Balonne Shire Council and Moree Plains Shire Council win award for cross-border collaboration at Mungindi
A small regional community has been recognised as the best place to live on the border between Queensland and New South Wales, thanks to local government collaboration.
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For people living on the edge of the state, access to state-operated facilities like health and education is not always straightforward.
However, of all the towns dotted along Queensland’s borders, the title of the best cross-border collaboration is held by the Balonne Shire town of Mungindi.
Mungindi straddles the border of Balonne Shire Council in Queensland and Moree Plains Shire Council in New South Wales.
Both councils’ efforts to support the Mungindi township with the borderless communities award at the 2024 New South Wales local government excellence awards.
Moree Plains Shire Council mayor, Mark Johnson, said the award recognises the councils’ efforts to support the people of Mungindi on both sides of the border.
“This successful collaboration between the two Councils has delivered projects that include the Mungindi water security project, water cooling tower, the pump track, the Mungindi boat ramp, beautification of the Mungindi River Park, the investigation into Childcare and the 2023 Christmas festivities.
“The award also recognises the hard work and dedication of Local Government employees and officials in providing exceptional service to the residents of both Shires,” said Mr Johnson.
The award was also welcomed by Balonne Shire Council mayor, Samantha O’Toole.
“Having our township of Mungindi straddling the border between Queensland and New South Wales has presented more than its fair share of challenges,” said Ms O’Toole.
“We are so grateful for the great working relationship we share with Moree Plains Shire Council.
“Our Memorandum of Understanding with Moree Plains has allowed us to seamlessly deliver a broad range of projects and initiatives for the Mungindi community.
“The MOU really has been a great demonstration of the successes that can come about when two cross-border Shires team up to deliver for their local community.
“By working closely together, our Council’s have broken down the barriers of a border, creating a more connected and cohesive society in Mungindi, and more broadly, the two Shires.
“This award is a welcomed and significant recognition of the efforts of both Council’s in promoting collaboration, unity and inclusivity across borders.”
The win was announced on June 6, and comes as the Queensland government announced funding for a cross-border commissioner in the 2024 state budget.
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