From the Mayor's Desk - 5 August 2025
Published on 05 August 2025
Planning for the future means maintaining Goondiwindi’s levee bank now
For 69 years, the Goondiwindi levee bank has quietly safeguarded our town from major flood events. Construction started after the 1956 floods under the leadership of Council engineer Vern Redmond and foreman Bill McNulty - and the levee remains a vital piece of infrastructure that has protected countless homes and businesses on numerous occasions over the decades.
While the levee is sound, the flood events in 2021 and 2024 have caused erosions to sections of the structure and surrounding riverbank. Council has been in ongoing discussions with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) about repair and strengthening works along the riverbank. The QRA is the state agency that works with the Commonwealth Government to jointly fund emergency and rebuilding works after major natural disasters such as floods. By way of interest, millions of dollars continue to be spent across the region repairing roads damaged by weather events that we have experienced since the breaking of the drought some five years ago.
Council is currently undertaking detailed scoping works to assess the condition of the levee. These investigations will help determine the scale, cost, and timeline of the necessary works. This is a critical step in making sure any future investment is well-informed and fit for purpose.
Further updates will be provided as the investigations progress, including anticipated timeframes, funding considerations, local impacts and community engagement. It is proposed that this project will be funded under the joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). There is no way that Council or its ratepayers could finance a project of this magnitude. It is an enormous project, one of the largest ever undertaken in the state, and we have to get it right for the future of the town.
Investment in rural services in Council’s 2025-26 budget
As mentioned in recent editions of this column, I’ve been taking the opportunity to highlight key elements of Council’s 2025–26 budget, since it was adopted at the June Special Meeting. In this instance, I’d like to highlight Council’s investment in rural services.
From invasive pest management to infrastructure maintenance, Council continues to direct funding where it will deliver the greatest benefit to landholders, producers, and the wider community. A total of $2.041 million has been allocated to rural services for the 2025-26 financial year, supporting a range of essential activities including invasive pest control, targeted weed management, and the management of stock routes and reserves.
A major focus of this year’s rural services budget is wild dog control - specifically, $1.05 million to continue the staged replacement of Council’s wild dog check fence. This critical infrastructure plays a key long-term role in protecting livestock and the livelihoods of our primary producers.
Council also works closely with landholders on coordinated programs targeting feral pests such as wild dogs, foxes, and feral pigs. These co-ordinated programs are targeted investments that deliver strong value for money, improving productivity and strengthening biosecurity across the region - essential for our agricultural economy.
Goondiwindi’s Tait Auto Group recognised for more than 50 years of service
It’s with great pride that I congratulate Goondiwindi’s own Tait Auto Group on receiving a Longevity Award from the Australian Automotive Association - an honour reserved for businesses that have served their communities and industry for more than half a century.
Starting in 1958 as Bob Tait Machinery, Tait Auto Group has steadily grown into a respected, family-run dealership across Queensland and New South Wales. Over the years, the Tait family have made giving back to the wider Goondiwindi Region community a cornerstone of their business - from local sponsorships to vehicle donations to schools and hospitals, and regional advocacy.
What began with Bob and Margaret Tait is now carried forward by the next generations, continuing a proud legacy of community-minded business. On behalf of the Goondiwindi Region community, congratulations - and thank you.
Thank you for your service - annual club changeovers highlight region’s volunteers
Over the past fortnight, I had the pleasure of attending both the Goondiwindi Apex Club and Inglewood Lions Club changeover dinners, important annual events that recognise the leadership and service of these valued community organisations.
Congratulations to the incoming presidents of both clubs, Mr Chaise Wells of Apex and Mrs Kathy Palmer of the Lions. I wish you every success in your new roles as you continue the important work of supporting local initiatives and fostering connection across our region. I also extend sincere thanks to the outgoing presidents for their leadership, time, and dedication over the past year.
More broadly, I want to acknowledge the incredible contributions of all members of these clubs. Their efforts, often behind the scenes, support everything from youth development and health initiatives to fundraising for those in need. We are fortunate to have such passionate and community-minded volunteers across the Goondiwindi Region.
Their commitment is a big part of what makes this such a strong, supportive, and proud place to live.
Goondiwindi gears up for a huge week of arts and off-road action
It’s a big week for Goondiwindi this week, with the Apex Eisteddfod showcasing local arts every day at the Cultural Centre and the ARB Gundy 500 roaring back into action on Torridon Road this weekend.
The Apex Eisteddfod is a cornerstone celebration of local talent, featuring performances in speech, drama, dance, and music. It’s a fantastic platform for people of all ages to develop and share their skills. Best of luck to all participants - Council is proud to support this vibrant community event.
Meanwhile, the ARB Gundy 500 is back for three adrenaline-filled days of off-road racing. Around 100 teams and their support crews will tackle the infamous ‘melonhole madness,’ drawing crowds and delivering a major economic boost to the region through local accommodation, hospitality, and businesses. Council is extremely proud to support this event through our Tourism Event Grant program.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers and local sponsors who help to make these fantastic events possible.