Office of the Queensland Cross Border Commissioner: New post created in 2024 state budget
The state government will on Tuesday announce the appointment of a powerful new tsar who will have a significant say in life in the Gold Coast’s most southern suburbs.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Premier Steven Miles will appoint a dedicated Cross-Border ‘Tzar’ to support Queenslanders living along the New South Wales border.
The Miles Government’s 2024-25 budget will include a $3.26 million investment over three years to establish the Office of the Queensland Cross Border Commissioner.
The role will be based at a regional centre yet, to be announced.
The move, a surprise for Gold Coast city leaders, has been welcomed.
The state government says it will help manage cross-border issues and work collaboratively with NSW on service delivery matters and to pursue economic opportunities.
The Commissioner will develop relationships with local governments, regional bodies, state agencies, industry associations, and community groups.
The appointee will provide advice to stakeholders and government, through the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.
Premier Miles said communities living in Queensland along the New South Wales border face unique challenges, which surfaced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Queenslanders in these communities have been asking for a dedicated Cross Border Commissioner,” he said.
“I will always do what matters for Queenslanders, which is why I am establishing the Office of the Cross Border Commissioner.
“This investment will help give a louder voice to these border communities with NSW.
“This is an opportunity to build on our existing relationships, help resolve local issues faced by Queenslanders living close to the border and to improve access to local services.
“The Office of the Cross Border Commissioner will give confidence to Queensland communities that they are being heard for better outcomes.”
Mayor Tom Tate welcomed the move, saying it would “assist with supporting Gold Coast and Tweed communities living and working either side of Australia’s biggest state border”.
“By far the most significant issue our residents face for half of every year is daylight savings, so I call on the Commissioner, once appointed, to immediately commence meaningful collaboration on resolving that issue via a referendum if necessary,” he said.
“The last referendum on this matter was in 1992 and it is well past time for Queenslanders to have their say again.
“I also note the NSW Government has previously put money aside to investigate extending the light rail into Tweed Heads which will be a great initiative to better link the Tweed to the Gold Coast once the light rail reaches the border.
“I look forward to working with the Commissioner on these and other relevant matters.”
Regional Development Minister Glenn Butcher said it was “something cross-border communities have called for”.
“I’m looking forward to this new Commissioner role working with NSW to tackle some of these cross-border issues: whether in the areas of policing, education, transport and other areas,” he said.
“We want to make things easier for our border communities where we can. This is about making it easier for a tradie from Kirra doing business in the Tweed – or a teacher from Tenterfield working in Ballandean.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Office of the Queensland Cross Border Commissioner: New post created in 2024 state budget
What every Gold Coast suburb could get in QLD state election
The state election countdown is on and candidates are out and about sharing what they’ll do to win your vote. See the full list of what they’ve promised for your suburb.
Police respond to protest on Gold Coast M1
Protesters have taken to an overpass on the Gold Coast M1 hanging banners and forcing police to respond. Read the latest.