GOONDIWINDI Regional Council has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reduced fees at the Inglewood and Texas community facilities for the 2025-26 year.
The decision applies to the Inglewood MacIntyre Sports Complex, Inglewood Civic Centre, Texas Memorial Hall and Texas Sports Complex following resident feedback highlighting the importance of keeping these spaces accessible and well-utilised.
Goondiwindi councillor, Susie Kelly, hopes the ongoing reduced fees will encourage more community activities, events, workshops, and gatherings.
“We want our facilities to be well used and certainly don’t want people in our towns missing out on opportunities because of venue hire fees,” Cr Kelly said.
At an Inglewood community forum in 2024, it was suggested facility fees were a key barrier to launching local programs for children.
In response, Council adopted a motion to lower the hire fees of venues in Inglewood and Texas, making it easier for these activities to happen.
For community workshops or classes in Inglewood and Texas, Council reduced the seasonal hire fee – for ongoing weekly use – to $200. The hourly hire rate across all four facilities was also lowered to $20 per hour.
“Our halls in Talwood, Weengallon and Cement Mills are operated by dedicated local volunteers,” Cr Kelly said.
“These groups can set their own hire fees, ensuring the arrangements work best for their communities.”
An Inglewood Children’s Theatre performance at Inglewood Civic Centre.
In Goondiwindi, however, Council manages several civic spaces alongside other commercial venues available for hire.
Operating under the Local Government Regulations on competitive neutrality, Council must continue to ensure fairness for surrounding local businesses and can’t offer below-cost hire.
“We’re committed to providing functional community assets and making them as accessible as possible, while also considering the costs of maintaining our facilities,” Cr Kelly said.
“I encourage community groups and organisations to take advantage of the reduced fees while they remain in effect.”
For more information on how to book facilities at Texas, visit Texas Community Facilities.
For more information on how to book facilities at Inglewood, visit Inglewood Community Facilities.
