From the Mayor’s Desk – 10 November 2026

Published on 10 November 2026

Levee Restoration Project update

In last fortnight's column, I mentioned attending the recent Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, with more than 50 local business owners and community members hearing directly from the Georgiou Brady Joint Venture (GBJV) team about progress on the nearly $70 million Goondiwindi Levee Restoration Project.

As one of the largest reconstruction projects currently underway in Queensland, and the largest capital works project ever undertaken in our region, it's clear the community is keen to stay informed. The breakfast provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about the work underway, including the installation of 1.5 kilometres of sheet piling and associated levee protection works.

The presentation included images highlighting the extensive erosion along the levee bank and the increased risk of levee failure without these works. The Goondiwindi community is fortunate to have this asset protecting the town from inundation for nearly 70 years, successfully shielding the town from every major flood since its construction, and we look forward to many more decades of protection after these works are completed.

I was particularly pleased to hear about the project's positive contribution to our local economy and community. Seven locals are already employed on the project, and local spending is expected to exceed $10 million, delivering significant benefits for businesses across our community, including those based as far as Inglewood.

We also heard that the project team have embraced being part of our community during their time here, getting involved in local activities and events beyond the construction site. They have also made an appreciated effort to engage with local schools and community organisations – including a careers workshop with the St Mary’s students and some hands-on environmental science with the Boggabilla Central School.

The project team also reaffirmed the expected construction timeline. While works commenced in August this year, completion remains on track for before the end of 2027, providing certainty for residents and businesses.

The work remains not only on time, but also on budget. Council is very grateful to the Queensland and Australian Governments for fully funding this project through the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which are making this vital project possible.

I'd like to reiterate that funding for the Goondiwindi Levee Restoration Project was always secured for the project’s duration. However, the Australian Government's recent decision to reverse proposed changes to DRFA funding arrangements is a very welcome outcome. Council was pleased to join local governments across Queensland in advocating for the retention of DRFA, recognising its importance in supporting essential disaster recovery projects such as this.

Once again, congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in organising the event, and to those who took the time to attend. These gatherings provide a valuable opportunity for local businesses to connect and learn more about some of the significant projects shaping our region.

I would like to thank the GBJV team for taking the time to provide the update and answer questions from attendees, and I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to raise them directly with the project team, with project and contact details available on our website:

https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/News-and-Community/Community/Levee-Bank-Project

State Government funding boost for sporting facilities in Inglewood and Texas

We received some excellent news this fortnight that two local sporting facilities have secured Queensland Government funding through the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program, with upgrades planned for the Inglewood Swimming Pool and Texas Sports Complex.

The funding includes $170,858 towards pool heating at the Inglewood Swimming Pool and $427,235 for a complete lighting upgrade at the Texas Sports Complex, supporting local sporting clubs and improving facilities for the wider community.

These projects reflect strong advocacy from local users and address practical infrastructure needs that will help keep our facilities functional, accessible and fit for purpose.

We are grateful to the Queensland Government for recognising the value of investing in grassroots sport and supporting projects that will have a direct benefit for our communities.

These projects are about supporting our local clubs, encouraging participation and providing facilities that will continue to serve our communities well into the future.

For more information, visit www.grc.qld.gov.au and search ‘Games On’.

St Mary’s School Annual Awards Night 2026

It was a pleasure to attend St Mary’s School’s Annual Awards Night in Goondiwindi last night and celebrate the achievements of students from Prep right through to Year 10.

It was wonderful to catch up with so many families and community members and to see students recognised for their hard work, growth and dedication throughout the year.

Congratulations to all students who were nominated for or received an award. One of the great strengths of a school like St Mary’s is its strong sense of community, and that spirit was on full display throughout the evening. A sincere thank you also to the teachers and staff who support and encourage our young people every day, and to the students themselves for their effort and commitment to doing their best.

We are looking forward to seeing all that these students will achieve in the years ahead and to continuing to celebrate the success of every student in our community.