State investment in staff housing essential in Goondiwindi’s tight rental market
Over the past fortnight, I met with senior officials from the Queensland Department of Housing to discuss the ongoing challenges around government employee housing in our region. It was a constructive conversation and an important opportunity to advocate for increased investment in dedicated staff housing - particularly new builds - to help relieve pressure on our already strained rental market.
The Queensland Government is one of our region’s largest employers, including critical sectors like education, health, and policing. These services often rely on staff relocating from outside the area, and we’ve consistently heard from local agencies that housing shortages are making recruitment and retention more difficult.
Despite this, Goondiwindi town has seen little investment through Government Employee Housing (GEH) in recent years - with only one new development delivered, whereas Inglewood and Texas have seen three and 13 respectively. This falls well short of what’s needed to support the state government workforce in Goondiwindi town. We’ve raised these concerns and will continue to escalate the issue with relevant departments.
According to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), Goondiwindi LGA’s rental vacancy rate was just 0.2% as of 30 June 2025 - the second-tightest in the state. The state government must ensure it’s not competing in the private market, but instead delivering housing solutions that meet its own staffing needs.
State support is key in managing Queensland’s biosecurity risks
We recently welcomed Dr John Alawneh, the newly appointed Regional Biosecurity Lead for the South Region, to the Goondiwindi Region along with his team. Dr Alawneh’s appointment forms part of the Queensland Government’s recent commitment to recruit 100 additional biosecurity officers across the state to help manage a range of biosecurity risks - from invasive pests and weeds to animal health threats.
Agriculture is the backbone of our local economy, so effective biosecurity measures are critical to protecting our industries and communities. But beyond our region, any threat to plant and animal health could have devastating impacts at both the state and national levels, particularly given Australia’s role as a major agricultural exporter. While we welcome the addition of biosecurity officers on the ground, I also encourage a strong and ongoing commitment from the state to meaningful support and regulatory reform - especially in the control of invasive species and diseases.
Highways, telecoms among topics at Darling Downs Southwest Council of Mayors
On Sunday, I attended the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors (DDSWQCoM) meeting. This is a collective of ten mayors from our surrounding regions, an important vehicle to meet and share mutual priorities and concerns affecting our communities – from the condition of our state and national highways to ongoing frustrations following the shutdown of the 3G network. A key issue for discussion this time included the positive results of the recently improved regulatory framework for renewable energy projects to ensure and maximise benefit for affected communities.
There will be further opportunity to voice regional concerns at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference this week, a critically important avenue for major advocacy to the state government.
New signage supports residents and visitors to stay informed this disaster season
I’m pleased to share that Council is installing five new disaster preparedness signs at key locations across the region to help residents and visitors stay informed and plan ahead while travelling. Strategically placed for maximum visibility, the signs will soon be found at:
• Goondiwindi - Redmond Park (Driver Reviver) and Goondiwindi Town Park
• Yelarbon - Rest stop
• Inglewood - Driver Reviver
• Texas - Apex toilets
With our region serving as a hub for several major traffic routes, safety during natural disasters is a top priority. These signs offer a simple yet effective reminder for travellers to check current conditions and make informed decisions. By providing access to emergency information from both Queensland and New South Wales, we’re helping ensure that everyone on the road - locals and visitors alike - can stay safe and prepared in times of need.
Reminder – have your say now for Goondiwindi CBD Streetscape Project
A reminder that Council is inviting residents to share their feedback on the final preliminary design for the Goondiwindi CBD Streetscape Project. An online survey is open now, seeking feedback on preliminary designs for priorities such as accessibility, landscaping, parking, signage, and overall town presentation. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRCCBDStreetscape
Lanescape Festival ignites the senses
I was delighted to attend the Lanescape Festival and see such a strong turnout for an event that has become a firm favourite in our region’s event calendar. With markets, music, food stalls and entertainment for all ages, the theme of ‘Ignite the Senses’ was a fitting celebration of the growing public art trail across Goondiwindi by the Lanescape committee.
A highlight was a glimpse of the latest public artwork: ‘Footprints by the Macintyre’ by local artist Lisa Sherratt, created with the help of local students along the river walk. Congratulations to the Lanescape committee on another successful event and thank you to the many local sponsors who continue to support initiatives that bring our community together.
Condolences
On behalf of everyone at Goondiwindi Regional Council, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Max Makim, following the sad news of his passing.
Max was a long-serving Councillor and Acting Mayor of the former Waggamba Shire Council, and his commitment to our region over many years left a lasting legacy. His service to both local government and the wider community will not be forgotten.