November 1, 2025
South Burnett Regional Council took 13 motions to the recent Local Government Association of Queensland Conference at the Gold Coast, with all but two being approved by the other Council representatives present.
“We were very happy with the outcomes with all except two motions getting up in their original form,” Mayor Kathy Duff said.
“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.”
South Burnett motions that were carried without any changes included:
- Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of local government around the operations and maintenance of CCTV cameras
- Seeking 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
- A fuel subsidy for regions without a regular subsidised system of public transport
The SBRC also called on the State Government to improve the control of the tick line and increase funding for weed control on State roads.
Mayor Duff said 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.
The SBRC also asked for improved support for mental health services from both the State and Federal governments with an urgent investment into regional, rural, and remote Queensland.
It 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.
Mayor Duff and councillors also met with the Grants Commission and Local Government and Water Minister Ann Leahy.
“The Minister was practical and helpful and was looking for affordable and cost-effective solutions,” Mayor Duff said.
“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.”
