From the Mayor's Desk - 10 May 2021

State assistance on crime requested; meanwhile, Inglewood test bore hits water and new grant is available now for flood-affected producers

Last week, I released a statement regarding crime in Goondiwindi. I want to take this moment to reaffirm some key points and reassure residents of the following:

• The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has confirmed it has reassessed its local police resourcing in Goondiwindi and will implement a plan to address local crime using district resources
• The QPS is also working with New South Wales police to enhance cross-border collaboration and address jurisdictional issues and responsibilities

I will also be personally meeting with senior police officers from both states to advocate on behalf of our community. The recent series of break-ins and thefts is upsetting and frustrating – and I share residents’ concerns about the flagrant disregard of other people’s property, rights and everything they’ve worked for.

However, I do have to reiterate that an extremely small group of individuals is understood to be at the heart of this. The relentlessness of their actions might make it seem like a large number is responsible, but the advice is that we are dealing with a small, core group of re-offenders (which is why we need the courts to uphold justice and deliver adequate consequences and deterrents).

I say this because I don’t want residents to lose sight of what a wonderful town and region we live in. In many ways, we are lucky that this recent spate is so shocking, because it’s simply out of character for our town. The region’s tagline, ‘Regional Australia at its Best’, was formed through community feedback: residents described us as a rare example of a region with a friendly, close-knit community, a wonderful country lifestyle, and a prosperous, entrepreneurial economy. So let’s remain vigilant against crime – but let’s not allow a small, vindictive group of individuals to dictate the region’s reputation.

Now for some good news about the test bore situation in Inglewood. Council had approved up to three test bore sites in Inglewood to be drilled up to 350m in depth. Unfortunately, the first test site was found to be dry. However, I’m extremely pleased to confirm that we’ve hit water at the second test hole and, while there is still lots of testing to be done to see how viable this source is, it’s certainly an encouraging sign. It’s a step in the right direction towards an alternate water source for Inglewood, and I’ll keep residents updated with any progress.

In more good news, I am delighted to confirm that flood-affected producers in the Goondiwindi Region will now be able to apply for Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Grants (currently available up to $25,000) to support their recovery journey as part of the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). While much of the region was impacted by the March floods, the damage around Texas in particular was widespread and destructive. I thank those residents who submitted evidence of this damage to strengthen our case for more support. I also want to thank Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner as well as our local federal MP and Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud for their support, empathy and advocacy on behalf of affected residents. For more information on grants for primary producers, visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946.

I’m sure many of you will have read about the recent Queensland Audit Office report that reported the dire financial straits of many Queensland councils. A third of the 77 councils in the state are at ‘high risk’ of being financially unsustainable, with many looking to cut services as a result. Goondiwindi Regional Council, on the other hand, is one of the few councils in a very strong financial position: this is no mean feat, as it was reported to be low risk in all areas of operating surplus, financial liabilities and asset sustainability.

We are not immune, however, from the rising costs of materials, contractors, personnel, etc. – and what’s more, we have to balance this with a determination to keep rate rises to a minimum, and an increasing expectation of service standards from our residents. Our favourable position is a credit to the leadership of Council: our region is only in this position due to careful and considered stewardship that has balanced modest reserves, competitively low rates, and efficient service delivery.

I want to give credit, too, to the many community groups and volunteers who work with Council to greatly reduce the strain on resources through the care and operation of community halls and other facilities. This brings me to my final point, which is a special thanks to the volunteers of the Meditrans service, who have made a huge difference to countless vulnerable people in our region over the past three and a half years by driving them to their specialist medical appointments in Toowoomba. Meditrans itself is a great example of a community-based solution operating through the support of volunteers and local businesses – their contribution to the region is invaluable, and on behalf of Council and the community: thank you.