From the Mayor's Desk - 2 June 2023
« BackInnovative Hydrogen Project to commence
I am pleased to announce that a one of its kind Hydrogen project is set to get underway in Goondiwindi later this year, after a representative from The Hydrogen Collective (H2C) and myself signed the agreement in Inglewood. The project will harness the power of renewable energy sources at our Goondiwindi Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The new hydrogen production site will use an innovative technology that not only addresses environmental concerns associated with wastewater treatment, but also positions the Goondiwindi Region as a pioneer in the production of green hydrogen.
The Plant will generate a small amount of green hydrogen that will currently make us one of the largest producers in Australia. The oxygen produced from the site will then be injected back into the Treatment Plant to increase its long-term capacity and efficiency, which will be the first time this has been done in Australia. This innovation brands us not only as leaders in this sector but also brings savings to ratepayers. This is Regional Australia at its best!
Black Coffee Network Meeting in Goondiwindi
Last week I attended a new Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, Queensland Government Department of State Development and the Bigambul Native Title Corporation event called Black Coffee. Black Coffee is an Indigenous business networking gathering that serves as a valuable platform for small business owners in the region to connect and expand their networks. Around 40 people attended the event which included seven Indigenous businesses, all with the common motive of promoting economic growth, jobs and building meaningful connections, and exchanging knowledge and experiences.
Inglewood Emergency Services Day
Many residents from Inglewood and the surrounding areas had the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the specialised vehicles and equipment used by local emergency services groups in the region on Saturday at the MacIntyre Sports Complex oval. The event showcased to the community what capabilities are available from emergency service agencies, including personnel, vehicles, equipment and their response skills in the region. I would like to thank all the emergency service personnel who were part of the demonstrations, the volunteers behind the scenes and the community for taking the time to learn from these dedicated professionals.
Community Camera Alliance Meeting – a community approach to solving crime
The Camera Alliance also came together in Goondiwindi. This initiative aims to promote the relationship between the community and the Queensland Police Service by encouraging all residents in the region who have CCTV to give access to Police to assist in preventing crime, solving crimes faster and making the community safer. CCTV has become a key component in investigating crimes and is a great tool in modern policing. The initiative gives residents and business owners the opportunity to register their closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, allowing police to quickly contact owners of cameras in a particular area where an investigation is being conducted. For more information contact the Goondiwindi Police Station on 4671 7777 or visit this link: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/safety-and-preventing-crime/community-camera-alliance.
Citizenship Ceremony welcomes new residents
One of the privileges of the role of Mayor is to act as a delegate for the Federal Minister for Citizenship by inducting new citizens into the community. On Wednesday I welcomed three new citizens to our wonderful region in a small ceremony held in the Council Chambers at McLean Street. It truly is an honour to see our region grow with more people from all different walks of life calling the Goondiwindi Region their home.
Yelarbon Rural Fire Service
The Rural Fire Service held an open meeting earlier this week for those members of the public seeking to be involved with the formation of the Yelarbon Town Rural Fire Brigade. Staff from the RFS attended the meeting to answer questions and sign-up members for the new brigade. RFS welcomes any interested members of the public to join.
Talwood CCC meeting
Recently a number of Councillors attended the Talwood Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meeting and discussed a range of local issues, including their Master Plan, which includes beautifying the Talwood township and continues to deliver results. Council is happy to say that the Talwood Festival of Small Halls will be etched on the calendar each year now as we have committed to an annual funding allocation of $2,000 for future years.