From the Mayor's Desk - 27 April 2021

Deadline extended – now is the time to have your say on Inland Rail’s Environmental Impact Statement

Two weeks ago, I attended a meeting with the Yelarbon Community Consultative Committee for a presentation from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) about the potential noise impacts of Inland Rail on nearby residents and community facilities. The evening was highly informative and clarified what would be considered an ‘acceptable’ level of noise – we also heard some of the potential mitigation strategies the ARTC are proposing. There is obviously still much more work to be done, along with more consideration about the impact on affected properties, but it’s certainly positive to see this level of community engagement.

Importantly, you may have missed that the public exhibition period for the Border to Gowrie Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has now been extended to next week: COB, Tuesday 4 May 2021. To all Goondiwindi region residents, I’d like to say: this is your opportunity to have your say. Council strongly supports this community consultation process and I’d particularly like to encourage residents with any suggestions or concerns to submit their feedback. It’s not too late and, as we’ve seen in other sections, design changes can still be made as a result of legitimate concerns being raised. For more information, visit: https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/where-we-go/projects/border-to-gowrie/consultation

Next, I’d like to give a quick update regarding Council’s advocacy for more individual disaster support for flood-affected residents. I am pleased to say that our submission through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has now been lodged and we are now waiting to hear the (hopefully positive) news. A big ‘thank you’ to those landholders who submitted evidence to assist Council’s effort to secure more relief - I will let residents know the outcome as soon as possible.

To Inglewood, now, where last week I chaired a meeting of the newly-formed steering committee for aged care services in the town. The committee is finalising a meeting with the Churches of Christ (CoC) Queensland (owners of the former Casa Mia site), assisted by the Department of Resources (lessors of the land), to discuss the future of the site. They are also investigating whether it’s possible to secure a transfer of the facility’s management from CoC to the community and, if possible, what potential models of care could be offered going forward. As ever, more updates to come.

In Texas, I was very disappointed to be notified that the National Bank (the NAB) will be closing its Texas branch in July. While we understand that this is a business decision, it’s certainly not something that Council supports and my fellow councillors and I are very much concerned about the impact this closure will have on the community and businesses to conduct day-to-day cash transactions. We will certainly now want to work with the community to advocate for solutions.

Also last week, I was delighted to attend the Goondiwindi leg of the Arts Dinner Live tour with some of my fellow councillors. The theme of the evening was ‘Celebrating Art Outside’, considering the impact and importance of Public Art in Regional Queensland. Council has invested significantly in public art in the region recently, considering it to be a huge asset to our visitor economy, as well as the region’s liveability, so it’s really no surprise that Goondiwindi was chosen for this particular event - especially since the Yelarbon Silos were crowned the Best Rural Art in Australia at the Australian Street Art Awards just last month.

Sunday was of course Anzac Day, and I was privileged to attend very poignant services in Texas, Goondiwindi and Talwood. Anzac Day is just as significant today as it was in 1915, and it was my honour to commemorate the servicemen and women, many from our own region, who served in various theatres of conflict throughout the years. I’d like to thank every person who came to show their respects to those who served. After COVID-19 restricted the commemoration last year, I found even more value in getting together in-person to honour the day, and to reflect on the values of mateship, courage and endurance that make up the ANZAC spirit.

Finally, off the back of some fantastic rain and two years of hard work, the Goondiwindi Show is back this weekend and looking bigger than ever. Don’t forget the Aspects Art Show on Thursday night before the Show fun kicks off on Friday. I will certainly be attending and look forward to seeing many of you there.