From the Mayor's Desk - 28 May 2020

It’s been a welcome sight this fortnight to be able to see so many businesses in the region opening their doors once again and beginning the necessary steps towards returning to full patronage in the not-so-distant future.

As we navigate our new normality, it is so important that we focus on avoiding a ‘second wave’ of infections. I strongly encourage all local businesses to ensure they have a COVIDSafe Plan in place to mitigate any risk of transmission - visit www.health.gov.au for COVIDSafe resources or contact Council and a friendly member of our economic development team can assist you.

At the start of last week, the Queensland Government announced its Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program, which saw up to $10,000 in funding for eligible small businesses. This was a huge opportunity for so many businesses in the region, and I’m pleased to say that Council was able to swiftly organise a webinar last Friday to guide local businesses through the application process with invaluable experienced advice from Engage and Create Consulting.

If you missed the webinar, or if you would like one-on-one assistance with financial planning or finding and applying for small business grants in general, I would strongly encourage you to contact our region’s free Small Business Financial Counsellor, Donna Neale-Arnold on 0417 383 288 or  donna.neale-arnold@rfcssq.org.au.

On Wednesday last week, Councillors proudly welcomed Federal Member for Maranoa, the Honourable David Littleproud MP in Goondiwindi. This visit was an opportunity for Council to present the $28.2 million worth of ‘shovel-ready’ projects that we have identified across the region: these are projects that are absolutely ready to go and just require State or Federal funding to commence.

During his visit, Mr Littleproud also communicated that the Queensland and Australian Governments are currently working together to identify priority road infrastructure works. This will be welcome news to many in our region and may provide significant employment opportunities as well as improved productivity and safety for agriculture and other sectors.

Finally, I was able to join several interested locals in a meeting with members from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) earlier this fortnight. While the new Council remains committed to the concept of the Inland Rail, there are unresolved issues on the Macintyre flood plain that must be addressed. Going forward, I will be seeking a more transparent process and receptive attitude from the ARTC to protect the interests of our community.

Hon. Lawrence Springborg
Mayor
Goondiwindi Regional Council