From the Mayor's Desk 30 April 2020

The past two weeks have clearly demonstrated to me why the Goondiwindi region is known as a region of innovation and persistence. From the rapid development of new border control technology, to the inventive new ways that our community marked ANZAC Day in the time of COVID-19, the way in which our community has adapted to and overcome new challenges has given me great cause for pride.

Here at Council, we have been working to relieve some of the difficulties faced by our community due to the Queensland border closures. I am proud to be able to say that Goondiwindi Regional Council swiftly began working with the Queensland Police Service to come up with a solution to the closure of the back roads – and is the only Council to have done so. Our answer was simple: old gates, new technology. We began a trial to pioneer that technology within our region last week. If successful, it may go on to be adopted at state borders across the country.

Meanwhile, the new Council has commenced the planning process for the 2020-21 Budget. For many residents, the impact of COVID-19 will be compounding the effects of many years of drought, and Council will do its best to provide some relief for our residents and businesses where it can.

As I am sure you will have heard, Council appointed Cr Rob Mackenzie as Deputy Mayor for this term and I look forward to working closely with Cr Mackenzie, along with the other Councillors, over the next four years. I offer my sincere thanks to Cr Rick Kearney who had served this Council as Deputy Mayor for the previous twelve years, and I know that his expertise will be invaluable throughout the new term.

Council has also appointed each Councillor with their portfolio. Council’s decision-making is collective, but each Councillor will be working hard to best represent residents’ interests in their own portfolio area. I encourage residents to get in touch with the relevant Councillor for any Council matters.

Finally, a sincere thank you to everyone in our region who contributed to ANZAC Day 2020 in their own personal way. For my part, I was able to pay my respects in Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Talwood, Texas and Yelarbon on the day itself. No doubt, it was an ANZAC Day unlike any other due to COVID-19, but I was both impressed and moved by the creative ways that members of our community commemorated the Day and remembered those who have served.

Hon. Lawrence Springborg
Mayor
Goondiwindi Regional Council