From the Mayor's Desk - 20 August 2024

Published on 20 August 2024

ARB Goondiwindi 500 Offroad Rally: A Roaring Success

The 2024 Gundy 500 was an overwhelming success, solidifying its position as one of Australia's premier motorsports rallies. With nearly 100 teams and hundreds of crew members descending on the town, the event generated a significant economic boost, injecting hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy over three action-packed days. The live stream garnered an impressive audience, with 12,500 viewers from across Australia and internationally watching at one point. The highlight of the event was the presentation dinner, attended by 300 guests, including myself. Each award recipient echoed the sentiment that the Gundy 500 is the best rally of its type in Australia. Congratulations to all involved in delivering such an outstanding event.

Green Hydrogen Initiative Reaches New Milestone

A significant milestone has been reached in the Goondiwindi Hydrogen project at the local wastewater treatment plant. The project has successfully met the conditions for the Queensland government's $2 million investment to be released, paving the way for the commencement of the next construction phase. This development brings the region one step closer to realising its potential as a leader in green hydrogen production, which will extend the life and capacity of our Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Region Welcomes Future Doctors

It has been a privilege to once again welcome a group of twelve first-year medical students from the University of Queensland for an immersion experience in our community. This invaluable program provides students with firsthand experience of rural life, fostering connections with local medical professionals and enriching their medical education. By showcasing the unique challenges and rewards of rural practice, we aim to inspire future doctors to consider our region as a place to build their careers. A special thanks to the local families who opened their homes to these students, creating lasting memories and enriching the overall experience.

Local Disaster Management Group Prepares

The Local Disaster Management Committee recently convened with Queensland disaster management officials to conduct a review and refinement of our region's Disaster Management Plan. The objective is to enhance our preparedness for responding to a range of emergencies, increase community awareness of potential risks, and implement proactive measures to safeguard the community. While the respective Queensland government departments take the lead on managing fires and health emergencies, the local focus remains primarily on flood preparation and mitigation.

Community Spirit Highlighted at Yelarbon Men's Shed

I would like to express my thanks to the Yelarbon Men’s Shed for inviting me to chair their recent Annual General Meeting. It was a turnout of both men and women who are passionate about supporting this valuable community organisation. The Men's Shed consistently goes above and beyond, contributing significantly to the region through initiatives such as enhancing local tourism, creating a vibrant community garden, installing Christmas lights and providing vital mental health breakfasts every month. Their dedication to the Yelarbon community is commendable, well done to them all.

Inglewood Ordinary Meeting and Community Consultation Confirmed

When I became Mayor in 2020, I committed to holding one Ordinary Council Meeting every six months in Inglewood and Texas on a rotational basis throughout my term. This approach underscores the importance of decentralising core decision-making and bringing Council closer to the communities it serves. To this end, Council will be convening an Ordinary Meeting in Inglewood on Wednesday, August 28th at 9 am. We warmly invite all residents to attend and participate in this important democratic process.

On the same day, following the Ordinary Meeting, Council will host two community consultation meetings in Inglewood at 2 pm and 5.30 pm, providing residents with a valuable opportunity to stay informed and contribute to key decisions impacting the community. Topics on the agenda include the selection of a contractor for the Casa Mia refurbishment, exploring the potential relocation of the free RV camping area to the vicinity of the Bowls Club, addressing the future of the flood-damaged Inglewood Recreation Centre, and discussing the sale of surplus Council land on Regent Street. We encourage all interested residents to attend one of these sessions to learn more about our plans and share their valuable insights.

Program - Wednesday 28 August – Inglewood Civic Centre

• 9 am – Ordinary Meeting – open to the public to observe. Morning tea to follow meeting
• 2 pm – Community Consultation – Session 1 - light refreshments provided
• 5.30 pm – Community Consultation – Session 2 – light refreshments provided

Action for Addressing Youth Crime at the Forefront of Discussions This Week

This week I have again had to express my deep frustration with the Queensland Government's handling of juvenile justice, following a series of violent home invasions in the region. The state's "catch and release" approach, fails to protect law-abiding citizens and emboldens repeat offenders. Violent crimes, once rare in Goondiwindi, have become increasingly common, causing significant distress and fear within the community.

This morning [Tuesday 20 August], I met with both Queensland and New South Wales police commands to reiterate that action is urgently required. I empathise with the local police who are doing their part with available resources. It is the current legal framework that is inadequate, putting the community at risk and allowing offenders to avoid meaningful consequences. I’ve thanked them for the immediate increase in police resourcing that will provide some respite for the community. However, urgent reforms and action are need from the Queensland Government, including the establishment of a single court jurisdiction for cross-border crimes, amendments to police pursuit powers, and stricter laws prioritising public safety over the rights of repeat juvenile offenders. I am also advocating for the publication of offenders' identities, compulsory monitoring of released juveniles, and a review of how the courts handle 17-year-old offenders.

Thank you to the Queensland government for introducing laws for the Cross-Border Commissioner

The Queensland government have today announced they will be rushing through legislation to allow for the recruitment of a Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner. I thank James Lister MP Member for Southern Downs for his on-going advocacy on this issue, and to the Queensland Premier the Honourable Mr Steven Miles for his personal commitment to creating this role.