Promoting the South Burnett at the LGAQ Conference

Published on 31 October 2025

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Kathy Duff and Councillors travelled to the Gold Coast recently to ensure that the South Burnett had a voice at the Local Government Association of Queensland Conference.

South Burnett brought to the table 13 motions that were dealt with during the course of the Conference.

Mayor Duff said “We were very happy with the outcomes with all except two motions getting up in their original form. One about more funding for another round for a Country University Hub was amended slightly, and one on more equitable distribution for Olympic legacy projects was defeated. However, the next motion from another Council was successful in asking for Olympic infrastructure benefits to be shared across the State.”

Other South Burnett motions that were carried without any wording changes included; clarifying the roles and responsibilities of local government around the operations and maintenance of CCTV cameras; a motion asking for increased community safety programs and policing initiatives including increasing the duration of minimum sentences; and an increase in the number of correctional officers to help to reduce youth crime.

The requirements of the Cultural Heritage Act 2003 to be reviewed to reduce costs to Council and streamline the process, and a fuel subsidy for regions without a regular subsidised system of public transport were also strongly supported.

South Burnett Regional Council called on the State Government to improve the control of the tick line and other biosecurity initiatives including increased funding for weed control on State roads. This had overwhelming support, along with asking for solar and battery storage projects to be included in the State Government’s requirements for community benefit funds and infrastructure agreements.

South Burnett asked for improved mental health services from State and Federal Government with a review of current arrangements and urgently targeting investment into regional, rural, and remote Queensland. They also asked the State Government to partner with local Councils to deliver safe, secure and affordable water with non-competitive dedicated funding for water and wastewater projects.

The Mayor and Councillors also had meetings with the Grants Commission and the Local Government and Water Minister, the Honorable Ann Leahy MP. Mayor Duff said “The Minister was practical and helpful and was looking for affordable and cost-effective solutions. We asked for an increase in our allocation from Boondooma Dam of up to 2000ML for better water quality and security going forward. The State Government is currently doing a total review of water catchments and allocations, so it was perfect timing for the meeting.”

For further information contact Council’s Executive Services team on 1300 789 279, 4189 9100 or email info@sbrc.qld.gov.au.

Cr Deb Dennien, the Honorable Ann Leahy MP, Mayor Kathy Duff

Cr Heit, Cr Sander, Cr Erkens, Mayor Duff, Cr Little and Cr Dennien