed.”

Moved: Leslye Muller Seconded: Betty Steele Motion: Carried

Treasurer’s Report

Access to financial information is restricted pending authorisations to operate accounts. We have an estimated balance, as at 26 March, 2013 of $15,826.42 166093 – Non Profit Business Account No 0 (Tourism) $2,840.62 Term deposits 163399 – Fixed Term Account No 0 $6,429.65 163399 - Fixed Term Account No 1 $20,452.49 166903 – Fixed Term Deposit Account No 2 $10,000.00 ** Per the Treasurer’s Report Year Ending 31.12.12, presented to the AGM, $3,000.00 is to be transferred from the Tourism Term Deposit (166903) to the General Chamber account once the term deposit matures. (Owed from tourism for payment of television advertisements of Sunday Trading and other Charters Towers’ attractions.) Invoices due for payment, totalling $2,150.67 WHK - $1,551.00 Australia Post - $104.00

Josh – Payment of outstanding accounts.


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NQN - $124.80 E-Village - $115.50 Charters Flowers - $80.00 B.Taylor – Reimbursement $130.37 Dept. Fair Trading Annual Return - $45.00 Discussion: Clarification for members regarding access to financial accounts. Whilst previous financial year records have been collected from the Auditors, access to the bank accounts remains dependent on obtaining all signatories, both previous and current Management Committee members. Despite resignation, previous signatories are still required to sign documentation to formally remove their bank authorisations. Clarification regarding auditor qualifications (Level 2), and appointment as auditors for the 2013 financial year, without Members being sure of the service provided. Estimate for the 2013 audit is $1,672.00. Clarification of general operating account balance, and of funds to be transferred from the tourism account to the general account when term deposits mature, as per Treasurer’s Report to AGM. Motion: “That the Treasurer’s Report be accepted”.

Moved: John Lynch Seconded: Sandy Turner Motion: Carried

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General Business

1. Address requests for agenda items relating to the AGM and the lead up to the AGM. Address by President: “There have been well justified emails and verbal requests regarding a number of similar issues raised concerning the AGM and how it was conducted. There were16 members who met and requested that a "Special General Meeting" in accordance to the rules to be held prior to the AGM, and if the previous Management Committee had addressed this request, these issues would have been resolved.

Membership Register

Correct procedure for running an AGM via the Rules

This document, pertaining to this request is on file for the record for members to view. We cannot undo the past proceedings and events but we can collectively ensure the correct procedure will be followed in the future. The Rules of Chamber will be available at all meetings to keep us on track. Having said this, in my role as President I feel that one issue raised does need addressing because the consequence of not speaking affects the precedent for future Chamber procedures.

1. Clause 1, page 8. states: " that if a member fails to pay the membership fee within two months of the time for payment determined by the Management Committee, membership will automatically terminate."

It has been brought to my attention that three member attendees at the AGM were not within this time frame as their membership fees were not paid until March, which means that they would have to reapply for membership and be processed as a new member.

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One of these members nominated a management committee member. (For the record I did meet with this nominated committee member prior to the AGM and asked him to please check that his proposer was an up to date member to save this foreseen circumstance). Now we have to deal with this matter, I am asking how you the members wish to proceed with this information ... through the chair when speaking please”. Discussion: Invoices not being sent out and members not aware that their membership is due. Chamber should be acting as a business and sending invoices and receipts for memberships. Memberships due at end of financial year (31 December is the end of the financial year). Pro-rata memberships – no clarification regarding membership status as it wasn’t written anywhere. There used to be a procedure that pro-rata memberships were used, with new membership applicants from June or July paying half year fees, and pre-June paying the full yearly amount. According to the constitution, people are not meant to vote if they aren’t financial members. Everyone attending meetings should familiarise themselves with the constitution. Committee member in question advised that he had followed through and thought everything was correct regarding his nomination. Member question regarding how we move forward. Important to do things properly, but not remove the fun so no-one wants to come to meetings. Some successful organisations are run by people that don’t operate by the book and keep bare paperwork. Need to move on, run things properly, keep financials in order and do things properly, but keep it light. Things can’t be done retrospectively.

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Motion: “That invoices be sent out by 31 October each year, for renewal of memberships due for the following financial year.” Motion: “That new members joining after 1 July be levied a pro-rata levy scheme.” Motion: “That the ballot be declared invalid and that the member stands down, and that a new ballot be called in accordance with the constitution.”

Moved: Bernie Fisher Seconded: Denis Beahan Motion: Carried Moved: Bernie Fisher Seconded: Denis Beahan Motion: Carried Moved: Bernie Fisher Seconded: Denis Beahan Motion: Defeated

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2.

Constitution Discussion: There is no original, stamped constitution in the Chamber files. Everything in the files has been itemised by the President and Secretary. There is the option to pay for a copy from the Department of Trading, however we are considering affiliation with CCIQ and are inviting them to give a presentation at the June general meeting. If we affiliate with the CCIQ, we would come under their banner and adopt their constitution. Used to be affiliated with CCIQ. They have access to solicitors, answer questions and we have someone to go to. Money paid out in the last financial year to CCIQ was for insurance and for bronze affiliation however the CCIQ structure has changed. They had been in discussions with the previous committee, and would now like to discuss new affiliation guidelines with the new committee and members. Should access a signed copy of the constitution and make it available on the Chamber website. Member enquiry regarding the Rules referred to in the constitution, should be two documents. Rules and constitution - one and the same? Motion: “That an original, stamped copy of the Rules be obtained from the Department of Fair Trading, with expenditure of no more than $200 approved.” Sadie Hasthorpe recorded her vote against the motion.

Moved: Leslye Muller Seconded: Denis Beahan Motion: Carried

Bernie – order constitution from Dept. Awaiting advice from Dept.


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3. Set General Meeting Dates/Times Discussion: Meetings used to be held the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm at the library. Agreed that it would be good to revert to the day/time, and that the website be updated by the Secretary to reflect this. Motion: “That a General Meeting of Chamber will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, at 6.00pm at the Excelsior Library.”

Moved: Josephine Heading Seconded: Bernie Fisher Motion: Carried

Book Library Meeting Room Change website

4. Membership Register and Business Profiles Discussion: Membership Register is available on request, and a copy available for viewing at the meeting. Membership details visible on the internet – membership list is valuable and can potentially be exploited through hacking, spam, sale of list etc. Genuine people or groups can approach Chamber for Member contact details. Opportunity to link business profiles and/or websites to enable investors to see what’s available in Charters Towers. Up to members what details they want displayed on the website.

Email members re details for Members’ Directory Update Members’ Directory

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Motion: “That all members are approached to ascertain their individual requirements relating to the display of phone numbers, email addresses, and website links in the Members’ Directory.”

Moved: Sandy Turner Seconded: Denis Beahan Motion: Carried

5. Appointment of additional Committee Members Discussion: Management Committee suggestion for the appointment of additional committee members (non- office-bearers) to portfolios. This would not only spread the workload but encourage Members to network and attend meetings. Suggestion of perhaps five people, however we need to be careful that quorums can then be achieved at general meetings otherwise the meetings can’t be held. This has occurred in the past when there was someone in place to look after functions. Can be by appointment, however if more than one person is interested in a particular portfolio, an election for that position will need to be held. Will be for the period until the next election. Everyone is busy but we all have to do a little bit extra, working in our business and contributing to the bigger business. It’s about moving all pillars in the community. Businesses grow as big as they’re able and can’t grow any bigger without other growth or improvement in the Region. We need to communicate, gather data, give information to Councillors and be working together. Charters Towers is a great community and has good people. We can’t sit back and blame Councillors for nothing happening, it’s our own fault. They are normal people that have stepped up to take a leadership role, and we need to give them information to make their job easier. We all need to step

Email Members requesting nomination for portfolios Item to business arising – May GM

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up and give one-two hours per month. As mentioned by Council’s Economic Development Officer, we need to get business capability (capacity) statements written. MacMines are seeking information about what Charters Towers can offer. Cr Beveridge mentioned the challenge as a Council of getting the message out – perception v reality. People think if they read it in the paper, it must be real. Looking forward, Council is running things differently. He also mentioned that Council is hoping to have the mine pay for the development of the capacity statements. This is the first EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) conducted in the area for many years and they need to fulfil their obligations. We may get a benefit from the mine, we may get zero. Not necessarily about mining – this information should be available for any potential investors so they know what’s already in area. New businesses won’t open if there are already a lot of other similar businesses not doing well. Happy Hour hosted by John Clark – School of Distance Education invests $5m in Charters Towers with 1000 students. Opportunity for longevity with students from the Trade Training Centre staying in the area. Do we want to proceed with appointments? Recommended/suggested portfolios: - Memberships - Airport - Tourism - Mining/Roads - Funding - Functions Suggestion to include Youth, engaging with young people and teaching them to step up. We don’t know what talent we’ll get into the system to cover the portfolios.

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Rather than limiting to the pool of members in attendance, suggestion to send out email to all members, requesting they put their name forward and make appointments/hold election at next meeting. Motion: “That an email be sent to members requesting nominations for appointment or election to portfolio positions, as non-office-bearing Management Committee Members.”

Moved: Leslye Muller Seconded: Alistair Gordon Motion: Carried

6. 2013 Chamber Priorities Discussion: Suggestion to set 2013 Chamber Priorities, linking to suggested portfolio areas. Priorities should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely). Examples provided by President included memberships and business profiles. Memberships Our memberships are our income. At the moment, there are 79 members on the list, with 31 of those new members since the beginning of January. List compiled of approximately 250 further businesses to ‘drive’. Proposed Priority To increase Chamber’s membership by 100%, by the end of June 2013, through the conduct of a targeted membership drive.

Item to Business Arising – May GM. Liaise with James Doyle re Business Capacity Writing Workshop. Membership Drive mailout.

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At roughly 80 members, if each member attracted one other, membership immediately doubles, should it be achievable. Increase numbers by inviting honorary members to join, such as Police, Landcare, Hospital, etc and get input from them. Suggestion that the rural sector be included in the membership drive as they have a large input into the region and would collectively be the largest business around. Business Profiles/Capability (Capacity) Statements This information needs to be readily available for prospective investors. Workshops for writing Capacity Statements are being held in Townsville and James Doyle (from the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning) has indicated willingness to conduct workshops in Charters Towers. One member indicated his intention to attend the workshop, but that it nearly wasn’t going ahead as there were only three people from the northern region attending the workshop. Numbers did increase to approximately 10 – 12 out of the business sector, so workshop would be proceeding. Another member had been going to attend the workshop, but decided to wait until it is held in Charters Towers. Cr Beveridge indicated that there is a flurry of activity from the State Government at the moment, with pressure on Townsville staff to be having meetings. Now is the time to be using them. You know your business and you need to document your business. Important information for researchers and Council Proposed Priority To write business capacity statements, at workshops conducted in Charters Towers by the Department of State Development,

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Infrastructure and Planning, and make them available on the Chamber website by 30 June, 2013.

Goals can be moved or altered. No motion taken.

7. Permanent Office Space / Financial assistance from Council Discussion: Chamber has never had a permanent office space. No perceived benefit for the increased overheads. A lot of organisations want grants from Council. As an entity, we need to prove ourselves before we request funding from Council. ). There other avenues for funding available without burdening the Council. Council’s Economic Development Officer suggested that, once we hit triple membership figures, we will present better for funding opportunities (not only to Council but to other funding bodies). All in favour of writing to Council – no motion necessary.

Bernie – Draft correspondence to Council.

8. Happy Hours Discussion: The Happy Hour is about promoting the host’s business, not to promote another Member’s business. Member previously hosted a Happy Hour and had representatives from the Department of Main Roads attend as guest speakers to talk about roads – a lot of members attended. The Happy Hours are the ‘fun’ networking opportunity. They are about getting to know other businesses and other business people. Catering guidelines haven’t really been used, and shouldn’t be. Catering should be left up to the individual host. They are held on the third Wednesday of each month, provided there

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is a business willing to host a Happy Hour, and provided that the day/date suits the host. Reminder that QCCU is hosting the Happy Hour on 08 May 2013. Some interest in hosting future Happy Hours – for follow up.

9. Juvenile Crime Discussion: Copy of letters sent to Police Minister and response emailed/posted to members. Not a lot of people call the Police, they deal with it themselves. If Police are called they tell business owners not to touch anything, and it takes a fortnight before someone comes out from Townsville or Ayr to take fingerprints. Call the Police line and get it documented. Call them out for incidents. Keep stringent diaries, how long to get through to the Police and how long it takes them to turn up. It is one thing to complain that things aren’t working or that the Police don’t turn up, but they definitely won’t turn up if you don’t call them. Keep a diary. Document what happens, then Police can use the information to build on their service. Cr Beveridge advised that the Youth Patrol has people participating, Police, youth worker etc, all wanting to help fix youth crime. Member recalled the ‘no kids allowed during school hours’ in place when she first arrived in town. Should reinforce/re-start this campaign. Businesses shouldn’t be allowing school kids in their shops during school hours. Include in newspaper article in space offered to Chamber.

Bernie/Josie – Include in newspaper article.

10. Courtesy seating in businesses Discussion: Seating outside shops encourages an unsavoury element. The request for Chamber to encourage local business houses to re-

Bernie/Josie – Include in newspaper article.

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install counter stools or comfortable seats in-store for the convenience of customers as they await service will be included in the Chamber article in the space offered in the newspaper.

11. Car parks in Charters Towers city area Discussion: At times there are no car parks available in the City area, however at other times there is plenty. Possibility of parking meters or time limits on parking in the main street. Cr Beveridge indicated that there is no chance due to the costs to police it. There was a huge issue with disability people wanting more car parks but there are already empty car parks that can’t be used because they are designated for that purpose. Suggestion that disabled people need jobs and there are subsidies available to employ them. There is parking in Hodgkinson Street. Hope that there is development to stop water going through Collins’ Pharmacy. Signage need to direct people to the parking. Employees shouldn’t be parking in front of businesses, or park in front of another business. They shouldn’t be parking in the main street. Letter sent from Council encouraging business people to park behind. Suggest signage with 1 – 2 hr time limits for parking in the main street. Perception – if a respectable person reads 10 minutes, they will try to stick to that time. Doesn’t always work though, the parking in front of the Post Office being an example.

12. Mining Public Meeting Discussion:

Organise:- Venue Stakeholder List

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There has been a request from MacMines’ consultants to Chamber, via the President, to host a Mining Public Meeting. President had discussions with Shane Knuth MP and consultants for MacMines regarding possible investment in mining in the Region. There are two sides to every story. Talking to businesses, not all want mining companies. On the flip side, it brings families to town, which gives more support to schools, hospitals shops etc. Chamber provides forum, invites mines, Council, public, media etc. Cr Beveridge advised that he has spoken with the consultants twelve months ago, six months ago and one month ago and they are up to speed with what Council are doing, the history, when money is being spent etc. Advised work will be commencing on Deans Road the following week. Cr Robinson advised that the roads are brought up to spec, then it rains and vehicles cut the roads up again. There are many negatives. Opportunity to get it all on the table. From another perspective, with mining companies, as a landholder you don’t get any choice about them coming on to your land. Then you have to deal with them leaving gates open, not paying for what you’ve had to give up. It’s the property owner’s home. While there might be financial subsidies, they didn’t ask for mining, for picking up rubbish, for 50 people camped across the creek. Conversation by President with contractors – in Moranbah, Emerald, Clermont, everyone has gotten greedy. Charters Towers can be smarter and have the infrastructure in place to cover population growth. Businesses need to take responsibility in being greedy too. Things need to grow slowly so that it’s sustainable, tourism, all sectors working together, with no pillar taking off ahead of others. Cr Beveridge indicated need to get the real story, instead of getting

Invitations Advertising

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half the story. Public meeting would be a good forum to create some interest and answer some questions. Motion: “That a public meeting of stakeholders be held, to discuss mining investment in the Region.”

Moved: Denis Beahan Seconded: Ted Allan Motion: Carried

13. Channel 7 Advertising Discussion: March advertising of Sunday trading was in lieu of December trading, organised by the previous President. Payment had already been made as part of the six month trial.

14. New Membership Ratifications Olive Morris Coleman Stock Feeds Pty Ltd Casmac Pty Ltd Gold City Tiles Jett Industrial Supplies Downtime Solutions 10 Days in The Towers Travel Experience Charters Towers Self Storage Jodie Collins Towers Packaging & Chemical Supplies Raymond Locke

Management Committee

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15. Attendance by President at CCIQ Roadshow $55.00 Registration Fee. Motion: “That the President’s attendance at the CCIQ Road Show in Townsville, and payment of the associated registration fee of $55.00, is endorsed.”

Moved: Leslye Muller Seconded: John Lynch Motion: Carried

16. Guest Speaker – Cr Frank Beveridge Changes to the way Council is run. Councillors now have portfolios. More information is included on the website, increasing transparency. Statistics for website visits are available. If information isn’t on the website, it can be requested to be placed there. There will be a major shake up to rates and a presentation can be made to Chamber. There should be approximately an additional $500,000 revenue to Council. On Council’s agenda: the Airport; the Fletcher; development of land with China and India coming on board; a Road Show to five places in the Council area talking about rates, changes to machinery etc. Question about how the message that information is on the website is being broadcast. Most people don’t care and if they did they’d ask. With portfolios, Councillors are covering all areas better, networking better, there are visits to small communities every month. President comment – face to face communication works better than emails and putting information in the paper doesn’t work either. Take Chamber for example, 31 new members didn’t happen overnight.

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