Public Notices l Media Releases 6 May 2026 edition
Welcome to the May edition of Bottle Tree Connect, Maranoa Regional Council’s community eNewsletter!
In this monthly edition, you can catch up on some of the things that’s been happening across the region, Southwest Queensland’s new Fuel Tracker, Volunteers Week 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
May marks the beginning of Queensland Business Month an important opportun recognise and celebrate the vital role sma businesses play across the Maranoa This y theme, “Future Ready,” highlights the importance of innovation, adaptability an forward-thinking in building strong, susta businesses
As Portfolio for Local Business, I want to acknowledge the incredible contribution local businesses make every day. Small businesses are the backbone of our region are the early mornings and late nights, th familiar faces behind the counter, and the people who consistently go the extra mile keep our communities thriving.
To every small business owner across the Maranoa, thank you. Thank you for choo invest in our region, for supporting local families, and for helping to create jobs an opportunities that keep our towns strong and connected.
While Small Business Month is a time to celebrate, it also serves as an important reminder Supporting local business should not be limited to one month of the year. Every time we choose to shop locally, visit a café, or engage a local service, we are making a meaningful contribution to the strength and resilience of our community
We know that with the rising cost of living, supporting local doesn’t always look the same for everyone and that’s okay. Every bit of support, no matter how small, truly matters. Even taking a moment to like a post, leave a kind comment, share a business with friends, or follow them online can make a real difference. A positive review or a simple shout-out helps spread the word and shows our local businesses that their community is behind them.
As part of this year’s event the Business Excellence Program will host an AI workshop, “AI Made Simple: Smart Tools for Smarter Business,” on 15 May, followed by a networking lunch.
COUNCIL MEETING SNAPSHOT
Community Book Exchange
The Community Book Exchange program is a small-scale initiative designed to encourage reading, reuse of materials and informal community connection The program involves the installation of publicly accessible book exchange boxes where community members can take a book or leave a book for others to enjoy.
High Level Route Assessment | Big Rig to Lake Neverfill Shared Pathway
One of the priorities for Council this term is to improve our pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, including footpath and shared pathways, between key recreation and tourism destinations across Roma. The decision to further progress this project gives in principle support for a pathway that connects The Big Rig to Lake Never-fill and directly aligns with Council’s broader Walking Network, our Corporate Plan through to 2028, and our goal of further enhancing our liveability.
Funding from the Works for Queensland Program has enabled Council to undertake a high-level route assessment to investigate options for this shared pathway alignment between these two community assists.
2026-2027 Council Fees and Charges
As part of Council’s annual budget process, we take a close look at all our fees and charges to make sure they remain fair, transparent, and aligned with the needs of our community
For the 2026–2027 financial year, these fees and charges have been carefully reviewed and adjusted where necessary This work has been done in collaboration with Council officers, management, and fellow Councillors to ensure a balanced and responsible approach. The updated fees and charges are proposed to come into effect from the 1st of July 2026 and we remain committed to delivering value for our community while maintaining the services and infrastructure that our residents rely on every day.
Applications through Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) Program 2025/2026
Council approved a RADF Grant for the Wallumbilla Agriculture & Pastoral Association to hold their Quirky Garden Art workshop with Raelene Bock during the Wallumbilla Show. Throughout the workshops, Raelene guided participants through creative processes, building their skills and confidence in metal art while demonstrating how everyday materials found within the local community can be repurposed into unique pieces
NEWS FOR OUR RESIDENTS THIS WEEK AT THE ROMA SALEYARDS
May is Small Business Month
Here in the Maranoa small business isn't just important, it's essential.
To celebrate Small Business Month 2026, the Business Excellence Program and Roma Comme and Tourism (RCAT) will be hosting the AI Mad Simple: Smart Tools for Smarter Business works You’re already using AI. Or you’re watching everyone else use it and wondering if you’re fa behind Either way, this workshop is for you Tracy Sheen CSP is coming to Roma for a hands practical AI workshop.
No jargon No overwhelm Just two and a half hours of real, practical work and you’ll leave with an AI setup that actually fits the way you work.
Pet Registrations issued
Council’s Waste Collection Service
Maranoa Regional Council provides a weekly residential waste collection service to help keep our towns clean and tidy.
This service is available for domestic waste in all designated town areas across the Maranoa region
To ensure your bin is collected, please follow these guidelines:
Place your bin on the kerbside prior to 5:00am on your designated collection day. Ensure the bin faces the road, with the handles facing your property.
Position the bin no more than 1 metre from the kerb
If you have multiple bins, ensure they are spaced at least 30 centimetres apart.
Bins awaiting collection must not block footpaths or driveways They should be placed clear of parked cars, trees, and poles to allow unobstructed access for the contractor’s collection vehicle
To assist with efficient collection and minimise litter, please ensure all rubbish is securely bagged before placing it in the bin.
New Baiting Program
After your bin has been collected, please return it to your property as soon as possible
To view the waste bin collection map and information about the collection for specific days, please click on the ‘Find out More’ button below For further information, please contact Council’s Environmental Health and Waste Team on 1300 007 662
Enjoying a Fire on a Chilly E and Neighbour-Friendly!
Check the weather: Avoid lighting a fire on windy or unfavourable w Don’t burn hazardous m paints, chemicals, or oth substances. Avoid wet or green vege create excessive smoke a burning.
Residents
Forums
have their say at the Councillor
It was a big three days for our Maranoa Regional Councillors and staff as they travelled across the region to meet with residents before the adoption of the 2026/27 budget. Around 60 residents took the opportunity to attend the Pre-Budget Forums to ask questions of Councillors and the Executive Team about budget preparations and to have their say on key priorities in local towns and the broader region. These sessions continued Council’s promise to be open and transparent as they strengthen financial sustainability and investment in essential services and infrastructure.
If you were unable to attend any of the forums and would like to provide feedback or have a matter you’d like to raise for further investigation and response, you can lodge a Customer Request: maranoa.co/MRCCustomerRequest; alternatively call Council on 1300 007 662
Pictured: Maranoa Regional Councillors at one of the regional Pre-Budget Forums
UPDATE: DENISE SPENCER AQUATIC CENTRE
Project Update – April 2026
What’s Happened This Month
50m Pool
Hydrostatic testing completed, with pool drained, cleaned and backfilled
Filtration systems installed and undergoing testing
Pool tiling underway
Grandstand footings and surrounding stormwater works completed
25m Pool, Amenities & Entry Building
Flooring slabs poured and structural steel installed for amenities and multipurpose areas
Front-of-house building progressing through footings, slab and structural steel
25m pool internal works, including wall tiles, liner and pipework completed
Waterslides, Toddlers Pool & Splash Pad
Waterslide in-ground works
Excavation & blinding of Toddlers Pool base
What’s Next
Over the coming month, works will include:
Continuation of 50m pool tiling, grandstand, plant room and Swim Club construction
25m pool filtration works, plantroom framing, roofing & internal works
Commencement of lightweight steel
framing within the amenities and multipurpose room
Toddler pool & plant room
construction
Waterslide foundation works
Planning a Fundraiser? Don’t Forget Your Street Stall Permit!
READ MORE
MARANOA MOMENTS
Thank You
I would like to thank Heather and Lillie from the library and any other staff that helped with patterns, selling poppies and the Anzac Biscuits that Lillie made for the workshopthey were all a wonderful help I decided to knit poppies and sell them for the Booringa Wing at the hospital I sat at the door of the Health Expo and it was a wonderful help with all the sales. We made $205 dollars in sales and was given a $15 donation so in all we made $220 total. It was a wonderful effort and I want to say thank you to everyone for their support and also Kylie from Vital Health who sold some at her work place in Roma. It is wonderful that we could do something to help our residents at the Booringa wing and long stay patients at the hospital which is their home.
Thanking you, Ruby Waldron.
Mitchell Bowls Club News
A wonderful time was had by all at the Mitchell Bowls Club on 3 May, as we played our role in 'The 150 year Mitchell State School Reunion Celebrations'.
The social atmosphere was fantastic. The bowlers and supporters created the atmosphere. The sounds of fun and laughter rang out across 'The Green'. Returned ‘Mitchell-ites’, reminisced over the old times, school days and family life that only occur in a small town. We had two sessions of bowls, and our bowls prizes were generously donated by our local businesses.
The First Session was won by 'The Lemon Team': Allen, Angela, Rachel, and Digger. Lucky Loser: Doug Mitchell.
The Second Session was won by 'The Newton Team': Boots, Priddle, and Robert. Lucky Losers: Christina, Greg, Adam. Prizes were donated by:
Booringa Electrical; Kaitlyn, and Ryan. Mitchell Post Office; Donna, and Phil.
Mitchell Hardware; Berna, and Josh. Allen Lemon Family. Containers for Change; Adrienne, and Robin.
Alt Fusion; Tilly, and Kel.
Mitchell News and Casket; Kelly, and Jeffo.
Mitchell Pharmacy Samios; Vicki, and Bruce.
Many thanks again to our local businesses, for their support. Mitchell Bowls Club
Maranoa Moments
May / June 2026
MARANOA & SURROUNDS
Small Business Month
Volunteers Week
ROMA & SURROUNDS
You’re already using AI Or you’re watching everyone else use it and wondering if you’re falling behind. Either way, this workshop is for you.
Dates: 15 May 2026
Location: Roma
Cost: Prices vary
FIND OUT MORE
Council will be hosting a series of complimentary events in Surat, Wallumbilla, Injune, Mitchell and Roma
Dates: 18 - 24 May 2026
Location: Across the Maranoa
FIND OUT MORE
Roma Free Community Exercise Classes
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages
Dates: 7, 11, 14, 18 & 21 May
Time: 6:30am - 7:30am
Location: Roma Touch Football Fields
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
First 5 Forever - Baby Hour
Women of the West Roma Dinner
2026 Roma Show Men's Breakfast
Join us in the Roma library with informal self-led sensory playtime This session specifically is recommended ages 0-1.
Date: 7 May
Time: 9:30am - 11:00am
Location: Roma Library
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Enjoy a delicious dinner, hear from inspiring guest speakers, and come together to support the mental health and wellbeing of rural women.
Date: 7 May
Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Basset Park, Roma
Cost: Paid - bookings essential
SOLD OUT
Start your day at the Roma Show with a hearty breakfast and great company at the popular Men’s Breakfast.
Date: 8 May
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Member’s Bar, Basset Park, Roma
Cost: Paid - registrations essential.
SOLD OUT
First 5 Forever - Story Time
Pull up a comfy cushion as we read a few tales of fun & adventure
Date: 14 May
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Roma Library
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Neighbourhood Centre Queensland Day - Roma
Come celebrate the positive impact our neighbourhood centre has in our community.
Date: 14 May
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Roma Neighbourhood Centre
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Farm Business Resilience Program
National Families Week
Free BreastScreen Visit: Roma
Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to equip producers with practical tools and strategies for farm planning.
Date: 15 May
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Location: Muckadilla Hall
FIND OUT MORE
Come enjoy kids activities, arts and crafts, bubble play, local performers, service providers information, raffle prizes and free sausage sizzle
Date: 16 May
Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Roma Skate Park
FIND OUT MORE
A breast screen takes just 15 minutes and it could save your life!
Dates: 21 May - 26 June
Cost: Free - bookings essential
FIND OUT MORE
Date Claimer: Property Rights Australia Conference
Hear from Property Rights Australia to provide clarity of the new vegetation laws.
Date: 23 May
FIND OUT MORE
Eskies & Opera 2026
Eskies & Opera is a bespoke live music event held at the picturesque Moorelands Bush Nursery
Date: 23 May
Time: 11:00am - 4:30pm
Location: Moorelands Bush Nursery
Cost: Paid - bookings required
FIND OUT MORE
Just a South West Farmer Workshop
This practical workshop is designed for those working across the agricultural sector who may find themselves in an “accidental counsellor” role.
Date: 29 May
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Roma Saleyards
Cost: Free - registrations essential
FIND OUT MORE
d Greet
An inclusive community event designed to celebrate cultural diversity and foster connections among people from various backgrounds
Date: 30 May
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: BBQ Shed, Big Rig, Roma
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Learn about options available to support your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) journey.
Date: 8 - 9 June
Location: Country Universities Centre, Maranoa
FIND OUT MORE
Roma Butter Factory Motors and Markets
Come along for a morning of Vehicle and Machinery Displays, Shearing Demonstration
Museum Open, Food & Drink and Markets
Date: 14 June
Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm
FIND OUT MORE
Roma Mental Health First Aid Course with RFDS & TRACC
MITCHELL & SURROUNDS
Fractured Fairy Tales
Delivered by RFDS in partnership with South West Hospital and Health Service TRACC program.
Dates: 22-23 June, 24-25 June, 26 June
Cost: Free - bookings essential
FIND OUT MORE
Classic stories have tipped higgledy-piggledy and favourite characters are all in a muddle.
Date: 8 May
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Mitchell Shire Hall
Cost: Free - registration essential
FIND OUT MORE
Mitchell Show
Mitchell Outreach Clinics
From thrilling ring events to captivating exhibits, every year brings new memories and stories to cherish.
Dates: 11 - 12 May
Location: Mitchell Showgrounds
FIND OUT MORE
True Relationships and Reproductive Health offer reproductive & sexual health services to all clients at no cost
Date: 19 June
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Mitchell Medical Practice
Cost: Free
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.
Date: 11 & 18 May
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Wallumbilla Hall
Cost: Free - no bookings required
FIND OUT MORE
This performance blends beloved operatic classics with toe-tapping sing-alongs, bringing audiences together with the magic of music
Date: 13 May
Time: 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start
Location: Wallumbilla Hall
Cost: Paid - meals avaliable for pre-order
FIND OUT MORE
SURAT & SURROUNDS
Free Exercise Classes in Begonia
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages.
Date: 6, 13, 20 & 27 May, 3 June
Time: 3:45pm - 4:45pm
Location: Begonia Sports Club
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Bushfire Preparedness and Disaster Resilience Workshop
INJUNE & SURROUNDS
Free Exercise Classes in Injune
The workshop offers tailored fire management planning, expert advice and practical strategies to reduce bushfire risks and protect critical assets and livestock
Date: 19 May
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Location: Surat New Royal Hotel
Cost: Free
REGISTRATIONS
These classes are a great way to stay active, and they are available to all ages.
Date: 6, 13 & 20 May
Time: 7:00am - 8:00am
Location: Gwydir Laycock Park
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Bushfire Preparedness and Disaster Resilience Workshop
The workshop offers tailored fire management planning, expert advice and practical strategies to reduce bushfire risks and protect critical assets and livestock.
Date: 13 May
Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm
Location: Injune Memorial Hall
Cost: Free
A breast screen takes just 15 minutes and it could
Date: 18 - 20 May
Cost: Free - bookings essential
Simply reach out the Council s Corporate Communications team at communications@maranoa.qld.gov.au Terms and conditions apply.
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.
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
Copyright (C) 2026 Maranoa Regional Council. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: 57 Bungil Street, Roma QLD 4455
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