GOONDIWINDI Regional Council and Moree Plains Shire Council on Tuesday met with the newly appointed Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers to discuss the urgent need to address the complex web of government regulations and rules impacting businesses and individuals living in shared border communities.
Following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two councils, the meeting underscored the importance of creating a seamless, invisible border that does not impede locals’ daily lives with additional costs, red tape and service delivery challenges.
A key focus of the discussion was the service mapping exercise undertaken by Moree Plains Shire Council with support from the New South Wales Government.
The initiative, which Goondiwindi mayor, Lawrence Springborg, has advocated, identified significant deficiencies in the programs delivered to local communities.
By fostering transparency and an evidence-based approach to measuring program success, councils and communities can more effectively support initiatives, particularly those aimed at youth.
“I urge the Queensland government to consider undertaking a similar mapping process of Queensland services in our border community,” Cr Springborg said.
“This meeting is a testament to the power of local governments working together to achieve better outcomes for our communities.
From Left: Moree Plains Shire Council general manager, Kelvin Tytherleigh, Moree Plains Shire Council mayor Mark Johnson, Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg and Queensland cross-border commissioner, Ian Leavers, in Goondiwindi on Tuesday.
“I hope the Cross Border Commissioner will work with his New South Wales counterparts to encourage the respective state governments to follow suit and collaborate on issues that affect us all.”
Both councils remain steadfast in commitments to advocate for a more streamlined and efficient cross-border environment that benefits businesses, residents, and the wider community.
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