Local Government, Queensland Government

We’re a big bee-liever in our people! 🐝

Congratulations to Scott (and his bees!) from the Grants and Program Management team for winning second place in the Amber Honey category at the Brookfield Show. 🏆

In a wonderful full-circle moment, Scott, who helps deliver funding to show societies across Queensland, saw his prize-winning honey displayed right next to a newly completed annex at the Brookfield Showgrounds. This annex was funded through a government commitment to upgrade infrastructure at the showgrounds.

On show day, the annex proudly showcased children’s artwork and will serve as a multipurpose storage facility for the rest of the year. 🎨

It’s one of three projects funded by the government commitment at the grounds, with a total investment of $150,000.

Upgrades to the administration building and the cement flooring of the poultry pavilion are also on the way and expected to be completed later this year.

Next stop for Scott and his honey? The Ekka! 🎡

What a week it was for our Local Government team!

Last week, our staff proudly represented the department at major events across Queensland, showcasing their expertise and commitment to supporting local communities.

🏆 2026 LGMA Awards for Excellence: We were thrilled to celebrate the best of local government initiatives across Queensland, recognising the diverse communities and environments they serve. A special congratulations to Scenic Rim Regional Council, winners of the Excellence in Collaboration Award for their outstanding Scenic Rim Eat Local Movement program.

✈️ LGAQ Bush Councils Convention: Our Local Government leaders headed to Longreach to listen and learn from rural, regional, and remote communities about the unique challenges they face and the opportunities for growth. A highlight of the convention? Watching Game 1 of State of Origin projected onto a Qantas plane at the iconic Qantas Founders Museum - even if the result wasn’t in our favour!

A huge thank you to our incredible staff for representing the department with such professionalism and dedication. You are our greatest asset! 👏

Out and about with our Local Government team!

This month, Steve and Owen visited Croydon Shire Council and Etheridge Shire Council as part of our regular program of visits to all 77 Queensland councils.

During their visit, they delivered important updates to council staff on the Empowering Councils legislative amendments and discussed key local government priorities.

While in Croydon, the team also had the chance to explore some local landmarks, including Big Gilbert’s Dragon, a large-scale replica of a native agamid lizard, and the Chinese Temple, where they lit incense.

A big thank you to both councils for your hospitality, and to Jacqui Cresswell, CEO of Croydon Shire, for the warm welcome!

It’s State of Origin game day! 🏉

Queensland’s State of Origin stars come from communities across our state, and tonight they’ll be playing for glory surrounded by 80,000 fans at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Queensland communities are stronger together, and our Maroons are a great example of this. Our players herald from both regional towns and the big city, with a diversity of ages, cultures and beliefs.

Maroons’ winger Selwyn Cobbo is from Cherbourg, a town of approximately 1,194 people. Tonight, he’ll take to the field in front of a crowd more than 67 times this!

Although our players come from across the state, they are united by one truth.

The belief that Queensland is the greatest place to live on the planet. And that’s a belief we can all get behind!

So, wherever you are tonight, whether you’re in Brisbane or Bundaberg, Mackay or Mt Isa, or anywhere in between, turn on the TV at 8pm, don your team colours and support our mighty Maroons! 🟥

We’re at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Bush Councils Convention!

Bush Councils provides an opportunity for councils from rural, regional and remote areas to connect, collaborate and learn from one another.

Bringing together local government leaders and industry experts at the convention is a great chance to explore policy issues, service delivery challenges and opportunities shaping Queensland’s bush communities and how we as a department can best support these councils to deliver for Queensland.

Come and say hi to our team!

Delivering Water Security for the Doomadgee Community 🚰

Construction has started on a new two megalitre treated water storage tank in Doomadgee, with earthworks and site preparations already in full swing.

The Doomadgee water supply project is ensuring the community has long-term access to safe and reliable drinking water, delivering critical upgrades to the local water treatment plant and replacing a water storage reservoir.

Upgrade work on the water treatment plant is expected to begin in the coming months, and construction remains on track for completion later this year, weather permitting.

This important project is proudly jointly funded by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund, and the Queensland Government.

Reliable water is essential for every community, and we're proud to see this vital project taking shape in Doomadgee.

Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council

Another group of Queensland councillors has been upskilled in financial management, risk, and service planning, thanks to the Financial Management and Service Planning in Practice (FMSPiP) workshop! 👏

The ninth session this financial year is a joint initiative with the Queensland Treasury Corporation and Griffith University and builds practical skills needed to support effective governance and long-term sustainability in local government.

This session in Toowoomba brought elected members in from six Queensland councils to empower them to ask informed, strategic questions that drive better financial decisions and stronger outcomes for their communities.

The workshop also highlights the critical role elected officials play in interpreting financial information, overseeing performance, and shaping the strategic direction of their regions.

Chat to your regional advisor about how your council can get involved! ☎️

How can you protect your council from the growing risk of cyber threats and fraud? 🔏

This was one of the key topics covered in the Finance Officers Network and Tropical 2026 meetings held across Queensland this year.

The sessions cover real-world case studies highlighting the growing risks of cyber threats and fraud, with practical steps for councils to strengthen their defences and boost resilience. 💪

Other key topics covered during the sessions included:
• Updates on the latest legislative changes and Australian Accounting Standards from the department.
• Insights into the Tropical Council Illustrative Financial Statements 2025/26.
• Findings from the Queensland Audit Office on recent audits and tips for smoother financial statement preparation, and guidance on tackling challenges like grant accounting and asset valuation.
• An engaging discussion on ethical financial stewardship, tackling modern challenges such as AI integration and managing budget pressures.

A big thank you to the council officers who joined us in sessions in Rockhampton, Maryborough, Townsville, Cairns, Longreach and Brisbane. Your participation demonstrates a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient councils across Queensland. 🙌

Are you ready to join the conversation? Our next session is in Toowoomba in May, contact your Regional Advisor to find out how you can take part! ☎️

From this to that 👉 New aquatic centre making a splash in Bundy!

Late last year, the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre officially opened its doors, just in time to help residents and visitors beat the summer heat!

This world-class facility features:
🏅 An Olympic-sized pool,
🌊 A dedicated indoor program pool,
🏊‍♂️ An indoor lap pool,
👏 Modern change rooms, shaded spectator areas, and state-of-the-art accessible amenities, all designed with comfort and inclusivity in mind.

The Queensland Government invested $13 million to deliver the construction of the 50-metre pool shell, associated bulk earthworks, and foundation piling for all three pools.

More than 800 concrete piles were driven six to 18 metres in the ground, totalling more than 8 kilometres of piles! 🏗️

This project transformed an old landfill into a world-class facility. A gas membrane was installed and emissions are monitored, while solar power drives ramps, lifts, hydro jets, and balance tanks, sustainability and innovation at its best!

See how it all came together 📸 Swipe through for before and after photos, as well as some great progress shots captured during construction.

Pictures: Bundaberg Regional Council