Public Notices l Media Releases 1 April 2026 edition
Welcome to the April edition of Bottle Tree Connect, the Maranoa Regional Council’s eNewsletter!
In this monthly edition, you can catch up on upcoming events, information around the Councillor Pre-Budget Forums, exciting news from across the region and more.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out on the Maranoa Regional Council Events Calendar, your one-stop destination for everything happening across our vibrant region: maranoa.co/MaranoaEventsCalendar
Budget
With the future in mind, Asset Management Plans are being developed and refined across all of Council’s asset types to help inform the budget not only in this year, but also in forward years.
Council’s Executive Team have been refining a project prioritisation framework so that projects that are put up for budget consideration are ‘scored’ on a similar basis – which takes into account various important criteria.
COUNCIL MEETING SNAPSHOT
Brigalow Discovery Centre
Council approved up to $30,000 to go towards the concept design phase of the proposed Brigalow Discovery Centre, this regional initiative will highlight the unique environmental, agricultural, and cultural values of the Brigalow Belt
This decision backs Council’s role, in continuing to work with industry partners to secure the remaining funding and bring this exciting project to life.
Queensland Fringe Trail
Council is excited to support the Queensland Fringe Trail’s event as part of their inaugural trail.
The Queensland Fringe Trail is a new trail of events by Tom Oliver Productions and incorporates a trail of events from Augathella, Charleville, Roma on 4 August 2026 and Toowoomba.
The trail’s vision is to create a festival that uplifts local artists while providing regional audiences with access to major international acts.
To support this event Council has approved in-kind use of the Roma Cultural Centre and in-principle support for $15,000 in next year’s budget
Womblebank Gap Road Safety Upgrade (Dingo Barrier Grid)
Council approved McCullough Group Pty Ltd as the successful tender for the Womblebank Gap Road Safety Upgrade with the area being upgraded, the section where the dingo barrier grid is located Councillors are pleased to see this important safety upgrade being progressed that includes widening of the road and grid and excavation of the crest, noting there is other work also due to be completed on this important road through other funding sources.
Council received dollar for dollar funding from the Department of Transport and Main Roads for this project which is valued at approximately $750,000.
Big Rig Cafe Management Agreement Big Rig Café
Council is pleased to announce Thiago Ferreira of Happy Batata Café as the successful tenderer to manage and operate the café at The Big Rig
We sincerely thank Beck’s Chopping Board for their valued contribution and service to this much-loved tourist attraction and community meeting place.
We’re excited to see this local favourite continue to thrive under new management and look forward to its next chapter.
Disposal of Council Land - Stage 1A Police
Paddock
Development
Council has approved the disposal of five newly created lifestyle residential lots in Stage 1A of the Police Paddock development on Richardson Lane, Roma, through a tender process.
This project, supported by $10 million from the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund, is progressing well, with final works set for early 2026.
Council’s Wheel-out Wheel-back Service
Maranoa Regional Council is pleased to offer a convenient and supportive service for residents who may need assistance with their wheelie bins
The ‘Wheel-out, Wheel-back’ Service is designed to help residents who are physically unable to place their bins kerbside and do not have anyone else residing at their property who can assist.
Through this service, Council’s waste contractor will: Retrieve your wheelie bin from a safe and accessible location at the front of your property, collect the rubbish, and return the bin to its original location. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for this service.
To obtain an application form or for more information, please contact Council’s Environmental Health and Waste Team on 1300 007 662.
Have you checked out your new community online events calendar?
This is your one-stop destination to discover everything happening across our vibrant region from fun library activities and school holiday programs to arts and cultural events, and so much more.
Community groups, we want to hear from you! Submit your events to the calendar to connect with locals and visitors and gain extra promotion through here - Bottle Tree Connect. Don’t miss out – explore the calendar and start sharing your events today
Let’s celebrate everything that makes the Maranoa such a fantastic place to live, work, and visit!
Regional Swim Clinics provide the Olympic Treatment
Mitchell TRYathlon sees awesome achievements
Under blue skies on Monday, 23 March 2026, the 2026 Mitchell TRYathlon marked a milestone event with fantastic participation, great sportsmanship and a gue appearance from Australian Olympian Cate Campbell OAM.
The event commenced in the Shire Hall with a very special address from Cate, welcoming all Mitchell schools and visitors from Injune, Roma and Wallumbill Afterwards, it was time for goggles, helmets and running shoes as the TRYathlon commenced with the swim, cycle and run segments.
READ MORE
Surat Library ANZAC Trivia Night
Mungallala Library ANZAC Day craft
Roma Library ANZAC Trivia Night
Mitchell Library Poppy Craft
6:00pm8:00pm 23 April
3:00pm 21 April
5:00pm7:00pm 28 April
9:30am11:30am 21 April
Wallumbilla Library Poppy Garden Display During Opening Hours 1 - 16 April
Wallumbilla Library ANZAC Craft Table During Opening Hours 1 - 22 April
Wallumbilla Library Poppy Making 10:00am 8 - 14 April
Join us for a fun and meaningful ANZAC Trivia Night as we come together to remember and celebrate the ANZAC spirit. Test your knowledge, enjoy a great night with friends, and honour courage, mateship, and remembrance
Poppy craft and colouring station available, with take-home information cards provided. Afternoon tea will also be available for participants.
Celebrating 'Straya with questions about Aussie pop-culture: bands & songs, TV & movies, and general knowledge trivia. All ages, BYO snacks
In conjunction with ANZAC Day, we’re hosting a special poppy-making morning tea for adults. Join us for an Anzac and cuppa while we create poppies together
Calling all crocheters and knitters to create and contribute a poppy for display in the Garden for ANZAC Day. Wallumbilla Library has patterns available, and we also welcome poppies made from other materials Please have all contributions in by 16 April
An ANZAC-themed craft table will be available at Wallumbilla Library during opening hours, inviting visitors to create simple commemorative crafts A quiet, reflective activity for all ages to engage with and remember ANZAC Day.
Drop in and make your own paper poppies
Update to Amby’s Waste Transfer Station
UPDATE: DENISE SPENCER AQUATIC CENTRE
Project Update – March 2026
What’s Happened This Month
50m pool
Ramps and stairs constructed
Pool filled for hydrostatic testing, now underway
Grandstand, plant room and Swim Club building works commenced
Filtration system installation progressing
25m Pool, Amenities & Entry Building
Base slab pours commenced
Pool hall roof sheeting installation underway
Myrtha wall panels completed
Backfilling works underway
Plant room construction progressing, including suspended slab for heat pump enclosure
Waterslides, Landscaping & Ancillary Works
Foundation preparation works commenced
Water main connection completed
Retaining wall construction continuing along Feather Street
What’s Next
Over the coming month, works will include:
Completion of residential boundary fencing
Structural steel for amenities and entry building
Pool tile delivery and installation
Continued construction of 50m pool plant room, grandstand and swim club facilities
Installation of 25m pool floor liner and pipework
Waterslide in-ground works
Spotlight: Hydrostatic Testing
A key milestone was reached this month with the commencement of hydrostatic (pressure) testing on the 50m pool The pool has been filled and will remain full for 10 days, with monitoring to confirm structural integrity and watertightness.
Following testing, the pool will be drained to allow final surface preparation and tiling. Council is currently working with local work crews and water truck operators to reuse the water where possible, helping minimise waste.
Apprenticeships that unlock career dreams
April / May 2026
MARANOA & SURROUNDS
50 Years of Easter in the Country
Councillor Pre-Budget Forums
Youth Week
This 5-day event marks 50 years of Easter in the Country celebrations It is a week packed with activities for the whole family so celebrate this milestone in the Maranoa.
1 - 6 April 2026
Across the Maranoa
FIND OUT MORE
Maranoa Regional Councillors are heading across the Maranoa to talk about and hear your input into the budget for the 2026/27 Financial Year.
20 - 22 April 2026
Across the Maranoa
FIND OUT MORE
Maranoa Regional Council is celebrating Youth Week through a range of free and low-cost opportunities to connect, learn new skills and get Youth involved in their community.
1 - 21 April 2026
Across the Maranoa
FIND OUT MORE
ROMA & SURROUNDS
Roma Free Community Exercise Classes
Easter Egg Hunt
Good Friday Gospel Music Concert
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages
Every Monday & Thursday until 21 May
6:30am - 7:30am
Roma Touch Football Fields, Roma
Free
FIND OUT MORE
Hop right into an eggciting & fun morning of Easter egg hunting! Plus more free Easter craft & biscuit decorating activities!
2 April
9:30am - 10:30am
Roma Library
Free
FIND OUT MORE
Join us as we celebrate Easter with our Good Friday Gospel Music Concert.
3 April
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Life Church Roma
Free
FIND OUT MORE
Council is putting on free buses from Roma to our regional pools - this time to Yuleba
10 April
Depart 9:00am, Return 5:00pm
BP Kookas Bus Zone
Free - registrations essential
FIND OUT MORE
Free Bus to Maranoa Pools
Drug Arm Cooking Workshop
Drinks at Dusk
Drug Arm is offering two free workshops learning food recipes & cooking skills
23 April
11:30am - 1:00pm & 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Roma Library and Community Arts Centre
Free - registrations essential.
FIND OUT MORE
Drinks at Dusk is a relaxed and elegant evening bringing women together to connect, unwind and be inspired
24 April
5:30pm
Moorelands Bush Nursery
Paid - bookings essential
FIND OUT MORE
Aussie Trivia Night
Celebrating 'Straya with questions about Aussie pop-culture: bands & songs, TV & movies and general knowledge trivia
28 April
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Roma Library and Community Arts Centre
Free
FIND OUT MORE
Date Claimer: Property Rights Australia Conference
Hear from Property Rights Australia to provide clarity of the new vegetation laws
23 May
FIND OUT MORE
MITCHELL & SURROUNDS
Mitchell Campdraft
Celebrating 25 years, the Mitchell Campdraft marks a proud milestone for one of regional Queensland’s most iconic events.
10 April
6:00am - 4:00pm
Mitchell RSL & Combined Sports Complex
FIND OUT MORE
YULEBA, WALLUMBILLA & SURROUNDS
Free Exercise Classes in Wallumbilla
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages.
Every Monday Afternoon until 18 May
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Wallumbilla Hall
Free
FIND OUT MORE
Gil's Galavant Backyard Ultra Marathon
Come and enjoy an outback camping experience as you run 6 71km loops of the property Run till you can’t
11 April
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Treville Downs, Wallumbilla
Free
FIND OUT MORE
Free Exercise Classes in Surat & Begonia
INJUNE & SURROUNDS
Free Exercise Classes in Injune
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages.
Various times and dates from 2 April - 28 May. Please refer to the link for the specific times for each town Free
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages.
2 April - 28 May
7:00am - 8:00am
Gwydir Laycock Park Free
FIND OUT MORE
Coming up later in the year...
Small Business Month: 1 - 31 May 2026
Volunteers Week: 19 - 25 May 2026
Mitchell Outreach Clinic: 19 June 2026
Do you have an upcoming event you want promoted in the eNewsletter?
Simply reach out the Council’s Corporate Communications team at communications@maranoa.qld.gov.au Terms and conditions apply ADVERTISE
Have a local community group meeting coming up, or had a change of date?
Reach out to communications@maranoa qld gov au to update or add a meeting
Maranoa Moments
Council’s Commitment to You
As a Council, we are dedicated to working with the community to work towards a better tomorrow by being transparent in every area possible.
We are always open to feedback and want to hear from you and keep you in the loop
There are many ways you can have your say and hear what Council is doing: To report or provide feedback on a Council service, you can fill out a Customer Request Form.
Find out what decisions are being made in the Council Chambers by watching the videos online, attending in person OR wait for the Council Snapshots released within 48 hours of the meeting
Stay tuned to Council’s Have Your Say surveys. Attend the next Councillor Catchup sessions
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