From the Mayor's Desk - 19 January 2021

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Already, we find ourselves well into the start of a new year and I’d like to take this chance to wish all Goondiwindi region residents a very happy and healthy 2021. I’m delighted to be able to begin this year with such a focus on regional success, and on that note that I’d like take this opportunity to congratulate two local businesses who have recently been declared best-in-state.

Just before Christmas, Goanna Ag and Algae Pharm were recognised at the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur’s 2020 End of Year event, winning the ‘Scale-up of the Year’ and ‘Seriously, Watch this Space’ awards, respectively. It is in the nature of many regional businesses to be somewhat quiet about their success, preferring instead to keep their heads down and get the job done. So you may not be familiar with what these two businesses have achieved, but Goanna Ag and Algae Pharm are a shining example of the excellence that abounds in our region – especially in the area of ag-tech.

Based in Goondiwindi, Goanna Ag is pioneering the development of in-paddock sensors and networks that allow growers to use exact, real-time data – such as soil moisture, plant stress or water tank capacity - to streamline their farm management and improve water efficiency. The award recognises Goanna Ag’s rapid expansion, with their business growing from local to national level since 2018 and recently beginning export into the USA. Meanwhile, Algae Pharm is partnering with leading Australian universities to lead the way in developing the production of microalgae, renewable and sustainable micro-organisms that have gained considerable recent worldwide interest due to the increasing awareness of their potential uses, such as biofuel, pharmaceuticals, and stock feed. Their production of dry algae powder contains valuable omega-3 oils, which support healthy circulation among other benefits.

The Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur aims to secure Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s ‘Start-up State’, and I am delighted that the talent in the Goondiwindi region is leading the way with new technology and in emerging industries. Congratulations to both businesses, and I eagerly look forward to what they and our other regional entrepreneurs will achieve in 2021.

Finally, as I’m sure you’re aware, Australia Day is fast approaching next week. I’d like to invite all residents to join in the celebrations at our Australia Day Awards ceremonies in either Goondiwindi or Texas this coming Tuesday, 26 January. Please join us to gather with friends, family and community at either of the two ceremony locations:

The Texas Historical Society
(Heritage Centre)

Morning tea from 9 am, ceremony starts 10 am.

The Goondiwindi Town Park

Rotary Club Goondiwindi breakfast from 6.30 am, ceremony starts 8.30 am.
With Rotary’s special guest speaker Craig Hamilton.

 

The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘We're all part of the story’. Our Australia Day Awards tell the story of our region, our achievements, and most importantly, our people. Council is very proud to be able to hold the Australia Day Awards each year as an opportunity for our region to reflect, respect and celebrate. However, the support of the community is essential to their continuation. With nearly 30 nominees selected this year across the two ceremonies, I do hope you will come along on the day to show your support and appreciation for everything they do within our region – and that it’s an honour to have them as part of our story.

Hon. Councillor Lawrence Springborg AM
Mayor
Goondiwindi Regional Council

19th January 2021 at 12:00 AM