South West Queensland mayors welcome Cross Border Commissioner commitment

Mayors from Queensland’s south west have welcomed the 2024 State Budget $3 million commitment to the establishment of a new Cross Border Commissioner.

South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils has been calling for this position for several years, recognising not only the importance of the role, but also that New South Wales and South Australia already have a similar position successfully in place ready to work with a Queensland counterpart.

The region has two interstate borders and currently local councils need to engage with multiple State government departments and agencies depending on the cross-border issues that arise.

South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Chair, Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole said:

“This is a welcome announcement for our region, particularly our border councils of Balonne, Paroo and Bulloo, but this new role will ultimately have a far-reaching impact for Queensland.

“With the expansion of economic activity in the state’s rural and remote regions, the establishment of a Queensland Cross Border Commissioner will provide welcome clarity beyond our local areas, to coordinating state collaboration on key economic and social issues.”

Paroo Shire Mayor Suzette Beresford said:

“Whilst the efforts of individual departments and officers have been supportive and welcomed, there has been no single point of authoritative engagement or lead agency for whole-of-government coordination when issues involve multiple agencies.

“There are significant community, industry, transport, education, health, natural resource management and biosecurity issues that arise across these borders. This role will deliver much-needed support to cross-border collaboration and delivery of services.”

Bulloo Shire Mayor John ‘Tractor’ Ferguson said:

“So many aspects of life, business and industry are impacted by differences in state legislation and procedures - from health and education, to business licencing like construction, to different biodiversity acts impacting agricultural production and processing.

“Business, industry and everyday life doesn’t stop at a border, and we look forward to this new commissioner helping to break down barriers to deliver for our local areas and Queensland.”