From the Mayor's Desk 14 September 2020

For many of us, the Goondiwindi region’s excellent community and sporting facilities are a point of pride – as are our tidy, well-kept streets and our attractive parks and gardens. Ask any visitor, and they will often comment upon how well maintained and presented they find our region.

The majority of us know and are proud of the fact that the Goondiwindi region is a great place to live: it’s why we’re represented as Regional Australia at its Best. Unfortunately, not all of us share this sense of pride. I write this with a particularly disappointing incident in mind that occurred last week at the Goondiwindi Riddles Oval complex.

I will say that the senseless destruction of public property that took place was an insult to the immense amount of work and care put into those grounds by their clubs and the surrounding community. I must also add that it was an insult to the members of Council’s Parks and Gardens team who dedicate countless hours to the maintenance and beautification of the many sporting ovals and other community assets across the region. Our team tends to 25 parks and play areas, in addition to sports ovals and recreation grounds, in eight towns from Texas to Weengallon. They take great pride in providing safe, clean, green spaces for everyone in our community to enjoy.

The region’s public facilities are managed by either Council or a local community group - but they all very much belong to the community. They’re the home grounds for our sports clubs, the community halls for workshops and events, the parks for family walks and play. Council’s role in the care of all these assets includes cleaning, maintenance, repairs, security, watering and beautification. These services must come at a cost, and intentional damages greatly add to this bill – and this ultimately comes back to the ratepayer. Already this financial year, vandalism in our region’s parks and gardens alone has cost our ratepayers more than $9,000, greater than the total for the whole of 2019-20.

The Queensland Police Service has been swift to respond to the rare incidents of antisocial behaviour, such as vandalism in our region and I commend the dedication with which they serve our community. But the role of the police in these kinds of incidents can be limited - especially when dealing with youth. Juvenile offenders are given special consideration by our laws and our courts, sometimes for good reason, as a second chance can make a big difference at that age. But it should not make individuals immune from accountability and responsibility for continued transgressions, and it should not absolve their parents, guardians or mentors from a degree of responsibility and oversight.

While Council will continue to work together with the QPS, it will also work with other organisations within our community to identify ways we can encourage more respectful behaviour and protect the communities valued public assets and facilities.

Hon. Cr Lawrence Springborg AM

Mayor

Goondiwindi Regional Council