Council endorses nearly $70mil levee project – community information session next week
In the February Ordinary Meeting last Wednesday, Council endorsed a nearly-$70 million project to restore and reinforce 1.5 kilometres of the Goondiwindi levee, targeting erosion and compromised sections revealed after recent floods. This will be by far the largest capital works project ever undertaken by Council and is jointly funded through the Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – meaning no cost to local ratepayers.
Due to the nature of this restoration, disruption to residents in the vicinity of the work, such as noise and vibration, will be unavoidable. Council acknowledges this and recognises the impact it may have on those residents – however, I must reiterate that this work is essential. If we do nothing, there would be an increased risk of levee failure, risking community safety and property.
Construction will commence once final approvals are received and contractor availability is confirmed - expected prior to the end of 2026. The project is expected to take about 15 months to complete, putting the expected completion before the end of 2027.
If you’d like to find out more, please come along to our first community information session: Thursday, 12 March, 5:30 pm at the Goondiwindi Cinema. All are welcome and you will have opportunity to pose any questions you may have to councillors and the project contractor.
For a great deal more information, project details and FAQs, visit: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/News-and-Community/Community/Levee-Bank-Project
Council supports Texas Kindergarten Association in exploring best options for building’s next chapter
Council has met with the Executive of Texas Kindergarten Association over recent years to assist and advocate on their behalf as the kindy faced growing challenges in delivering early childhood education to the community. These pressures included increasing regulatory requirements, rising service delivery costs, staffing difficulties, and frequent turnover of volunteer committee members.
Just last week, the Executive made the difficult decision to close the community run kindy, which has served local families for more than 60 years. While this news is understandably disappointing, the focus now is on ensuring the best long-term outcome for the community as the organisation winds down. (Local kindergarten services continue to be available through the Wrigglers and Gigglers Child Care Centre.)
With no revenue coming in, and ongoing holding and maintenance costs for the building, the Executive has approached Council for assistance in determining the future of the site. They have already explored interest from other local education organisations and potential users, but these discussions have not resulted in a viable option.
At last week’s February Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to support the transition. This includes the potential purchase of the freehold and buildings, and Council initiating negotiations with the State regarding the existing leasehold land, including exploring conversion to freehold, and/or amalgamation of the parcels into a single title.
Housing and accommodation remain the most significant unmet needs in Texas and the broader region. As such, it would be Council’s first preference to determine whether the site could be repurposed to help address this demand in an economically sustainable way.
I will keep residents updated as this work progresses.
Council supports Toobeah Campdraft and Sports Association’s vision for Rodeo ground
This fortnight, my fellow councillors and I travelled across the region for one of our regular visits with rural residents and landholders. These trips are an important way for us to stay connected with our smaller communities and to see firsthand the condition of our community assets.
We met with residents in the Lundavra, Yagaburne and Billa Billa communities and discussed a wide range of issues - thank you to everyone who took the time to join the conversations, the discussions were constructive, honest and very much appreciated.
A particular highlight was our meeting with representatives from the Toobeah Campdraft and Sporting Association, who have been working hard to develop a master plan for the Toobeah Rodeo Grounds. The plan provides a clear blueprint for future improvements and ensures everyone is working toward the same long-term vision for the site.
It’s fantastic to see this new committee stepping up with such energy and commitment. Council formally endorsed the master plan at the February Ordinary Meeting, which will strengthen the committee’s ability to pursue external funding - especially important given the event has only recently been reinvigorated. Council has also resolved to work with the committee to supply gravel for use at the grounds.
I sincerely hope local businesses and community members get behind this dedicated group as they work to revitalise the rodeo grounds and bring events back to the town.
Care Goondiwindi catch up and Neighbourhood Centre progress
I’d like to give a great shout-out to Care Goondiwindi, an organisation that has provided immeasurable support and service to our local community for more than 30 years. Their team continues to do extraordinary work, even while operating from their increasingly constrained facility on Callandoon Street.
That’s why it was such welcome news last year when the Queensland Government confirmed a $2 million commitment toward a new Care Goondiwindi Neighbourhood Centre. This purpose built facility is intended to expand local health services, strengthen support for people living with disabilities, and provide early intervention programs for at risk young people.
This fortnight, I met with some of the team from Care to hear their progress and explore how Council can continue to support them. It’s always very hard as a not-for-profit, and the commitment of Care really needs to be applauded. Council’s long-term advocacy has been strengthened by the support of our local Member for Southern Downs, James Lister MP, and I’d like to give particular thanks to him for his work to secure this initial funding for Care.
I look forward to sharing further updates as this important project moves ahead.
Inglewood RV free camp update
I’d like to remind Inglewood residents that they have until the end of this week (6 March) to enter any submissions to the impact assessment for the proposed relocation of the free camp grounds.
The proposal of the new site, within the olive trees adjacent to the Inglewood Bowls Club, was met with strong support during community forums back in late 2024. This site is on high ground and stayed dry during the 2021 flood event – in contrast, the current location near the Macintyre Brook bridge is highly susceptible to flooding with limited notice, and was one of the first spots to flood in 2021.
After the flood, Council explored various options to relocate the site, including partnering with community groups, but these efforts were not successful.
The proposed site is intended for short-term free camping – supporting visitors who typically do not stay in paid caravan parks or accommodation, but who may still support the local economy through spending in retail and hospitality businesses. The new location also has increased capacity, able to host 12 such ‘free camp’ sites.
At the community forums, the public consensus was that the safety and economic benefits of the new location were significant and outweighed the need to remove some of the olive trees.
To have your say on the impact assessment, please visit: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/Business-Planning-Development/Planning-Development/Public-Notification
Inglewood and Texas students capture the past and look to the future
I was delighted to be invited to Inglewood State School last week to take part in a special project with students in years 9 and 10, as part of their literature studies program, to capture some local history through community interviews. It was a lovely opportunity to chat with students about my experience working in local government, for students to build on their own interviewing skills, and also for them to gather some local history about community life in Inglewood – and how it’s changed over the years.
Yesterday morning, I also had the pleasure of being invited to Texas for the P-10 State School’s Student Leader Induction at the Texas Sports Complex. It was wonderful to see the community come together to recognise our emerging leaders, and I commend all students who have been entrusted with leadership roles. Their selection is a testament to their character, dedication, and willingness to serve others – qualities I admire greatly.
