Drought Declaration Issued for Goondiwindi Region

Published on 29 July 2026

dried waterbed on a farm

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries has this week issued a drought declaration for the entire Goondiwindi Region, following an extended period of below-average rainfall.

While parts of the region has received some welcome rainfall, the declaration reflects broader conditions over the past 12 months, during which rainfall has been consistently low and met the threshold for a drought declaration.

Goondiwindi Region Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said drought conditions, while challenging, are not unfamiliar for the region.

“Drought is a normal part of our climate cycle here in the Goondiwindi Region, but that doesn’t make it any easier - particularly for our rural residents who feel the impacts first. The uncertainty around how long these dry periods last can place significant pressure on families, businesses and primary producers,” he said.

“I also want to acknowledge the work of previous councillors who planned and secured funding to provide alternate back-up water across the region.  In recent years Council has delivered multiple water infrastructure and water security projects including:

  • The establishment of bores at Texas and Yelarbon;
  • The installation of two new Great Artesian Basin bores in Goondiwindi;
  • Desilting the Yarrilwanna waterhole at Bungunya;
  • Improvements to infrastructure at the water treatment facility at Yelarbon;
  • Infrastructure upgrades at Water Treatment Plants in Inglewood and Goondiwindi;
  • Additional pump and increased storage facilities at Toobeah; and
  • A new bore operationalised in Inglewood, with design work completed to enable direct access to the Inglewood Water Treatment Plant.

Councillor Spicer, Portfolio holder for Water emphasised that a drought declaration does not automatically trigger water restrictions for town residents. “It’s important for residents to understand that drought declarations and town water restrictions are assessed separately. Our water security for residents on town water is based on supply levels in key infrastructure such as Coolmunda Dam and Glenlyon Dam.”

Council has confirmed that current town water supplies across the region remain in a good position, with upstream dam levels holding around 50% and no restrictions required at this time.

“While our current water supplies are secure, we are always encouraging residents to continue using water responsibly,” Cr Spicer said.  “Small actions across the community can make a meaningful difference in preserving our water resources.”

Information about drought declarations is available via the Queensland Government's Long Paddock website: https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/drought/drought-declarations/, while Council's Drought Support webpage provides links to a range of assistance services and resources for residents and primary producers: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/Business-Planning-Development/Resources/Drought-Support.

Residents can learn more about local water sources and supply systems by visiting Council’s website: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/Residents/Water-Sewerage-and-Plumbing/Water-Services/Where-does-your-water-come-from

Council will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates to the community as required.

 

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