Queensland Trucking Association CEO to visit region, to explore shared advocacy
This week, we will host a visit from the CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, Gary Mahon, who brings extensive industry experience and represents road freight operators across the state. Our region is a critical freight corridor, particularly for movements between Queensland and the southern states.
This visit presents an important opportunity to explore joint advocacy efforts for infrastructure funding for state and national highways. As I have previously stated, I believe there is an estimated $30 million shortfall in state and federal funding for high-priority repairs on deteriorating national and state highways. Council will continue to advocate for our communities who are currently having to face the consequences of heavy traffic being diverted onto local roads without additional support.
The issue of underfunded repairs is only going to be compounded by the next heavy rainfall or flood event to impact our region, after the Federal Government recently announced plans to reduce its contribution to the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). This will mean state funds are even more limited for repairing essential infrastructure such as road networks.
More than six months of preparation lead into next week’s annual budget meeting
Next week, Council will formally consider the annual budget, marking the culmination of a rigorous process that has been underway for more than six months. This work has involved numerous workshops, detailed financial modelling, and careful, evidence-based decision-making to ensure we are meeting both current priorities and long-term community needs.
Council carefully reviews each proposed project to determine priority and to try to balance how investment is distributed across the region. While there are always plenty of important, deserving projects that can be funded, we need to continue to focus on our core business and limit any increased cost burdens to ratepayers.
I would like to sincerely thank our Council team for their work and commitment throughout this process, as their efforts ensure that we continue to deliver essential services, invest in key infrastructure, and remain financially sustainable into the future.
I look forward to presenting the 2026-27 Budget next week and to providing further information around key budget items in my upcoming columns.
Texas FoodWorks is best in state; one of best in the nation
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Texas FoodWorks, which was recently named Queensland’s Store of the Year at the 2026 Australian United Retailers Store Excellence Awards.
The store took home an impressive suite of nominations and awards, including Most Outstanding Grocery Department (QLD) and Local Store of the Year (QLD) for the second consecutive year, along with a significant national win for Most Outstanding General Merchandise Department.
Congratulations to Angelo and Lisa Putzolu and their outstanding team on this achievement. Not only is this a tremendous business success, but I also want to acknowledge your ongoing contribution to the community through local event support, strong customer service, and your commitment to quality. Your efforts make a meaningful difference to our region.
Inglewood SES are Highly Commended for innovative Evacuation Tracking App
I was honoured to attend the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) Southwest Regional Awards ceremony in Warwick this fortnight. I was especially proud to see Ann McGlashan, Local Controller of the Goondiwindi Regional SES Unit (including Inglewood), accept a Highly Commended Award for Unit/Group of the Year on behalf of the Inglewood SES.
The Inglewood team was recognised for developing an innovative Online Evacuation Tracking App to support the communities of Inglewood, Texas and Yelarbon. The app tracks properties during a disaster to ensure no one is overlooked during major emergency events - an outstanding example of local initiative and forward thinking.
Congratulations to Ann and the dedicated SES volunteers whose tireless efforts continue to keep our communities safe. It is wonderful to see their work recognised at this level. I’d also like to add that our local SES is currently actively looking for more volunteers – if you’d like to get involved with this critical work, call Ann on 0428 067 744 or search @SESgrc on Facebook for more information.
Texas Stockman Hotel is finalist in major hotel awards
Finaly, a huge congratulations to Grace Cheatley, the Rush family and the whole team at the Stockman Hotel in Texas, which was named a finalist for Best Regional Hotel Bar at the 2026 Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Awards for Excellence. While they didn’t take out the top spot, the family-run pub has earned recognition for its fresh approach to regional hospitality. A well-known local landmark, it’s great to see the iconic yellow pub continuing to thrive and to have a local hospitality business recognised at such a high level. Congratulations, all.