GOONDIWINDI Regional Council mayor Lawrence Springborg attended the recent Queensland State Emergency Service South West Regional Awards ceremony in Warwick, where Goondiwindi Regional SES Unit local controller Ann McGlashan, was honoured with a Highly Commended Award for Unit-Group of the Year on behalf of the Inglewood SES.

The Inglewood team was recognised for developing an innovative Online Evacuation Tracking App to support the communities of Inglewood, Texas and Yelarbon.

The app tracks properties during a disaster to ensure no one is overlooked during major emergency events.

“This is an outstanding example of local initiative and forward thinking,” Cr Springborg said.

“Congratulations to Ann and the dedicated SES volunteers whose tireless efforts continue to keep our communities safe.

Ann McGlashan accepts the Highly Commended Award for Unit-Group of the Year on behalf of the Inglewood SES.

“It is wonderful to see their work recognised at this level,” he said.

Cr Springborg said the Goondiwindi SES is currently looking for more volunteers.

Anyone interested can call Ann on 0428 067744 for more information.

Meanwhile, Goondiwindi Regional Council will this week host a visit from the CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, Gary Mahon.

Mr Mahon brings extensive industry experience and represents road freight operators across the state.

Goondiwindi mayor Lawrence Springborg said the border region is a critical freight corridor.

“This visit presents an important opportunity to explore joint advocacy efforts for infrastructure funding for state and national highways,” Mr Springborg said.

“ As I have previously stated, I believe there is an estimated $30 million shortfall in state and federal funding for high-priority repairs on deteriorating national and state highways. Council will continue to advocate for our communities who are currently having to face the consequences of heavy traffic being diverted onto local roads without additional support,” he said.

“The issue of underfunded repairs is only going to be compounded by the next heavy rainfall or flood event to impact our region, after the Federal Government recently announced plans to reduce its contribution to the joint Commonwealth-Queensland Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

“This will mean state funds are even more limited for repairing essential infrastructure such as road networks,” Cr Springborg said.