From the Mayor's Desk - 27 May 2025

Published on 27 May 2025

Citizenship Ceremony May 2025.jpg

Strong state support for shared issues affecting local regional councils

Council CEO Carl Manton and Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Mackenzie represented the Goondiwindi Region at the recent Darling Downs and Southwest Council of Mayors forum in Roma. This forum brings together leaders from 10 local governments to collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate on regional issues.

Queensland Government representatives included Local Government Minister the Honourable Anne Leahy MP, Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts, and Southern Downs MP James Lister, along with senior stakeholders from many state government agencies, showing strong support for addressing shared challenges across our broader region.

Key topics included:

  • Biosecurity – Council raised concerns with the Deputy Director General of Fisheries and Forestry, Pauline Jacobs, about local councils being left to shoulder the costs of implementing fishways in infrastructure projects near waterways, despite these being state-mandated.
  • Feral Pest Control – New tracking data regarding movements of feral pigs and wild dogs may now be used to inform current practice and improve outcomes in future feral pest control programs.
  • Disaster Recovery & Insurance – Andrew Hall, CEO of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) gave a presentation that was particularly pertinent following the recent western Queensland floods. The ICA is the representative body for the general insurance industry of Australia, and Council has invited Mr Hall to the Goondiwindi Region to discuss local insurance concerns.

Have Your Say: Queensland Primary Industries Blueprint

Next week, there will be an information session and chance to contribute to the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI)’s draft 25-year plan for a strong and sustainable rural economy. The ‘Blueprint’ information session will be on Wednesday 4 June, 12 - 2pm at Gateway to Training, Goondiwindi. This is an opportunity to have your say on the DPI’s draft plan to build a thriving future for primary industries.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/queensland-primary-industries-blueprint-information-session-goondiwindi-tickets-1319581456659

For more information or to submit your say online, visit: https://dpi.engagementhub.com.au/primary-industries-blueprint

Fewer volunteers across Australia – can our region buck the trend?

Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Mackenzie attended the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering in Roma on my behalf.

Volunteers are the backbone of our regional communities, contributing to everything from local events and emergency services to sporting clubs and service organisations. But new data shows participation is declining - largely due to work pressures and time constraints. The inquiry is exploring barriers to volunteering and how to better support and encourage community involvement.

We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers in the Goondiwindi Region, and their contribution is a big part of what makes our community so special. If you have time or skills to share, I encourage you to consider where you might lend a hand - it might truly make a difference.

Flood sensor upgrades improve data collection across region

Work is getting underway around the region to install new flood sensors, as well as upgrading a handful of existing sensors, to improve data collection about river heights and flood forecasts during flood events.

The sensors will help Council respond more quickly and safely around required road closures, support disaster agency response, improve flood modelling, and provide critical warnings to warn downstream communities.

As part of the project, six existing flood gauges - located at New Kildonan, Bengalla, Kilbronae, Retreat Bridge, ‘Surrey,’ and ‘Langley’ - are being upgraded from 3G to satellite communication. This $223,000 initiative is funded by the QRA Emergency Response Fund under the Flood Warning Infrastructure Network (FWIN) program.

The new sensors are being installed at further strategic locations across the region including Billa Billa Creek, Mittengang Creek, Oaky Creek (Beebo), Yarril Creek (Yagaburne), Lankey Creek (Mt Carmel Road), Commoran Creek (Goodar Road), Gurrinbry Creek (Talwood-Mungindi Road), and Yarrilwanna Creek (Minnel Road).

Five new citizens join Goondiwindi Region community

It was my privilege as the authorised officer on behalf of the Commonwealths Immigration Minister to induct and welcome five new citizens to our community at a recent citizenship ceremony in Goondiwindi. These occasions are always a highlight, bringing together new residents and their families as we celebrate their conferral. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our communities newest Australian Citizens.

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