Scenic Rim councillors voted not to defer the acceptance of a report, despite questions raised over its accuracy at their March 31 meeting.
The report, Short Term Accommodation (Agritourism Camping) Update, was to provide an update on activities undertaken in relation to short term accommodation over the last 12 months to the end of March 2026.
Cr Amanda Hay said some information had come to light the day before the meeting which needed to be considered.
“Questions have been raised about the veracity of some of the comments contained in the report and I prefer not to condone something that is under question,” she said.
All councillors received emails from stakeholders prior to the meeting disputing some of the information in the report.
This included questions about the accuracy of information relating to council’s communication with stakeholders and the adoption of new state government guidelines.
A majority of councillors voted against a motion put by Cr Hay to defer the adoption of the report.
The motion was defeated with only Mayor Tom Sharp and councillors Hay and Stephen Moriarty voting in favour.
Councillors later voted to acknowledge and endorse the report prepared by council officers.
In this instance, councillor Hay abstained from voting.
Following the meeting, Cr Kerri Cryer said she is ready to advocate for agritourism operators.
“My reasoning to acknowledge this report was to take a more constructive approach rather than continue with the current combative one,” she said.
“Not everything in the report is agreeable, but acknowledgement opens the door to work directly with our officers and new directors so any misconceptions or discrepancies can be addressed, disputed, and remodelled.
“I strongly support meaningful advocation for a workable model which is both accessible and affordable for our farmers and ultimately for all involved with this important industry.
“Acknowledging the report also allows the State Government guidelines to be acknowledged which encourages Councils to move toward accessible workable models.”
