Advocating for simpler planning rules and ongoing infrastructure investment
In the past few weeks, I had the opportunity to meet with several Queensland Government Ministers to advocate key priorities for the Goondiwindi Region.
Firstly, I met with the Deputy Premier, Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP, to discuss a range of matters, including the Queensland Government’s new approval framework for renewable energy projects, which ensures that these projects are now subject to the same impact assessment and consultation processes as other major developments. Councils across Queensland have been pushing for this change and are very appreciative that the Crisafulli Government has responded positively to this request.
We also discussed the benefits of the government’s new Residential Activation Fund. This funding has been essential in delivering key trunk infrastructure - such as water, sewerage, stormwater and power - that must be in place before new housing can proceed. Council has approved hundreds of new residential blocks across the region over the last few years, and the key is to now get the blocks developed - and buyers building homes.
As our region continues to grow, further state investment in this kind of enabling infrastructure will be critical. We’re hopeful that future funding rounds will allow us to build on this momentum and support more residential opportunities across the Goondiwindi Region.
Stronger support needed for feral pest management on state land
Additionally, I met with the Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Hon. Andrew Powell MP, to discuss several issues pertinent to our region.
Firstly, we spoke about the need for stronger collaboration and coordination between local and state governments in managing feral pests and invasive species, particularly across state-owned land and national parks. Landholder participation is essential, and could be improved, but coordinated pest control programs simply won’t succeed without meaningful state involvement, especially given the large areas of state-owned and managed land in our region.
I also must emphasise that any national park acquisition (such as the newly declared national park areas in the region’s north-east) must come with a clear plan and appropriate funding from the government to support the ongoing management of that land.
Lastly, I highlighted the need for more practical vegetation management regulations around property boundary fence maintenance, including vegetation control along our region’s section of the Wild Dog Check Fence.
I’d like to thank the Minister for his time and for being open and willing to engage with these concerns. It was a constructive discussion, and I look forward to continuing to work with the state government on behalf of our communities.
Yelarbon-Keetah Road widening completed
I’m pleased to share that the Yelarbon-Keetah Road widening project is now nearing completion with works expected to wrap up this fortnight. This marks the continuation of Council’s long-term program to improve safety and access on this important route.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Queensland Government for their generous support through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS). It’s funding like this that allows us to deliver real improvements in our region. We’ve already received some great feedback from locals about the importance of this project, so it’s wonderful to see our shared investment making a positive impact in the community.
School parking and crossing upgrades on Eena Street, Yelarbon
Also in Yelarbon, the parking and school crossing upgrades along Eena Street, right outside Yelarbon State School are now completed. The upgrades include the pave and seal of the parking area on the western side of the street between Burrel and Bengalla Streets, along with two new raised crossings (wombat crossings) - one on Eena Street and the other on Burrel Street.
This project was developed in consultation with the Yelarbon State School. We know how important safe and accessible school infrastructure is to our families, and I’d like to thank the community for their patience while this work was underway. I’d also like to thank the Queensland Government for its support of this project through the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP), which provides funding to improve the safety and operation of schools through new or improved infrastructure.
Footpath upgrades – Callandoon and Herbert Streets, Goondiwindi
I’m also very pleased to report that the footpath upgrade works along Callandoon and Herbert Streets in Goondiwindi (next to the Coles carpark) are now complete. This project was a direct result of community feedback, with numerous residents raising concerns about the condition of the old path, which had become uneven and posed a trip hazard. The disability car parks have also been upgraded to be compliant and better support accessibility for our residents and visitors.
Correcting misinformation
I also met with the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Hon. Deb Frecklington MP, to discuss the misuse of formal complaint mechanisms by individuals. Over the years, council has experienced instances where unfounded, malicious and vexatious allegations are submitted to bodies like the Queensland Ombudsman and then circulated online or through the media to create false claims and reputational damage. Even when these allegations have been deemed baseless and no investigation pursued, due to confidentiality provisions, Council cannot correct the record - leaving misinformation to go unchecked.
Last year, Council submitted a motion at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference, calling for a review of Section 92 of the Ombudsman Act 2001 to enable a right of reply in such cases. This motion was overwhelmingly supported by member councils.
The Attorney-General was very responsive to the arguments and open to the need to make the necessary changes to address this deficiency.