Council Supports the Initiative of a Cross Border Commissioner

26 September 2017

COUNCIL SUPPORTS THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A CROSS BORDER COMMISSIONER

Councillor Graeme Scheu, Mayor of Goondiwindi Regional Council today welcomed the news of the appointment of a Cross Border Commissioner.  “Unless you live in a border precinct like we do, you simply can’t appreciate the angst that is caused in the region,” Councillor Scheu explained. 

Undoubtedly, the biggest hurdle is the cross border policing issue as witnessed recently in apprehending offenders from interstate.  Whilst the concept of a cross border policing trial has been discussed since I was first elected as Mayor, it has never come to fruition. 

“This is the biggest single inhibitor for our region, ask any member of the Community,” said Councillor Scheu.

However, many other little day-to-day items continually come up from fishing licenses and varying rules on either side of the border through to planning and licensing requirements for builders. It is simply endless, every industry is affected in one way or another.

An agreement was reached quite few years ago to resolve the interstate Ambulance, health and dental transfers. Cross border assistance is extremely hard to explain to people, not to mention the huge duplication of services provided simply because a river flows between two communities.

We strongly support the concept of a Cross Border Commissioner and look forward to some urgent negotiations that need to take place immediately with the current NSW Commissioner. 

For further information, please contact:

Councillor Graeme Scheu
Mayor
Goondiwindi Regional Council
Mobile: 0427 718 877
Email: gscheu@grc.qld.gov.au