From the Mayor's Desk - 18 February 2025
Published on 18 February 2025
Biosecurity vigilance is key - Varroa mite nears QLD border
Council’s rural services portfolio holder Cr Susie Kelly and I recently met with Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer, Dr Rachel Chay in Inglewood ahead of an inspection of some of the 220 km of wild dog check fence managed by Council in the Goondiwindi Region. Council is currently about halfway through the process of replacing this vital fence, which, along with the extensive network of landholder cluster fencing throughout our region, plays a crucial role in biosecurity. It serves as a critical defense against the spread of exotic diseases carried by pest and feral animals. These diseases pose a persistent and significant threat to livestock industries and economies worldwide, and the arrival of any such disease in our region could have devastating consequences.
As such, we also discussed the growing concern of avian influenza and its serious threat to our valuable poultry sector, along with the broader threat to both egg and chicken meat supplies that we’re currently seeing around the world.
Community vigilance is an important part of identifying and combating such threats. Fire Ants remain an ever-present concern, and only just last month we received confirmation of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) at three apiary sites in the Moree Plains Shire. This is the closest the parasite has been found to the Queensland border, serving as a crucial reminder to all beekeepers - especially those in our border region - to remain vigilant.
I understand that about 35 per cent of Australia's crops are estimated to rely on honeybee pollination, including from wild colonies. The importance of monitoring hives and reporting hive checks cannot be understated - the role of our beekeepers is vital for agricultural production and food security.
For more information, visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/animal/industries/bees/varroa-mite
Listening to locals: first regional road trip of 2025
At the start of the month, my fellow councillors and I joined Council directors on the first ‘regional road trip’ of 2025. These trips form part of your Council’s commitment to connect, in person, with locals right across the region. This allows us to engage with rural residents where they live, and discuss the kinds of priorities and issues that often differ from those in our larger centres.
Our most recent trip focused on the Cement Mills and eastern Inglewood areas. We know that road condition is probably one of the biggest concerns for our residents and we heard about the growing challenge of waste management. By getting out on the road and speaking to residents in-person, we are better positioned to tailor our advocacy and push for the necessary funding and improvements we need.
Casa Mia ready for grand opening
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Casa Mia and seeing for myself the incredible progress made on its renovations. I have to say, I am very impressed. This has been a long but extremely worthwhile journey and will be an invaluable investment in the future of our Inglewood community to be able to provide affordable, independent living for vulnerable seniors in our community.
I strongly encourage all Inglewood residents to come down to the open day this Saturday 22 February to see the renovated site for themselves and explore the facility. The official reopening ceremony will begin at 9 am, followed by morning tea. The site will be open to the public until 12 pm, offering an opportunity for all to see the space and learn more about the services it will provide. Application forms will also be available on the day.
Yelarbon Men’s Shed breakfasts are back
After a short break, the Yelarbon Men’s Shed breakfasts are back up and running again and I was glad to be able to attend the first session of 2025. These gatherings generally take place on the second Tuesday of each month from 6.30 am at the Men’s Shed (25 Kaboon Street).
I try to attend as often as I can and encourage others to join in. These breakfasts provide an important opportunity for social connection and community support in the east of our region. I invite you to come along and bring a friend – all are welcome.
JEV present in Goondiwindi, Inglewood
Darling Downs Health this month confirmed the presence of Japanese Encephalitis in the local mosquito population in both Goondiwindi and Inglewood.
The confirmation that the virus is in our community was expected, and the advice from Queensland Heath remains unchanged: take precautions to reduce the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes and contracting the virus. This could include the JEV vaccine, using effective mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing.
It’s important to remember that the vast majority (more than 90%) of people who contract the virus will have no, or very mild, symptoms. For the very small percentage who do present with more serious symptoms however, there is a risk of developing severe disease - and no one wants to be in that cohort.
Mosquito borne illnesses such as JEV and Ross River virus typically start to rise in February as mosquito populations increase. Council will continue to assist Queensland Health in mosquito surveillance programs. We have been advised that typical vector control measures such as fogging are ineffective. Pigs can also be infected by JEV and transmit the virus to more mosquitoes - since feral pigs will typically travel much further than single infected mosquito, it is important for the whole region to be prepared.
For more advice, consult your health professional or visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/japanese-encephalitis