Council services will continue through COVID-19

The Honourable Lawrence Springborg, newly-elected Mayor of the Goondiwindi region, has assured residents that services from Goondiwindi Regional Council will continue as close to normally as possible during the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.

Cr Springborg has also said that the strength of the region’s agriculture, and when restrictions are lifted domestic tourism, will be the “shining lights” that help it through the current circumstances.

“Goondiwindi Regional Council will be doing everything possible to make sure we can continue our core services during this difficult time,” Cr Springborg said.

Council has previously confirmed it has further extended the general rates discount until 29 April 2020 in light of the unfolding COVD-19 pandemic. In addition, it has amended its own payment terms to 14 days to ensure that cash can flow quickly to businesses and back into the community.

Council has also been active in negotiating with lessees on payment terms.

Cr Springborg said the new Council will be looking closely at what else can be done to assist residents through these exceptional circumstances.

“The safety and wellbeing of all our residents is Council’s number one priority.

“The need for proper social distancing is changing and challenging the normal way of doing things – however, we will continue to work to ensure that we meet the needs of our residents and businesses,” the Mayor said.

Council has appointed special teams within its staff to prepare for and mitigate any potential social and economic impacts to the region due to COVID-19. It is also working together with other agencies to identify the changing needs of the community and to either source local solutions where possible, or advocate for support at State and National levels.

“Our region is very fortunate in that it has the strength of its agricultural and tourism sectors to help get us through,” Cr Springborg said.

“On the other side of this, we will hopefully see an increase in the national demand for domestic produce and tourism - which the Goondiwindi region will certainly provide.”