How these small local councils are improving their environmental impact

Through a number of unique and modern initiatives, a group of local councils are working to improve the environment in their respective regions.

A group of small but powerful local councils across the region are working together for the betterment of the environment.

The Balonne, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Maranoa, Goondiwindi and South Burnett Regional Councils congregated last week for the Environmental Health Australia conference in St George to discuss how they could better improve the environment in their respective regions.

The conference was a chance for all regional member Shires to share their innovative

plans which are improving environmental health across the Downs and South West.

Balonne Shire Council Director of Environmental and Regulatory Services Digby Whyte

said Balonne was leading the way for smaller Councils by showing they can make wide-ranging and lasting changes.

“Projects like the Tyre Recycling Scheme and the Wild Dog Exclusion Fencing are truly a testament to what we as small rural Councils can do with some foresight and people who are passionate about making positive, tangible change,” he said.

“We are thinking five, ten, and even twenty years ahead when it comes to these projects and more to ensure our natural environment is rehabilitated from the devastating effects of drought, and that rehabilitation can be sustained in the long term.”

Current projects presented at the conference included Balonne Shire Council’s pilot Tyre Recycling Scheme, aimed at combating the major (and widespread) problem of illegal tyre dumping.

Mr Whyte also updated members on the landmark Wild Dog Exclusion Fencing Project.

While still in its early stages, the WDEF project has not only improved landholders’ prospects for rearing sheep and goats in the Balonne, but protected large tracts of land from damage caused by other pest animals.

Director of Finance and Corporate Services Michelle Clarke gave updates on two of Balonne Shire Council’s major projects – the St George Library Hub and Country Universities Centre and the Digital Connectivity Project.

Ms Clarke said all the projects – environmental and otherwise – go well beyond their direct

benefits and contribute to a thriving local economy.

“Whether they are on the land or in our towns, residents will experience some kind of benefit from these long-term Council projects,” she said.

“There is a great deal of economic benefit projected to come back to the Balonne Shire from

everything we are doing, and each of these projects contributes to making this region an even

better place to live and work.”