Residents have their say on future of Goondiwindi Town Common

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New rubbish bins and clear zoning for motorsports are just two suggestions from a community survey that Goondiwindi Regional Council will consider as it prepares a new plan for the Goondiwindi Town Common.

Council developed the survey in collaboration with local business Engage & Create Consulting to determine how residents currently use the Common, along with any concerns and suggestions for future use. The research was conducted over the past few months, and the results will now guide Council as it determines how to best manage the Common in the future.

Although motorbike riding in the Common is currently prohibited, nearly half of all people surveyed reported motorbiking as one of the main uses of the Common. More than 80% were also concerned about the site’s safety, reporting concerns about motorists operating in the same area as other pedestrian activities, such as fishing, walking and bird-watching.  Illegal dumping, noise, dust and potential risks for flood and fire were also reported as concerns for some users.

One key suggestion for the future of the Common has been the call to create ‘zones’ that would permit motoring activities within certain areas, separating motorists from other users. Additional suggestions included installing new rubbish bins, improved signage, increased promotion and added surveillance.

Council’s Director of Community and Corporate Services Jason Quinnell said Council’s plan would seek to balance the interests of all users and neighbours of the Common with the cost to ratepayers of implementing the suggested changes.

“I do want to thank everyone who took the time to submit their opinion. We’ve gathered some valuable insight into how residents currently use the Common, and what they’d ideally like to see in the future,” Mr Quinnell said.

“We had a great response and the research will help Council to develop a plan to determine how to best manage the Common going forward, and how to balance the needs and wants of the community as a whole. Consideration must also be given to the risks and costs of implementing the suggested changes, along with any local law amendments that would be required.”

Council will seek further consultation and feedback from the community once its plan for the Common has been developed. 

3rd July 2020 at 12:00 AM