From the Mayor's Desk - 17 March 2026

Published on 17 March 2026

Running out of fuel is unacceptable; Council pushes government to regulate distribution

The current fuel challenges across the country have been the key conversation this past fortnight, with regional areas such as ours perhaps feeling the impact more disproportionately, especially ahead of peak season for harvest and planting. Any disruptions to supply chains not only impact us locally but also have flow-on effects nationally.

It is totally unacceptable that any town runs out of fuel – especially when we are being advised that there is a reasonable domestic fuel supply. Individuals and families out here need to drive long distances to get to and from work and to access services, with no (or very limited) access to public transportation.

Of course, there is very little any of us can do to influence international circumstances affecting our national fuel markets, but Council has spoken to both state and federal government representatives to advocate for equitable and proper fuel distribution across the supply chain - including independent suppliers, upon which small towns such as Texas often rely. Council is urging the Australian Government to act swiftly to resolve the distribution issues and limit the excessive price rises.

FAQs answered at first community information session for Goondiwindi Levee Bank Project

I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along last Thursday to the first of Council’s community information sessions regarding the upcoming Goondiwindi levee bank restoration project. It was terrific to see so many interested residents come along to hear more of the details first-hand about the project from both Council officers and the project contractor team. There were some great questions asked, and I was glad we were able to hear and address any concerns ahead of the project commencing.

A reminder that this project will be Council’s largest-ever capital works project to repair and reinforce critical sections of the Goondiwindi levee, following significant erosion after recent floods. Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, the project will reinforce approximately 1.5 kilometres of the levee to ensure continued protection for the Goondiwindi township from future floods.

Council will continue to update the community about this upcoming project. For more information, visit: www.grc.qld.gov.au/News-and-Community/Community/Levee-Bank-Project

Official opening of Whetstone Rural Fire Brigade Station honours Queensland firefighters

Last Wednesday, it was my pleasure to attend the Whetstone Rural Fire Brigade (RFB) Station for the official opening by the Honourable Ann Leahy MP, Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers. The Minister unveiled a new plaque to officially open the station. We were delighted to be joined by Mr James Lister MP, Deputy Chief Officer Matthew Inwood, as well as local volunteers including Kieren (Choppy) Bosnjak and Matthew Oxenford who were instrumental in the establishment of the station.

It’s wonderful to see the continued progress of the Whetstone RFB – only last year, it was selected as the recipient of a Ford Ranger donated by the state government’s QFleet and the Rural Fire Brigade Association of Queensland. The brand new facility includes vehicle storage, as well as an area for training.

Hell of the West turns 35 - with no sign of slowing down

It was my great pleasure to welcome everyone to Goondiwindi for the iconic Hell of the West earlier this fortnight. Now in its 35th year, this event has become a true highlight for our region. From its beginnings in 1989 to the fantastic event delivered today by the Goondiwindi Triathlon Club, the festival’s reputation is built on the dedication of the organisers, sponsors, partners, and especially our volunteers. Its continued success was recognised most recently with the 2025 AusTriathlon Awards, where it took home the gold for Event of the Year (500–1000 participants).

A big congratulations to Sophie Malowiecki, who took home the women’s event, and to overall winner Kieran Storch, who repeated his 2025 victory this year. Kieran’s remarks during his speech really captured the spirit of HOTW – noting how it has all the professionalism and feel of the big pro triathlons, but that the outpouring of local support from the whole community, who really get on board to welcome and support the athletes, is what makes it so special.

Thank you to everyone involved - committee members, volunteers, athletes, supporters, vendors, and sponsors. Your enthusiasm and hard work make Hell of the West a truly remarkable event, and we couldn’t be prouder to host it here in Goondiwindi.

Inglewood Show was off and (camel) racing

I’d like to give my congratulations to the committee on the success of another wonderful Inglewood Show. It was great to see this outstanding family event so well-supported by locals when I attended last weekend.

Visitors were treated to an impressive array of displays in the pavilions, ranging from preserves and fresh produce to creative Lego constructions and impressive livestock exhibits. The new addition of camel racing, an innovative way to keep the family fun rolling while the rodeo takes a break.

Council is proud to offer its continued support to this local event through its Community Grants Program.

Macintyre Ag Alliance Agribusiness Summit brings some of Ag’s best speakers to region

Earlier this fortnight, I was honoured to be asked to open the first day of the Macintyre Ag Alliance 2026 Agribusiness Summit. The conference day featured MC Jack Cresswell of the highly successful Farms Advice Podcast, Karen Penfold of Four Daughters Beef, communication expert Malinda Guest and family business transition specialist Jim Benson, just to name a few. Day two of the summit featured a field day at a Yelarbon property, with local hosts and producers Tom and Antoinette Archer.

Well done to Mac Ag for organising such a fantastic event and giving local producers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, hear from expert speakers, and gain valuable insights into the future of agriculture in our region.

Goondiwindi hosts Frank Fisher Cup

Last weekend, I was pleased to welcome visitors to Goondiwindi for the Frank Fisher Cup, proudly hosted at Gilbert Oval. The event featured four teams competing across two matches — indigenous women versus the Queensland Police Service women’s team, and indigenous men versus the Queensland Police Service men’s team. It was fantastic to see the strong turnout, with dozens of players, officials and supporters travelling to our region and contributing to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Events like this highlight the important role sport plays in bringing communities together and promoting health and wellbeing. It was also a privilege to spend time with rugby league legend Steve Price and hear his insights on the positive impact of sport at all levels. Thank you to everyone involved in organising and participating in this event, and for helping showcase Goondiwindi as a community that values connection, inclusion and active lifestyles.

Queensland Governor-General visits Goondiwindi

I’m delighted that Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, is in Goondiwindi both today and tomorrow. Her Excellency is visiting the Goondiwindi Hospital this morning, with public health in Queensland, of course, being her particular area of interest. She’ll also be taking part in a community walk tomorrow morning, followed by a school visit and also a local cotton tour – a terrific time of year to do so right ahead of harvest, and allowing Her Excellency to experience first-hand some of what makes us proud to be Regional Australia at its Best.