Southern Queensland communities to benefit from cross border commissioner

The appointment of a new commissioner to help collaboration between southern Queensland communities and their northern New South Wales border counterparts will have massive benefits.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton (Photo: Michael Hudson)

Border communities across southern Queensland will soon benefit from the appointment of a new commissioner who will facilitate collaboration and streamline government processes with their New South Wales counterparts.

The new Cross Border Commissioner will facilitate collaboration, streamline processes and address cross-border challenges, following an announcement by the State Government this week.

The dedicated position is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering stronger relationships between local governments, regional bodies, state agencies, industry associations and community groups to help resolve local issues faced by Queenslanders living close to the border.

Stanthorpe and Wallangarra with Tenterfield, and Goondiwindi and Boggabilla are just two of the cross border communities who will benefit from the deal.

Border communities will soon benefit from the appointment of a new Cross Border Commissioner to facilitate collaboration, streamline processes and address cross-border challenges, following an announcement by the State Government this week.

Southern Downs mayor Melissa Hamilton said the move was positive for the wider regions in southern Queensland and their northern New South Wales counterparts.

“During Covid, our border towns of Wallangarra and Jennings learnt just how difficult life could be with different systems and regulations on either side of an invisible line,” Mayor Hamilton said.

“By bridging gaps and promoting dialogue, the new Commissioner will serve to provide valuable advice to stakeholders and government entities, ensuring effective co-ordination and resource sharing across the border,” she said.

“We can expect to see a more integrated and collaborative approach to policing, essential services, health care, schooling, trade and disaster management.”

The new role represents a $3.26 million investment over three years to establish the Office of Queensland Cross Border Commissioner and will be based at a regional centre, yet to be announced.

Ms Hamilton said the move will break down intergovernmental barriers and encourage the sharing of support and resources.

Further west, in the Goondiwindi region, mayor Lawrence Springborg welcomed the move his council had championed for years.

Goondiwindi region is one of 12 which borders New South Wales

“For over a decade, Council have championed the need for a Cross-Border Commissioner to ensure equitable solutions for our border communities. We extend our thanks to the Queensland Government for recognising this need and acting upon it in this year’s budget announcement,” Mayor Springborg said.

“Our region is one of twelve Queensland councils sharing a border with another state. Our communities continuously navigate the complexities arising from conflicting jurisdictions on a myriad of issues,” he said.