From the Mayor's Desk - 10 December 2023

N.S.W. TAFE discussions

Last week along with members of the Gundy Chamber of Commerce and Council officers I engaged in discussions at TAFE N.S.W. – Boggabilla campus with representatives from Moree Plains Shire Council and various education and training stakeholders from either side of the border. The point of the discussions centred around the vexed issue of maximising the training and employment opportunity that comes from a well resourced TAFE facility just 10 kms from Goondiwindi. It will be a surprise to no one that the same cross border lack of coordination and different government systems play out again to disadvantage our cross border communities. During our visit to the campus, we discussed potential strategies to increase the use of this facility. Despite the Boggabilla campus offering various study options and having a well-equipped facility, businesses in the Goondiwindi Region generally utilise external training providers usually in Toowoomba or Brisbane. Both councils are dedicated to collaborating with the NSW and QLD government to address the current barriers.

Over 60s security initiative

Currently, the eligibility criteria of the Helping Seniors Secure Their Homes Program (HSSTHP), which provides financial support of up to $10,000 to eligible seniors to improve home security measures, excludes the Goondiwindi Region and I, along with James Lister MP have been advocating for the eligibility to be extended to our region. While the alternate Queensland government Home Assist Secure funding is available to eligible Goondiwindi Region residents, which provides financial assistance for home maintenance repairs, minor modifications, and safety and security upgrades up to the value of $1500, it falls short compared to the HSSTHP. Follow the link to learn more about the existing Home Assist Secure: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/maintenance-modifications/maintenance-assistance/home-assist-secure

Investor meetings

During recent weeks I have attended a number of meetings with potential and active investors in our region.  It is reassuring to know that the region continues to be a place of choice, with significant investment and growth potential.  One of the investors was from Singapore and he was extremely complimentary of how attractive and vibrant our region is. This serves as a confirmation of the message I constantly express – that the Goondiwindi region represents Regional Australia at its Best. These meetings should bring confidence into our communities as new projects continue to happen in our region.

Inland Rail Council and Council cooperation

Last week, Council hosted the new Chairman and acting CEO of Inland Rail, along with senior project officers. The federal government has directed Inland Rail to progress its approvals and property acquisitions as part of this vital rail link proposed from Melbourne to Brisbane. Our region stands to gain long term benefits from the transport and logistics opportunities that Inland Rail will ultimately bring. Council has a good relationship with Inland Rail and is working to ensure that we deliver the support necessary to help progress this project to construction. As a part of the meeting, I signed the long-awaited infrastructure cooperation agreement with Inland Rail. This agreement will be critical to ensure that Councils roads and other important infrastructure is protected during construction and that our daily works and that of Inland Rail can operate side by side with clear operational rules.

School awards days and end of year celebrations

I along with councillors have been honoured to attend a number of school award days over the past two weeks. For me it included the Goondiwindi State Primary School, Kindon State School, (which also was the schools 60 year anniversary celebration), St Maria Goretti in Inglewood, and the Yelarbon State School. It’s the time of year when we can reflect on and celebrate the achievements of students across the region – and it was my honour to attend each one of these ceremonies. It’s been wonderful to see the great results, enthusiasm and pride among the students and their families as they conclude the school year – congratulations to you all. I also had the opportunity to celebrate the volunteers at the Visitor Information Centre Christmas lunch last Wednesday. We are fortunate to have so many volunteers that contribute to worthy causes and that was also highlighted at the Meditrans Volunteer lunch. A sincere thank-you to everyone who has helped to make the Goondiwindi Region a wonderful place to live.

Council term drawing to a close.

The last four years have gone by very quickly, when we return in the new year council will be in care taker mode from the end of January until after the local government elections due to be held on the 16th of March.

Please accept the appreciation of the Council team for the opportunity to serve a great regional community across a great region. I have been asked about my intentions in the upcoming local government elections and I can confirm that I will be contesting the position of Mayor again and I thank the community for their support over the last four years.

Merry Christmas

Also, as this is the final ‘From the Mayor’s Desk’ for this year, and we approach the end of year holidays, I’d like to wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas and bright outlook for the New Year. I look forward to everything we can achieve together in 2024.