From the Mayor's Desk - 22 July 2025

Published on 22 July 2025

Local road network prioritised in Council’s 2025-26 budget

As in last fortnight’s column, I’d like to spend a bit of time in upcoming columns to highlight some of the key features of the 2025-26 budget since it was adopted at the June Special Meeting. The focus for this edition is Council’s commitment to enhancing our local road network - with $21.71 million allocated in 2025-26 towards just this.

However, we face increasing pressure as deteriorating national and state roads divert traffic onto our local infrastructure without additional funding. Council will continue to advocate for increased state and federal funding to address the estimated $30 million shortfall for high-priority repairs on state and federal highways.

As well as our regular schedule of region-wide road reseals and gravel road re-sheeting ($1.9 million allocated to each), highlights of Council’s local road investment for 2025-26 include:

Meeting with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in Goondiwindi       

Following my update last month on the lead-up to the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, Council’s water portfolio-holder Cr Julia Spicer and I met with Border Rivers Food and Fibre (BRFF) last week to prepare for a community meeting with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), ensuring our region’s voice remains front and centre in these critical discussions.

Monday’s meeting brought together Council representatives, members of BRFF, local community groups, businesses, and other interested stakeholders to meet with MDBA officials - including Chief Executive Andrew McConville. The session provided a valuable opportunity for the community to raise key water-related issues, including the ongoing implementation of the Basin Plan and the MDBA’s role in the process. Mr McConville also shared an update on the upcoming 2026 Basin Plan Review, outlining key priorities and timelines.

From Council’s perspective, we remain strongly aligned with our local community and BRFF on the vital importance of safeguarding our water resources. These resources underpin our regional economy, supporting local industries, jobs, and the day-to-day life of our communities.

Council will continue to advocate for the MDBA and federal policymakers to acknowledge the unique characteristics of the Northern Basin and to develop water policies that are secure and long-term, while reflecting the specific needs of our region.

We appreciate the MDBA’s presence in Goondiwindi and recognise the value of collaborative relationships between government agencies, Council, and our local community - particularly our irrigators. As the review process unfolds, we will continue to advocate for fair, evidence-based outcomes that sustain both our environment and the communities who rely on it.

For more information about the Basin Plan Review, visit: https://www.mdba.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/roadmap-2026-basin-plan-review-0

Local Disaster Management Plan annual review ensures best practice preparation

This fortnight, Council conducted the annual review of the Local Disaster Management Plan (LDMP). While much of the Plan remains consistent year-to-year, it’s critical to update it regularly in line with best practice standards to support the region’s preparedness. While Council is the lead agency for some local natural disasters such as floods, we work closely with the necessary state agencies such as the Queensland Fire Department and the State Emergency Service (SES).

A vital part of this planning is keeping the community informed and aware of disaster preparedness. While natural disasters like the recent Queensland floods create a stark reminder of how important it is to be prepared, historically, parts of our region can go decades or more between big flood events, and the poignancy of being prepared can fade over time. That’s why it’s essential to maintain public awareness and readiness, even during drier periods.

The final draft of the updated LDMP will be prepared for endorsement by the Local Disaster Management Group prior to tabling at Council’s Ordinary Meeting, likely in September). You can familiarise yourself with the plan on Council’s website:  https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/Council/Disasters/Local-Disaster-Management-Plan

Congratulations to Goondiwindi’s Lucy Hallett – winner of Premier’s Anzac Prize presents her learnings to local RSL

I had the pleasure of attending the most recent RSL Goondiwindi sub-branch meeting, where we heard from local Goondiwindi State High School’s school captain Lucy Hallett, who, earlier this year, was selected for the prestigious Premier’s Anzac Prize. It’s an incredible achievement for one of our own to be recognised at a state level. Proudly presented in partnership with RSL Queensland, this prize gives young Queenslanders such as Lucy the opportunity to explore the history and legacy of the Anzacs through research and education - including a guided tour of significant memorial sites in the United Kingdom and on the Western Front in Belgium and France, which Lucy completed earlier this year.

I’m continually reminded how lucky we are to have such dedicated groups working quietly and consistently in the background. A big thank you to the local RSL, whose ongoing commitment to preserving our history and engaging younger generations continues to make a real difference. Congratulations, Lucy, on your terrific achievement and for being such a wonderful ambassador – it’s a reminder of how vital these organisations are in connecting our past, present and future.

Don’t miss the 64th annual Texas Show this weekend

The 64th Annual Texas Show takes place this weekend, marking the final show of the season in our region and one of the highlights of our community calendar. From the excitement of the rodeo and campdraft, to more equestrian and ring events, yard dog trials, pavilion displays, sideshow alley, live music, fireworks, and plenty of great food and drink - including open-fire cooking with celebrity chef Jason Roberts.

The continued success of the Texas Show is a direct result of the tireless work of the organising committee, our local volunteers, and the generous support of local sponsors. I extend my sincere thanks to all those involved for their contributions that have made this event possible. Let’s come out in full force to support the Texas Show and celebrate everything that makes our region special.

Please also note that the Texas Show Holiday is next month, on Monday 11 August.