OBI OBI HALL

Slowly, one  step at a time.

The Secretary, after a couple of weeks of learning how not to fill in a Development Application Form 1, Part A, Version 3.1, managed to, on the 03.12.09( with the help of  the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s, Nambour  customer service centre ), lodge the Obi OBi hall’s Preliminary approval for building works application.

Because the hall was built before 1945, it falls within the Council”s guide-lines  for property with possible heritage values, requiring this application. No Council fee involved, with minimal other costs.

The application including copies of our working drawings and a title search, will provide the Council with enough information to determine if the proposed hall renovations confirm with Councils heritage policy. Council’s verdict in this matter is not expected until January, 2010. When this application is approved, a Building Works application can be made.

Please note that Council’s customer service centre has provided sympathetic and helpfull assistance.

Management/Meeting at Pam Engles home on 09.11.09.

As a result of the amendment to the Model Rules membership criteria, a motion was presented and passed at the meeting to allow Bob Dyer, Virginia Dyer and Rodney Heading to be admitted to the Association as Special members.

Obi Obi Hall.

When we went to Council to inquire about lodging a Building Works application, we were told that there could be a problem with the size of the extension. Because the property adjoined a main road (Obi Obi Rd), it was considered over the limits for the increase in the floor area for the current zoning for the hall, and that Council may require a material change of use re-zoning of the hall property to allow the extension. Council regulations are that under the existing zoning for our property (sustainable pastoral land), a 10% increase or a maximum of 50 sqm of floor area, which-ever is the smallest is permitted. The hall’s existing floor space is 197.40 sqm, and the additional area 63.90 sqm, well over the allowed limit of 19.74 sqm. They use the term intensification of use. That came as quite a shock. We asked Councillor Paul Tatton for help in this matter, and Paul has informed us that Council has decided that the toilet and kitchen are essential to the hall and that the extension will not be classed as an intensification of use.

Council has asked us to make a Preliminary approval for building works application to see if the additions are consistent with Councils heritage policy. If this is successfull the Building Works application can then be made.

The management Committee approached Lex Freiburg to become project manager for the hall renovation. Lex accepted this position and has volunteered his services at no cost. Lex’s decision to take on this role was received with enthusiasm by the Committee; Lex is a builder and his expertise will help ensure the best possible outcome.

Good news.

The  modification of our Model Rule regarding membership has been finalized.  We have received confirmation from Fair Trading Qld, of the amendments to our Model Rule on membership classes.

Extract from the application form to Fair Trading for the rule change.

Obi Obi Hall

On Saturday, the 31.10.09, the Management and Building Committees met with Lex Freiburg at the Obi Obi Hall.

Here, to enable an accurate costing of the amount of repair work required to the existing building, the Building Committee and Lex checked the condition of the hall’s structural members. It was found that the floor and the  structural members supporting it were sound, (the floor boards are shot edge not tongue and groove). The wall framework, apart from the front wall are also sound. The front wall has suffered white ant damage to some of the wall studs, which will have to be replaced. The roof members apart from some batten damage are in good condition. Some windows will have to be replaced. It was found that a design detail on the Ebis drawings for the roof eave extension was  unclear, Ebis will be contacted for clarification. To allow better access to the kitchen from the carpark,  it was decided to add to the drawings, an external door to the side wall of the kitchen. Utilization of the space under the floor of the stage for equipment storage was looked at. If we are to hire the hall for a variety of purposes, we may have to provide tables and chairs, these will have to be stored somewhere. The transfer of band equipment from outside to the stage is another problem could also be improved.

Obi Obi Rural Fire Brigade.

There has been changes at the Brigade. See the Brigade Blog on the Blogroll at right for details.