From the Mayor's Desk - 21 July 2026

Published on 21 July 2026

Minister for Small and Family Business visits region; meets with Goondiwindi Chamber

It was a pleasure to welcome Queensland Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business, the Honourable Steve Minnikin MP, to the Goondiwindi Region recently. I thank the Minister for taking the time to visit our region, attend the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce breakfast and meet directly with local business owners alongside Councillors. Opportunities like these are invaluable, providing local businesses with a chance to share their experiences, discuss the challenges they face and highlight the many opportunities that exist across our region.

Regional businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, supporting families and contributing to the strength and resilience of our communities. We greatly appreciate the Queensland Government's willingness to engage directly with our business community and hear firsthand about the issues and opportunities that matter most.

Council allocates more than $16 million to water and sewerage in 2026-27

Since Council adopted its 2026–27 Budget in June, I’ve updated our residents on some of the key projects planned for the year ahead. In this edition, I’m focusing on water, sewerage and waste - areas with a combined $16.28 million allocated for investment in 2026–27. This spending is essential to ensure we continue meeting regulatory requirements and community expectations.

Key projects for the upcoming year include:

• $550,000 upgrade to the Talwood Water Treatment Plant
• $1.8 million renewal of the Inglewood sewerage pump station
• $300,000 to connect the Apex toilets in Texas to the sewer network
• $2 million towards the Texas Effluent Project.

The Texas Effluent Project is part of the multi-year $5.5 million initiative, Council’s largest sewerage project in recent years, which will give Texas a safe, sustainable and effective system of effluent disposal for many years to come. These upgrades will replace ageing infrastructure and improve the management and reuse of treated wastewater.

As we anticipate an approaching dry cycle of weather, residents will see the value of the significant investment by Council into water supply assets in every single town in the region in recent years.

Reminder - AusAlert national test on Monday

A reminder that the AusAlert national test will be issued to all compatible mobile devices on Monday 27 July 2026. AusAlert is Australia’s new emergency warning system for local and national disasters due to be rolled out in October 2026.

In Queensland and New South Wales, the test will occur at 2 pm. No action is required. Devices may vibrate and play a siren-like sound for around 10 seconds, accompanied by a message clearly identifying the alert as a test. 

You can find out more information here, including what to do if you don’t want to receive the AusAlert national test: https://www.ausalert.gov.au/alerts-explained/national-test

Goondiwindi Rotary Club looks ahead and celebrates local achievement

Along with fellow Councillors, I was delighted to attend the 71st Annual Changeover Dinner for the Goondiwindi Rotary Club this fortnight, where we welcomed the incoming board for 2026–27 and celebrated the outstanding contributions of members. Past President Alan Rae formally handed over leadership to President Charles Clark -  congratulations on your appointment, Charles, and I look forward to seeing what the club accomplishes in the year ahead.

I’d also like to give a special mention to the several local members who were recognised with awards: Amy Brennan, recipient of the Graham Todd Vocational Award; Coral O’Shea, honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow; and David Tait, who received the Bob Mann OBE Community Service Award.  Each of these individuals are a wonderful example of the spirit of service that makes our region such a wonderful place to live. Whether it’s teaching local children to swim, supporting community events, or raising vital funds for community groups - congratulations to all.

Inglewood Lions welcome new board for year ahead

Along with fellow Councillors, Linda and I were delighted to attend the Inglewood Lions Changeover Luncheon at the Inglewood Bowls Club on Sunday 19 July. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge another dedicated community organisation that makes a significant contribution to the wellbeing of our region.  We are incredibly fortunate to have volunteers who generously give their time to strengthen our communities, support local initiatives and help make the Goondiwindi Region such a welcoming and connected place to live. Congratulations to Kathy Palmer on once again being elected to lead the Inglewood Lions Club for the coming year. We wish Kathy and all members every success for the year ahead.

Community organisations such as the Inglewood Lions Club are always looking to welcome new members. Younger people, in particular, are encouraged to get involved and experience the friendships, skills and satisfaction that come from volunteering and giving back to the local community. The Inglewood Lions Club meets on the third Sunday of each month at 11.30am at the Inglewood Bowls Club, and prospective members are always welcome.

Welcome to the Goondiwindi Region’s newest citizens

On Wednesday 8 July, I had the privilege of officially welcoming our newest citizens to the Goondiwindi Region: Laurea, Vamshi, Gurpreet, Rudaba, Joy and David. Each of them proudly took the pledge during a special citizenship ceremony at the Council Chambers.

Their commitment marks an important step - accepting both the responsibilities and the many privileges of becoming Australian citizens. Let’s all extend our warmest congratulations and wish them every success in the years ahead.

Queensland Country Tourism Networking with new CEO

It was also a pleasure join my fellow Councillors at the Queensland Country Tourism networking evening and connect with local tourism operators showcasing their own unique experiences. Events like these provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about the important role Queensland Country Tourism plays in strengthening regional tourism, fostering collaboration and supporting local businesses to grow.

It was also encouraging to hear more about the Queensland Government's new Tourism Support Hub, which provides personalised assistance to help tourism operators navigate government processes, identify opportunities and access support to develop and expand their businesses. Initiatives like this are an important step in strengthening our visitor economy and helping regional tourism businesses grow.