Council proud to support the ‘melonhole madness’ of Goondiwindi 400

Goondiwindi Regional Council is proud to support the 2022 ARB Gundy 400 after the successful ‘melonhole madness’ this past weekend.

Council is a proud long-term supporter of the Goondiwindi Motorsport Association’s infamous off-road rally through its grants programs. Council has also recently completed maintenance along the event’s new location of Pollocks Road, off the Cunningham Highway, ready to welcome the hundreds of competitors and spectators who travelled from as far away as New Zealand for the event.  

Council’s preparations for the major event included grading about 6 km of shoulders along Pollocks Road, about 15 km northeast of Goondiwindi. The recent maintenance all forms part of Council’s usual program of works, with Council co-ordinating its schedule with the rally organisers to get best outcome for residents and event-goers alike.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM holds Council’s portfolio for Tourism, and said the Gundy 400 is an iconic event for the Goondiwindi Region.

“Since first kicking up the dust at Kindon in 1977, the Goondiwindi Region holds a special place in the hearts of Australian off-road racers, with the Gundy 400 an extremely popular highlight of the national racing calendar,” the Mayor said.

“This weekend was more about mud than dust, thanks to some showers on the Friday night – which made for an even more challenging course and some great spectating.

“The race covers 400 km of our gruelling, infamous melonhole country and brings some of the country’s finest off-roaders to the region in their V8 trophy trucks, turbo-charged buggies and high-powered 4WDs.

“It’s a huge event for our region that brings so many visitors to town from far and wide,” he said. “We’re extremely fortunate to have this level of racing so close to home, and it was great to see so many residents brave the mud to get out to the track and support the many local entries who took part this year.”

“With one of the largest outdoor crews (per capita) of any council in Queensland, our Council strives to have our region’s roads well-maintained and well-presented for local residents all year round,” Cr Springborg said.

“But frequently they really do go above and beyond to ensure our region presents its absolute best for these big-ticket tourism events - whether it’s the upcoming Gundy 400 or Talwood Pink Ladies’ Day. Our crews carefully schedule their work around those programs to ensure the region is at its best to support the big day.”