Business & Council
24 January, 2026
From the Mayor’s Desk
20 January 2026 - First column of 2026 - I’d like to start my first column of the year by wishing everyone a very happy New Year - I hope everyone was able to enjoy a great time with family, friends and loved ones over the holiday period. As we settle into 2026 and begin to look at what’s ahead, it’s shaping up to be a busy and important year for Council, with several major projects continuing or commencing across the region.
70 years since floods inundated Goondiwindi – milestone marks start of major restoration project
One of the key milestones for 2026 is the 70-year anniversary since the last flood inundation of Goondiwindi town. Following multiple flood inundations in 1956, works started on the Goondiwindi levee bank which was finalised in 1958 and has protected our town from an estimated 58 flood inundation events since it was built.
It’s a timely celebration, as this year will also see the commencement of one of the most significant civil works projects of its kind in the state - the major restoration and renewal of erosion-damaged sections of the levee.
Council expects to award the construction contract in the coming months, after which we’ll be able to share more detailed information with the community, including consultation opportunities and information sessions.
I can’t understate the importance of this work - I’m sure many will agree that the levee has been one of the best investments ever made for the Goondiwindi community, supporting our growth into the thriving regional hub we are today.
While the scale of works will no doubt bring noise and disruption along the Macintyre River during this project, keeping the community informed will be a priority. I thank residents in advance for their patience and understanding as we deliver this critical project to safeguard Goondiwindi’s homes, businesses and livelihoods for generations to come.
This project is jointly funded through the Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) with no ratepayer funding required.
Major sewerage project continues in Texas
In Texas, work will continue this year on the largest sewerage project ever undertaken by this Council - the Texas Sewage Treatment Plant Effluent Disposal Scheme. This landmark investment in essential infrastructure will deliver significant long-term benefits for the Texas community. The project includes construction of a new pump station at the Texas Sewage Treatment Plant, a connecting pipeline, and an effluent disposal system comprising three centre pivot irrigators. Once complete, the scheme will support more sustainable water management, helping to protect our waterways while improving the town’s sewerage capacity.
The project has received $2.75 million in funding from the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program - the scale of this investment reflecting the importance of the project to the region.
Construction set to start on new $250,000 Inglewood gym
In the coming months, work is expected to commence on the new Inglewood gym, delivered in partnership with ACCIONA Energía.
Council was pleased to secure $250,000 in funding from ACCIONA Energía last year towards the construction of a new, purpose-built community gym at the Inglewood MacIntyre Sports Complex. This new facility will replace the existing gym currently located within the flood-damaged Inglewood Recreation Centre and will be almost double the size of the original space, with dedicated storage and spaces for junior and senior rugby, social sports, and other local groups.
I have been very vocal on the need for projects such as the MacIntyre Wind Precinct to deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to their affected communities, and I’m delighted to see such a significant legacy project come to life this year for Inglewood.
Alongside this, is also progressing work to finalise a new location for the free camping site in Inglewood, ensuring continued support for visitors while improving amenity for the local community.
Goondiwindi Streetscape
The consultation period for the Goondiwindi Streetscape preliminary design concluded in late 2025, incorporating extensive community feedback. This feedback will in the coming months be presented to Council, with detailed engineering design and costings scheduled to commence following this.
As part of the streetscape upgrades, works will begin with the Moffatt/Marshall roundabout this week; this was already funded, scheduled, and factored into the preliminary design. Council will continue to prioritise subsequent stages of work by progressing detailed designs and costings, as well as actively pursuing funding opportunities.
Acting Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner Damien Walker to visit Goondiwindi
Earlier this month, I welcomed the announcement of Mr Damien Walker’s appointment as Acting Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner. Mr Walker brings extensive experience to the role through his position as Director-General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet. I cannot think of a better way to honour and carry forward the legacy of the important work of the late Mr Ian Leavers. Having one of Queensland’s most senior public servants in this interim role will help drive practical outcomes and provide a strong foundation for the incoming permanent Cross-Border Commissioner, following the recruitment process.
Telecommunications advocacy to continue in 2026
I want to take this opportunity to assure residents that Council’s advocacy work for better telecommunications in the Goondiwindi Region will continue in 2026, following the frustratingly poor service we have experienced since the 3G switch-off in 2024.
I have invited Telstra CEO Vicki Brady to visit Goondiwindi in March, where I intend to again clearly convey the community’s disappointment and the urgent need for reliable and consistent service. As a Council we remain committed to advocating for residents and businesses to have the dependable connectivity they deserve. Reliable telecommunications are essential for safety, economic activity, and daily life in our region, and we will continue to push for meaningful and lasting improvements.
Preparation is key in flood and fire season
As Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group, I want to remind our community of the importance of staying prepared as we move through the higher-risk period of the year. Recent flooding in northern Queensland and bushfires in Victoria are stark reminders of how quickly conditions can change and the need for ongoing vigilance.
Closer to home, Council was required to temporarily close the Goondiwindi Recreation Reserve earlier this fortnight following multiple fires, with some large trees continuing to burn within contained areas. These fires appear to have been deliberately lit, and it is regrettable that the actions of a few have impacted the many residents who regularly use this area.