Goondiwindi Regional Council and Moree Plains Shire Council Call for Invisible Border

Goondiwindi Regional Council and Moree Plains Shire Council Call for Invisible Border Goondiwindi and Moree Plains councils met with the Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner to address the challenges faced by residents and businesses in border communities. Both councils are advocating for a seamless border that doesn't hinder daily life and collaboration between state governments to improve outcomes for the border region. Mayor Springborg calls on the Queensland government to undertake service mapping for youth services in the region.

Goondiwindi Regional Council and Moree Plains Shire Council 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 our shared border communities.

Following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two councils, this 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. This initiative, which Goondiwindi Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, has also been advocating for, 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,” said the Mayor.

"This meeting is a testament to the power of local governments working together to achieve better outcomes for our communities," said Mayor Springborg. "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 their commitment to advocating for a more streamlined and efficient cross-border environment that benefits businesses, residents, and the wider community.

Media Release - Goondiwindi Regional Council 

Kelvin Tytherleigh (General Manager, Moree Plains Shire Council), Cr Mark Johnson (Mayor, Moree Plains Shire Council), the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM (Mayor, Goondiwindi Regional Council), Ian Leavers APM (Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner)