Welcome to the second edition of Bottle Tree Connect, the Maranoa Regional Council’s eNewsletter!
In this monthly edition, you can catch up on upcoming events, information around pool updates, events, what happened in the last Council meeting and more.
Make sure to come out to the Mitchell TRYathlon happening on 23 March or come to swim clinics for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet eight-time Olympic medallist Cate Campbell. Have you been to an event, tourist attraction, or just has a great experience that’s worth sharing? Are you a community group wanting to share your events wrap up? Send your story to us by emailing: communications@maranoa.qld.gov.au for the chance to be featured in the next eNewsletter edition.
The Maranoa Regional Council is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Online Events Calendar – your one-stop destination for everything happening across our vibrant region!
Accessible now via Council’s website, this calendar is the guide to what’s on in the Maranoa. From fun-filled activities at our libraries to exciting school holiday programs, arts and cultural events, and so much more – it is the place to find out what’s happening in your community.
But that’s not all – we’re calling on community groups to get involved! This is your chance to showcase your upcoming events and connect with locals and visitors alike. By submitting your events to the calendar, you’ll also gain extra promotion through Bottle Tree Connect (in line with the Events Calendar Terms and Conditions).
Rebuilding relationships is key to getting our fair share for the Maranoa
Last month Mayor Wendy Taylor and I were in Brisbane meeting with Queensland Government Ministers to ensure Maranoa’s priorities are clearly positioned to support strong State–local government partnerships.
This term we are committed to rebuilding key relationships across both the State & Commonwealth Governments along with industry stakeholders more broadly. Together true partnerships can achieve what our region needs to grow and prosper.
The deputations provided an opportunity to advocate for upcoming initiatives while also updating the Government on major projects already underway, including the upgrade of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre and delivery of the Police Paddock Residential Subdivision. Two key projects that would not have happened without real partners.
Discussions during our visit included regional air services and the preliminary results from our regional survey, housing, economic and manufacturing opportunities, Olympic legacy infrastructure, tourism initiatives, the impact the bat colony has on Surat each year and identifying funding pathways to progress these high priority community projects and issues.
For me these discussions are about real issues that affect our community — affordable
airfares are hurting our community now, housing availability is a critical issue that we need support to fix and key projects like Hobson Place in Mitchell will need financial support from the state government if we are to make it a reality sooner.
There is more work to be done, and I look forward to sharing the outcomes in months ahead as we continue to work to build a stronger future for all our communities across the Maranoa.
The truth is relationships take time, energy and commitment and I am pleased this Council is focused on getting this right.
Please reach out if there is anything I can help you with.
Deputy Mayor
Are you curious to find out what happened in the latest Ordinary Council meeting that happened on Thursday, 26 February 2026?
The snapshot is out now on Council’s website, providing you a summary of the key topics discussed and what the outcomes were.
Click the image to view the Council Meeting.
Audit & Risk Committee Meeting Report
Council received an update from the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 8 December 2025.
Key topics included: Progress on overdue policies and asset management strategies, risk management framework updates, upcoming tender for internal audit services and progress on overdue asset capitalisation processes.
Events Assistance Program – Round 1 of 2026
Council approved $28,000 in funding for seven local events. Supporting local events helps bring our community together and showcase our region’s vibrancy!
Roma Saleyards Improvement Projects
Council awarded a tender to CJH Construction for key upgrades at the Roma Saleyards. The works include replacing ramps, walkways, and shade cloth and removing the Old Bull Ring to make way for improvements.
Bassett Park Roma – Jockey Room Upgrades (Stage 2)
Council awarded the tender for Stage 2 of the Bassett Park upgrades to Brett Cherry Builders. This project will focus on upgrading balustrading and handrails to meet Queensland standards, implementing design enhancements for safety and visual appeal.
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
The Roma Saleyards can once again be solidified as the marketplace of choice with today’s sale seeing cattle be consigned from many areas from across the country.
The full Roma Saleyards market report and breakdown is available on the Roma Saleyards website.
Santos’ $1 Million Commitment to Enhance Wellbeing & Community
Maranoa Regional Council has thanked Santos for its one-million-dollar contribution towards the redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre in Roma.
The funding will support the construction of an inclusive state-of-the-art aquatic facility, which will benefit the broader Maranoa region for years to come.
In honour of Harmony Week, we’d love to hear about your favourite food or recipe and why it’s special to you. We’ll compile the recipes and stories into a book for everyone to enjoy and launch it at a shared morning tea on Thursday, 19 March.
Bring along a dish of your favourite food to share - drinks provided. Everyone is welcome, especially newcomers to our community.
We’ll be collecting your stories until Friday, 13 March and ask that you RSVP for the morning tea by the same date.
From Monday, 16 March to Saturday, 21 March, Maranoa Libraries will have three Harmony Week Take-Home Kits including:
• Grains of Connection: explore rice and grains from around the world
• Breaking Bread: discover the traditions of bread across cultures
• Stories Steeped in Tea: enjoy tea as a global symbol of connection
More sizzling-great times ahead at Yuleba Yuleba’s Garth Cox Park will continue to provide more great times ahead with the recent upgrades to the barbeque facility.
While the barbecue replacement had originally been scheduled for the 2026/27 financial year, increasing public demand and high usage of the ageing facility prompted an earlier upgrade.
The decision ensures the space continues to meet community needs with the newly installed barbecue having disability-access features, providing an inclusive cooking and gathering space for everyone.
The original structure has not been removed but will be repurposed into a stainless-steel bench area, expanding preparation space for the general public.
READ MORE
Updates to Jackson and Yuleba Waste Transfer Stations
In other news, the Queensland Government Digital Access team will be heading to the Surat Library on Tuesday, 10 March from 9:30am to 12:30pm offering face-to-face support to help residents access a range of Queensland Government online services including Queensland Government Grants Finder, Disaster Preparedness, Apply Online, Online Payments, and Queensland Digital Licence.
Maranoa Regional Council is pleased to notify residents that the updates to the Jackson and Yuleba Waste Transfer Stations have been completed and the facilities are open for use.
READ MORE
Autumn 1080 Baiting Campaign happening soon
Maranoa Regional Council would like advise residents and landowners wishing to participate in the Autumn 1080 Baiting Campaign that they will need to complete bait order forms prior to the campaign, which will be held from Monday, 20 April to Friday, 8 May.
READ MORE
Wall of Fame
Do you know of an outstanding athlete, who is a current or past resident of the Maranoa Regional Council area and has represented Australia in their chosen sport?
If so, you can nominate them to be inducted onto Maranoa’s highly revered sporting honour board, the Maranoa Wall of Fame.
To learn more about nominating an athlete, click the button below.
READ MORE
Don’t forget, community champions!
Council’s Community Grants Program is open for applications - but time is running out!
Are you part of a community or not-for-profit group?
This is your chance to secure funding for your amazing activities, projects, and events!
READ MORE
2026 Harmony Week is just around the corner
Harmony Week 2026 will be another phenomenal week of cultural pride and awareness across the region with celebrations, performances, activities and exotic foods.
This week will include:
• Harmony Day grand celebration: Sunday, 22 March from 3:00pm – 8:00pm at Bassett Park Roma
• Free Library Kits (Find out more in the Library Corner section on the previous page)
• A Taste of Harmony: savour international dishes at participating restaurants, pubs and cafes across the region from Monday, 16 March to Sunday, 22 March.
READ MORE
Project Update – February 2026
What’s Happened This Month
50m Pool
• 50m pool walls poured
• Grandstand backfilling commenced
Amenities Building
• Continued installation of building services
• Continued footing construction
• Retaining wall blockwork progressing 25m Pool
• Installation of Myrtha wall panels
• Pool hall structural framework installation commenced
Waterslides
• Cut and fill works for the waterslide and surrounding grassed areas completed
What’s Next
Over the coming month, activity onsite will include:
• Construction of the 50m pool ramps and stairs
• Commencement of 50m pool grandstand, plant room and Swim Club room works
• Completion of the 25m pool Myrtha panel installation
• Backfilling surrounding the 25m pool
• Commencement of amenities building and pool hall base slabs
• Commencement of waterslide footings and foundations
• Commencement of boundary fencing work
Spotlight Moment - Regional Pool Buses are Back!
Council is pleased to again provide bus services for Roma residents to visit regional pool facilities prior to the close of the swimming season.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to visit one of our regional pools and support neighbouring communities. Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.
Regional pools will close for the season in early April — so don’t miss your chance to dive in before they wrap up for summer!
Bus bookings are essential and can be made via the following link: maranoa.co/MaranoasFreePoolBusDays
50 Years of Easter in the Country
One of Maranoa’s top calendar events of the year, Easter in the Country will hop-off from 1 - 6 April 2026.
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.
March / April
ROMA & SURROUNDS
Zonta Club of Roma’s International Women’s Day Breakfast
Kirsten Albeck Memorial 9’s Day
At this breakfast you will hear from guest speakers Detective Senior Constable Nat Bennett, member of the QPS and also proprietor of Nat Benn Photography.
6 March 2026
6:30am for a 7:00am start
The Roma Gun Club
Sold out FIND OUT
Come along, support and enjoy this key event marked on the rugby calendar.
7 March 2026
Roma
Free Bus to Maranoa Pools
Petals & Pinot Paint & Sip
Council is putting on free buses from Roma to our regional pools!
7 March - 10 April 2026
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Across the Maranoa
Free
Get set Roma for It’s ARTrageous!
7 March 2026
5:30pm
Roma Butter Factory
$99
Roma Australian Enduro Championship 2026
Nourish and Move
Roma will kick off the grand 2026 Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship.
7 - 8 March 2026
Emoh Ruo Road, Euthulla
This is for 65+ years old looking to boost your confidence, stay active, and learn easy nutrition tips for everyday life
10 March 2026
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Roma Library Community Lounge
Free - registration essential
