Testing times ahead for our border community; grants now open for ag-tech innovation and Council advocates for improved rural connectivity

Last weekend, our region celebrated the success of the local vaccine roll-out as Queensland Health advised more than half of the population of the Goondiwindi Region has been vaccinated against Covid-19. We should be extremely proud, as we find ourselves in a very fortunate and very strong position. However, the reality is that as a border community, this position is currently being put to the test as Covid-19 continues to flourish throughout New South Wales. We are at particularly high risk as the NSW cases continue to creep north to local government areas next door to our own neighbours.

I understand that the current situation regarding the Border Zone is causing confusion for many and Council is continuing to advocate for more clarity for local residents. The situation is likely to keep changing quickly, and I urge residents to stay informed and check for updates directly from Queensland Health: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/travelling-to-queensland

I was pleased to learn last week that the state government will urgently supply additional Covid-19 vaccines to its border towns – and this includes a Pfizer super clinic to be held in Texas later this week for everyone aged 16 and over. The clinic will be held at the Texas Memorial Hall on Thursday 19 August and Friday 20 August from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm and is walk-in only, with no advance appointments available. Importantly, I must stress that residents from both sides of the border will be able to attend the clinic, as New South Wales Border Zone residents may enter Queensland to receive a COVID-19 vaccination (provided they have not been in a COVID-19 hotspot outside the Border Zone).

The opportunity our region has been given to access the vaccination is unparalleled – and I strongly urge residents from both sides of the border to make the most of this and to get their vaccine as a matter of priority. The vaccine is also available locally at the Goondiwindi Medical Centre, the Inglewood Medical Centre and the Texas Family Medical Centre, as well as numerous local pharmacies in the region. The following locations are also available without an appointment for anyone over 16 - for more information, visit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/coronavirus:

• Toowoomba Baillie Henderson Hospital (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 4 pm)
• Warwick Showgrounds (24 August - Friday 27 August, 8.30 am - 3.50 pm; Saturday 28 August, 8.30 am – 1 pm)

Now, on a brighter note, last Wednesday I had the opportunity to attend a ‘business breakfast’ hosted by the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce focusing on local employment challenges and opportunities. The breakfast was excellent and a great chance to hear both local and external expertise on the subject. Working in partnership with the Chamber and local businesses, Council is currently leading the development of a local employment plan to assist with labour shortages in the region.  I’m pleased to say that the breakfast confirmed that the Goondiwindi Region is very well positioned and has great potential for solutions, putting us ahead of the pack in solving these issues. One key advantage is our enviable, supportive local business culture: we have a wonderful entrepreneurial community who contribute enormously to our vibrant towns and are committed to our sustainability even through tough times like drought and COVID.

The Goondiwindi Region also has a reputation as an innovation hotspot, especially in our agricultural sector, and I’d like to make residents aware that expressions of interest are now open for $34.2 million worth of the Australian Government’s Drought Resilience Innovation Grants. These grants are aimed at projects and ideas that could transform agricultural practices, technologies and business models to make Australian farmers and communities more resilient to droughts. Have an idea? Expressions of interest close on 8 September - for more information, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au.

Finally, Council is preparing a formal submission on behalf of its residents to the Australian Government’s 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review to advocate for improved connectivity in the region’s more rural areas. My fellow councillors Cr Susie Kelly and Cr Lachlan Brennan will be hosting drop-in sessions this week in Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Kindon, Talwood, Texas, Toobeah, Weengallon and Yelarbon. I strongly encourage all interested residents to take up this opportunity to pass on valuable feedback so your councillors can best represent your interests in their submission. For drop-in session dates and times, visit: https://www.grc.qld.gov.au/council/community/community-consultation.