Public Notices l Media Releases 1 July 2026 edition
Welcome to the July 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 including the winter school holiday program, official opening date for the Roma Denise Aquatic Centre, tourism recognition, budget, 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 CONTINUED
services, Council has worked hard to manage its operating costs. Next year’s expenditure will remain broadly in line with the 2025/26 Budget, ensuring continued delivery of essential services and projects.
This year, Council has been able to limit rate increases to:
A 3.5% increase for residential and rural ratepayers
A 5% increase for commercial and industrial ratepayers.
A 10% increase for energy sector ratepayers.
Mayor Taylor said Council had worked hard to minimise the impact of rising costs on ratepayers while ensuring services could continue to be delivered
"Like households and businesses, councils are facing increasing costs for materials, fuel, construction, insurance, and day-to-day operations.
OPERATIONAL PLAN
CORPORATE PLAN
Welcome to my Councillor update
Council has had a very busy few months, with visits from State Ministers, deputations, meetings and loads of community engageme As mentioned last month by Councillor Vince one major highlight for me has been my first LGAQ (Local Government Association of Queensland) Bush Council Convention in Longreach, where rural councils, state ministe and Director-Generals came together to discu key issues, take part in information sessions a connect locally
One item discussed was an initiative from the South West QLD Regional Organisation of Councils, of which Maranoa Regional Council a member, to advocate for a community protection mutual fund This has come about because residents and businesses across all six councils continue to face skyrocketing insurance premiums and reduced coverage due to flood risk. If successful, the fund would help provide more affordable insurance by bypassing major insurers and focusing on affordability rather than profit.
Another standout was the presentation and advocacy piece from Dr Rolf Gomes, founder of Heart of Australia It is an amazing story of how an idea from one person started such an essential and amazing health support initiative to rural communities across QLD and greater Australia. Their fully equipped mobile clinics have saved patients more than 54 million travel kms by providing direct access to medical specialists for those communities who are most at risk for chronic disease. I highly recommend looking up their story and supporting them. The Council team and councillors have worked incredibly hard developing the 2026/27 budget, policies and plans The budget was adopted on 25 June at a special meeting with unanimous support from all nine councillors — the first time in several council terms. For me, it is a budget that balances equitable rate rises to support Council’s financial stability, while maintaining our level of service and continuing to invest across our region. Over the next 12 months, there will be a strong focus on maintaining and improving existing assets.
While major projects such as the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre are set for completion, there will also be investment into liveability projects and upgrades, including local playgrounds in regional communities, rural road maintenance and new bitumen on roads such as Browns Lane in Roma. There are also exciting additions, including repurposing an existing Council asset in Yuleba to create a gym for the wider community to use. Jump onto Council’s website to see the full 2026/27 budget. This month, I had the pleasure of attending a hands-on Wild Dog Trapping information session and demonstration in Wallumbilla, one of several sessions delivered across the region by Council’s Rural Lands team. It was very well attended and included practical demonstrations on the use of traps, scents and lures for effective wild dog control Information was also shared on Council baiting programs and trapping of the elusive Indian Myna birds, which are becoming a major pest and threat to native birds throughout the region Until next month, stay safe, keep warm and enjoy the school holidays
Your Councillor
Brendan Seawright
COUNCIL MEETING SNAPSHOT
Are you curious to find out what happened in the latest Budget and Ordinary Council Meeting that happened on Thursday, 25 June 2026?
The snapshot is out now on Council’s website and below, providing you a summary of the key topics discussed and what the outcomes were
Click the image to view the Council Meeting Budget Meeting
Budget Overview + Big Rig to Lake Neverfill Shared Pathway
Council has adopted the 2026/2027 Budget during the Special Budget Meeting. Preparing Council’s annual budget is always a big task, as it sets the direction for the next 12 months
This year’s budget strongly focuses on maintaining financial stability, investing in our community and reflects on our commitment to responsibly manage Council finances with fairness and long-term planning
Next year’s expenditure will remain largely in line with the 2025/26 Budget, ensuring we can continue delivering essential services and projects
This year, Council has been able to limit rate increases to:
A 3.5% increase for residential and rural ratepayers.
A 5% increase for commercial and industrial ratepayers.
A 10% increase for energy sector ratepayers. What does this mean for our residents? Importantly, almost 6,000 ratepayers around 90 per cent of all rate assessments across the region will receive an increase below the current CPI. Across the main rating categories, this means the average annual general rate increase will be around $34 for residential properties, $156 for commercial properties, and $183 for rural properties. One exciting initiative is the $100,000 allocated for the design of the Big Rig to Lake Neverfill Shared Pathway. This funding progresses the design work for a shared pathway connecting the Big Rig to the Lake Neverfill and the Campbell Park precinct
Not only will this project improve walking and cycling connectivity it will support active transport, visitor movement and stronger links between our public spaces
Plant Replacement Program 2026/27
As part of Council’s commitment to looking after our assets, $6,453,000 from the 2026/27 Budget will go towards the plant replacement program. Looking after the equipment we use every day is just as important as building new infrastructure. This investment will allow Council to replace older plant and equipment, ensuring our fleet remains safe, reliable and ready to support the delivery of services across the region.
Mitchell War Memorial Swimming Pool
The Mitchell War Memorial Pool will see an injection of funding in the 2026/27 Financial Year, with $180,000 allocated to upgrade the change rooms and kiosk. This project will provide much needed repairs and improve the overall facility for both our local community and those visiting Mitchell
Nason Park Upgrades
Excitingly a significant investment for the Surat community has been committed to in this year's budget, with Council committing $500,000 towards a priority project from the Nason Park and Surat Recreation Grounds Master Plan The project has been strongly advocated for by the community and truly represents an important step in enhancing local recreation and liveability.
Browns Lane
As part of Council’s ongoing work to improve our region’s Road, Drainage, and Bridge Network, Browns Lane, between McDowell and Russell Streets in Roma, will receive a bitumen seal upgrade, along with kerb and channel works With $160,000 allocated in the 2026/2027 budget, this project will help improve access and make for a safer road for residents well into the future
Injune Gwydir Laycock
Following the recent adoption of the Gwydir Laycock Park Master Plan, the 2026/27 Budget marks the first stage of delivering that longterm vision for the park. Council has allocated $700,000 towards the first stage of improvements, including a co-contribution under the Games On! Program for the community-led BMX Pump Track. These projects will create more opportunities for children, young people and families to get outdoors, be active and enjoy one of Injune's most important community spaces.
Senior Citizens Building Airconditioning Upgrade
The Roma Senior Citizens Building is set for some much needed upgrades in the 2026/27 financial year with air conditioning on its way. With $150,000 allocated in the budget for this project, we are confident the improvements will make the space much more comfortable for our residents and the community groups that use this space each and every week - particularly over summer and winter
Big Rig Playground Fencing
Thanks to feedback and advocacy from the community, $22,000 has been set aside in the 2026/27 budget to install fencing around the Big Rig Playground. This will help make the area safer and more secure for our youngest community members, while also giving parents greater peace of mind. As a popular hub for local families, this upgrade will make the playground even more enjoyable and userfriendly for everyone.
Dog Park Updates
The Roma Dog Park will receive further investment with the installation of agility equipment including hoops, a balance beam, a tunnel and other interactive features. Council has listened to our community and their desire to see further investment into our regions liveability and this new equipment will complement the recently installed turf and create an even better space for residents and man’s best friend to enjoy
Yuleba Community Gym
The Yuleba community is about to gain an exciting new space for wellbeing, health, and recreation with the transformation of the Blue Light Shed into a community gym
Backed by $130,000 from the 2026–27 budget the gym will include upgrades to the internal space, new gym equipment, flooring, lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning By breathing new life into this facility, Council aims to create a modern, accessible fitness space for all to use.
Also as part of our ongoing commitment to providing safe and enjoyable recreational spaces for the families in the Maranoa, we are thrilled to announce the upgrade of the Wallumbilla Playground. To modernise this much-loved facility and ensure it remains a fun and vibrant space for our little ones for years to come, Council has committed $300,000 in this year’s budget. The funding is allocated across the Wallumbilla and Muckadilla communities to support this exciting project and a similar initiative in Muckadilla.
Thank you to our community for your support, and we look forward to bringing these exciting projects to life
Ordinary Meeting
Disaster Recovery Funding
At the Ordinary Council meeting, we opposed proposed changes to disaster recovery funding that would reduce the Australian Government's contribution for Queensland This is a bad deal for regional Queensland, and it's a bad deal for the Maranoa When floods cut our roads or damage our infrastructure, our communities rely on all levels of government working together to help us recover.
These proposed changes won't reduce the damage caused by disasters they'll simply reduce what Australian Government is contributing. That's why, together with councils across Queensland and the Local Government Association of Queensland, we'll continue calling on the Australian Government to abandon these changes. We need to be strengthen disaster recovery…not weaken it.
THIS WEEK AT THE ROMA SALEYARDS
FOR OUR RESIDENTS
Roma-Bungil Cultural Community Centre reopens following major upgrades
The Roma-Bungil Cultural Community Centre has reopened following the completion of major upgrades
The project included replacing the building's ageing evaporative cooling system with a modern reversecycle air-conditioning system, delivering a more comfortable and reliable environment for patrons throughout the year.
The works build on improvements completed earlier this year to provide safer and easier access to the sound and lighting control room.
Upgrades for the Waste Transfer Stations
Residents are informed that the upgraded Waste Transfer Stations in Injune, Mitchell, Surat & Wallumbilla will be ready for use from 1 July 2026 Here’s a quick overview of what’s new:
Ramps installed for waste disposal into bins. Dedicated bays for green waste and scrap metal. No domestic waste on the ground – all waste must go into the bins or designated bays. New Conditions of Entry and waste acceptance rules
Facilities are under 24/7 monitoring for safety and compliance.
New operating hours: 7:00am to 5:30pm, 7 days a week (coming soon). With the transition to Waste Transfer Stations, commercial customers will be required to register their business and vehicle details in order to dispose of commercial waste at these facilities, as per State Legislation Forms to do so are available on the Council website. Updates from Council will be made regarding the implementation of this process.
Reminder: Bin Collection Day Change
Desexing Vouchers Avaliable
100 x $150 desexing vouchers up for grabs
With each voucher valued at $150 each, now is the time to be a responsible cat and dog owner by getting your pet desexed. Vouchers are limited – don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity and get in quick. There is limit of one voucher per household, vouchers are redeemable at Maranoa Veterinary Surgery and Roma Vet Clinic and must be used by Thursday, 31 December 2026.
To apply or learn more, contact Council’s Community Safety Team on 1300 007 662 or click the button below. My Pet. My Responsibility.
Now
Have Your Say: Biosecurity Management Plan
School holidays cooling up
School kids and teenagers right across the Maranoa are having a blast thanks to Council’s Winter School Holiday program.
Already there has been Fluro Painting Workshops (which will be featured in an upcoming art exhibition), STORM Co hangouts, Nostalgia Night, and more.
The program is still warming up with even bigger and better events coming up including the highly anticipated discos, Ninga Courses, Paint-and-Sips, and much more.
Get the most out of your school holidays by checking out the full program on Council’s website by clicking the button below.
READ MORE
School kids having fun at the Fluro Painting Workshops during the 2026 Winter School Holiday program
Pet Registrations Now Overdue
Registrations were due yesterday, 30 June 2026
If you haven’t already, pay your cat and dog registrations to avoid potential fines
A secure online payment portal is available allowing registration payments to be made with a credit card
Other options include:
Online via BPay
By phone – call 1300 007 662
By mail – PO Box 620, Roma Qld 4455
By visiting a Council Customer Service Centre
Registration isn't just about helping lost pets find their way home, it's also a legal requirement under Queensland law. If your cat or dog is not currently registered with Council, now is the time to act.
Significant fines may apply if your pet is found to b unregistered.
Thank you for helping us make the Maranoa a pet and people-friendly place to live.
New BBQ to heat up some good times in Surat
Winter in Surat just got better thanks to a newly installed barbeque at Nason Park
Located in front of the playground, the barbeque improves the community facility as a space to hold picnics, lunches, birthday parties and celebrations
The decision was endorsed in the 11 December 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting as part of the Nason Park Fencing Capital Works Project.
This builds on Nason Parks usability, as it now features a playground, tennis courts, barbeque, skate park, toilets, seating area, basketball court, football field, a shared shed, a flying fox and a pathway
A shelter will be added over this BBQ at a later stage.
READ MORE
Maranoa Takes Home Tourism Wins
Maranoa Regional Council is excited to announce that a number of Council and local tourism locations or providers have been recognised in the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Program for their exceptional offerings to the tourism industry. Amongst some of Queensland’s best, three of The Big Rig’s tourism attractions have been awarded Teal tier recognition in the 2026 Program. The victorious attractions were A Day and Night at The Big Rig, The Big Rig Tower & Tree Walk and Oil Patch Museum and The Big Rig Night Show. Furthermore, the Roma Saleyards Val Harms Interactive Centre was also awarded Teal tier recognition.
READ MORE
Year 4 Students Steps It Up Councillor-Style
It was quite the lively discussion as 64 Year 4 Roma St Johns school students headed to the Maranoa Regional Council chambers to debate on some important topics
During this mock meeting held on 15 June 2026, students took to the roles of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, and Minute Taker. Mayor Wendy Taylor said it’s great for students to learn the role their local Council plays and how what happens in the chambers impacts the community
“It was great to play host to a large number of students and give them an insight into just some of the things their local Council does,” Mayor Taylor said.
READ MORE
Support a high quality 2026 Census
Every five years, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducts the Census of Population and Housing, counting every person and household in Australia. The next Census will take place on Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The Census provides a snapshot of Australia, helping us understand the needs of our community now and into the future. Council encourages all community members to participate, as your involvement ensures everyone in our region is counted. The data collected plays a vital role in: Securing funding through the distribution of government resources
Informing decisions about transport, schools, healthcare, and infrastructure
Planning essential services for individuals, families, and communities By taking part in the Census, you’re helping shape the future of our region.
Temporary Closure: Roma Off-Leash Dog Park
A Wandering Dog Isn’t a Nuisance, It’s a Risk
Roma Library to host Roma Pop Fest
Roma Library is excited to host Roma Pop Fest on Saturday, 29 August, from 10 00am to 2 00pm
Organised by The Bloke With A Beard, the event will transform the library into a vibrant hub celebrating all things pop culture
Visitors can enjoy a fun-filled day featuring vendors, cosplay, gaming, collectibles and more, with activities taking place throughout the library.
The event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the library as a welcoming community space while bringing together pop culture enthusiasts of all ages.
Whether you're a dedicated fan or simply looking for a great family day out, Roma Pop Fest promises something for everyone.
To stay up to date with guest announcements, vendor information and event news, follow The Bloke With A Beard on Facebook.
To see the Library Corner and June’s events schedule, click the ‘read more’ button below.
READ MORE
UPDATE: DENISE SPENCER AQUATIC CENTRE
Project Update – June 2026
What’s Happened This Month
50m Pool
Pool tiling approximately 90% complete
Grandstand construction significantly progressed
Shade sail columns installed
Plant room blockwork completed and Swim Club framing erected
Plant room fit-out underway
25m Pool, Amenities & Entry Building
25m pool concourse concrete pour completed
Building services rough-in progressing (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and communications)
Internal wall sheeting commenced
Waterslides, Toddlers Pool & Splash Pad
Splash pad blinding layer completed
Water play cast-in items being installed
Waterslide bored piers and pile caps completed
What’s Next
Over the coming month, works will include:
Completion of 50m pool tiling, concourse and grandstand works
Continued fit-out of the amenities and entry building
Continued fit-out of the Swim Club building
Splash pad base slab pour, cast-in items and filtration works
Waterslide foundation and base slab construction
Spotlight Moment:
One of the most exciting milestones this month has been the visible progress of the toddler pool and splash pad precinct With the toddler pool shell now complete, attention has turned to the splash pad, where the blinding layer has been poured and cast-in water play elements are being installed ahead of the main base slab pour later in July.
For many local families, this precinct will become the heart of the new Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre. While the main pools will host swimming lessons, training and competitions, the toddler pool and splash pad will create a place where the youngest members of our community can safely discover the water through play. As the precinct continues to take shape, it's easy to picture what it will soon become a place filled with laughter, first swims, school holiday adventures and countless family memories for years to come
July / August 2026
MARANOA & SURROUNDS
2026 Winter School Holidays
What’s on in the Injune Library
Keep an eye on the Maranoa Regional Council website for all dates, times, locations and booking information as our Winter School Holidays Program is released
Dates: 27 June - 14 July 2026
Location: Around the Maranoa
Cost: Prices vary
INJUNE & SURROUNDS FIND OUT MORE
All Maranoa Libraries host a range of events each month for all to enjoy. Check out the full list of events happening in June
Date: 1 - 31 July
Location: Injune Library
Cost: Free
Info night: Origin's gas plans in Dawson and Arcadia Valley
Lock the Gate Alliance are holding a free community information session in Injune about gas expansion plans by Origin Energy in the Upper Dawson and Arcadia Valley.
Date: 15 July
Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: Injune Memorial Hall
Cost: Free
All Maranoa Libraries host a range of events each month for all to enjoy Check out the full list of events happening in June
Date: 1 - 31 July
Location: Surat Library
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
The Heart of the Coolabah Exhibition
The Heart of the Coolabah explores life in outback Queensland The works were developed following Andrea’s visit to Tambo and the surrounding region.
Date: 11 July - 30 August
Location: Surat on Balonne Gallery
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
SURROUNDS
mbilla and Jackson Libraries
All Maranoa Libraries host a range of events each month for all to enjoy. Check out the full list of events happening in June
Date: 1 - 31 July
Location: Yuleba, Wallumbilla and Jackson Libraries
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
MITCHELL & SURROUNDS
ngallala Libraries
All Maranoa Libraries host a range of events each month for all to enjoy Check out the full list of events happening in June
Date: 1 - 31 July
Location: Mitchell and Mungallala Libraries
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Author talk with Kathy Kennedy - Mitchell QLD Library
Come along and listen to her words of wisdom about her creative writing journey from inspiration, publishing and marketing of her debut novel
Date: 8 July
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: Mitchell Library
FIND OUT MORE
ROMA & SURROUNDS
What’s on in the Roma Library
All Maranoa Libraries host a range of events each month for all to enjoy. Check out the full list of events happening in June.
Date: 1 - 31 July
Location: Roma Library
Cost: Free
FIND OUT MORE
Terra-Rara Rare Earth Exhibition
Celebrate the unique artistic voices and cultural stories of the Maranoa region, brought to life through this inspiring collection of works.
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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