South n Downs
Special Feature - December 2024
Celebrating
Community Success
Several landmark projects were completed this year, highlighting Council’s strong commitment to fostering a vibrant community and sustainable region.
WARWICK SALEYARDS REDEVELOPMENT
Council remains dedicated to supporting the region’s livestock industry and ensuring that the Warwick Saleyards maintains a sustainable and competitive market position. Co-funded by Council and the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bush re Recovery Grants Program, Stages 1 and 2 of the $7.5m redevelopment project delivered a modern facility and addressed critical viability issues including animal welfare, environment, biosecurity, industry standards, traffic management, technology and work place health and safety.
KEY UPGRADES:
• 120 selling pens and 35 holding pens to enhance animal management.
•Two processing areas for efficient operations.
•Three single-storey and two double-storey loading ramps, along with a ute loading ramp for improved accessibility.
• New buyer laneways with hard roof cover and overhead agent catwalks for better visibility and safety.
•Gravel pen flooring and partial soft shade for holding pens to ensure animal comfort.
•A dust suppression system, cattle troughs and lighting and electrical upgrades to enhance facility functionality.
•Scales and software for accurate weight measurements and data management.
•Extended posts in selling pens to accommodate future roof installations.
WARWICK CBD PEDESTRIAN CROSSING PROJECT
24 pedestrian crossings on Palmerin, Guy, Grafton and King Streets have been upgraded to raised or level priority zebra crossings following safety concerns. The $1.6m project enhances the business centre’s safety, liveability and economic growth potential.
This $1.6m project also included upgrades to footpaths, kerb ramps, advanced warning signage, tactile indicators and new energy e cient solar lighting.
Funding for the Warwick CBD Pedestrian Crossing Project was provided by the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program.
Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment
Warwick CBD Pedestrian Crossing Project
VICTORIA PARK DOG OFF LEASH AREA
The new dog o leash area in Victoria Park, Warwick is a haven for hounds, providing a safe and controlled environment for dogs to run, play and socialise.
Designed with every pooch in mind, the park features three separate fenced areas to cater to dogs of all sizes. It also includes amenities such as park benches and dog waste bins and bags.
This project was jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments under Category D of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and Council.
“Whether it’s chasing tennis balls, making new friends or simply enjoying the fresh air, the new o leash dog area in Victoria Park is the perfect pet-friendly park for Warwick’s dogs to safely run free."
Councillor Sheryl Windle
RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
Keep your furry family members in mind this Christmas by making thoughtful, responsible choices for their well-being.
Adopt, don’t shop: Visit Southern Downs ARK or Council’s pound to give an animal a home.
Register and microchip by 12 weeks of age: Dogs must be registered, and all pets microchipped before 12 weeks. Desexing is recommended: It’s better for your pet and helps control animal populations.
Contain your pet: Pets must be secured at home or on a leash in public. Fines for o leash dogs have increased in 2024. Council’s Local Laws team can help with any questions about pet ownership.
Victoria Park Dog Off Leach Area Opening Ceremony
STANTHORPE REGIONAL ART GALLERY & LIBRARY EXPANSION
Stanthorpe’s reputation as a thriving creative hub has been elevated with the newly-expanded, state-of-the-art art gallery and library precinct that enhances literature, arts and cultural experiences for the community. The $8m expansion project secures the town’s status as a cultural centre by offering more space, enhanced services, a modern fit-out and improved fire safety for millions of dollars of artwork and books.
The project received $2m in funding from the Australian Government, with Council contributing the remainder.
“Having this state-of-the-art precinct as a new space to bring us together encourages community cohesion, reduces isolation and provides a contemporary home for us to express our identity and learn about our past, present, and future. This project is more than simply art and literature – it’s about building community spirit, showcasing exceptional local talent and enhancing our region’s liveability to visitors as a must-see arts and cultural destination.”
STANTHORPE STREETSCAPE PROJECT
Safety and art have united to revitalise High Street for the next chapter of the Stanthorpe Streetscape Project. Led by community vision and consultation, the project delivers a new raised pedestrian crossing, designated disabled parking, functional art installations and mature trees to enhance the amenity and liveability of the Stanthorpe CBD.
Over the years, each stage of the Stanthorpe Streetscape Project has been a labour of love, designed to improve the CBD and re ect Stanthorpe’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
This project was funded with the support of the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program in association with Council.
Councillor Morwenna Harslett
Stanthorpe Streetscape Project
The new Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery & Library
Stanthorpe Library
S tainable Celebrations
FOOD SAFETY IS A FESTIVE MUST
Keep your holiday meals safe with these handy tips.
Plan ahead: Don’t overbuy. Ensure your fridge has space for food, and store drinks in ice buckets.
Watch the temperature: Keep food below 5°C or above 60° C to prevent bacteria growth.
Cook meats thoroughly: Defrost turkey in the fridge and cook it to 75°C at its thickest part.
Avoid raw eggs: Skip risky dishes like raw egg mayonnaise and eggnog.
Keep cold foods chilled: Serve dips and salads in small portions, topping up from the fridge.
Store leftovers safely: Refrigerate promptly, eat within 3 days and reheat to 75°C.
For more food safety tips, visit the Queensland Government's Health and Wellbeing page or contact Council’s Environmental Health team.
CELEBRATE SUSTAINABLY
Sort-it Sally says, "Make it a sustainable Christmas! Reduce waste with these handy tips."
Shop secondhand: Visit Endeavour Foundation Recycle Shops for unique gifts and decorations.
Wrap creatively: Use old newspapers, fabric or last year’s gift wrap.
Give thoughtfully: Choose experiences, homemade treats or low-packaging items.
Recycle and compost: Recycle materials at Council’s waste facilities and compost food scraps to reduce household waste.
By adopting these practices, you’ll enjoy a safe, sustainable, and happy Christmas on the Southern Downs.
This Christmas, make the festive season truly memorable for all the right reasons. By practicing food safety and embracing sustainable choices, you can create a joyful,safe andeco-friendlyholiday.
Sort-it Sally at Endeavour Foundation Recycle Shop
Chr tm Mayor’s Message
What a year 2024 has been! Since taking o ce in April, I have enjoyed such a warm welcome from the community and Council sta . Whilst there have certainly been some challenges, I am continually amazed and impressed at the community spirit and resilience shown by the Southern Downs region.
It is pleasing to see many projects completed this year, such as the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery and Library Expansion, the Warwick Saleyards Redevelopment (Stages 1 and 2) and the Victoria Park Dog O Leash Area. The Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, Jumpers and Jazz in July and the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft continue to draw crowds, who discover and enjoy our beautiful region. These projects and events would not have been successful without the hard work and dedication of Council sta , volunteers and the community, and I thank everyone involved for their e orts.
As we approach the festive season, I encourage you to support our local businesses and consider shopping for Christmas locally rather than online - you can then reward yourself with a cuppa or lunch at a local café afterwards.
I encourage you to take advantage of the free community events for all ages that will be held in the lead-up to Christmas, an opportunity to enjoy the sense of community and togetherness that Christmas brings to the Southern Downs.
Most importantly, I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I hope that you get to enjoy some quality time with your families and loved ones. Whilst Christmas is typically a time to rest and recharge after a busy year, I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those frontline workers who keep vital services operating for the community during this period.
Finally, I would like to thank my fellow Councillors. The passion and commitment each of you bring to your role is evident to the community and I am truly enjoying working with all of you. I look forward to us achieving much more in 2025 to help realise our vision of being a vibrant, sustainable and liveable region.
CR
SHERYL
WINDLE, DEPUTY MAYOR
I would like to wish all residents in the Southern Downs region a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. I hope all your wishes come true and that only good things come your way in 2025. 2024 has been an extremely busy year. The March election saw some new faces on our team of Councillors and they are all proving to be worthy of their appointment. They are committed to doing the very best they can for our region and have brought with them a wealth of experience to our team. This festive season will be a bit quieter in our household as most of our family will be scattered far and wide. However, we will all make the e ort to contact each other from wherever we will be and share lots of great photographs to keep us in the spirit of family connection.
CR SARAH DEANE
My highlight for 2024 would have to be the generosity I’ve seen in our region. The number of residents that dedicate hours of their time each week to a community group is incredible.
MAYOR MELISSA HAMILTON
CR MORWENNA HARSLETT
I would like to extend my best wishes to our community. This time of year o ers an opportunity to come together, re ect on the year past and look ahead to the next.
Whether celebrating Christmas, another tradition or simply enjoying a well-deserved break, I hope it brings you peace and time with those close to you.
CR CYNTHIA MCDONALD
Christmas is a time for family and loved ones to be together. The lead up to the festivities this year has been wonderful. A lovely season providing a great outlook for those families on the land. I enjoy summer and all the new life it brings to our region.
If you are travelling, please be safe and look after your family. This is a special time for so many to celebrate together. I enjoy spending time with our community and I have no doubt I will see many of you out and about during this period. I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas.
As the festive season jingles its way across the paddocks, I want to wish the Southern Downs community a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year.
It’s been a big year for me as a rst-term Councillor and I’m excited for what 2025 will bring as we roll up our sleeves to keep moving our region forward with the support of the hardworking Council sta .
As a farming family, Christmas for us isn’t just about pudding and pressies—it’s a time when the work boots stay rmly on. While the rest of Australia lls their eskies and hits the beach, our days are lled with mustering cattle, cutting hay and keeping an eye on those big, beautiful storm clouds rolling in. Yep, Santa might bring the pressies, but Mother Nature delivers the rain and it’s the best gift we farmers could ask for!
So, whether you’re wrangling a mob of sheep, decking the halls with bales of hay or just enjoying a quiet cuppa under the gum trees, may your holidays be full of laughter, good tucker and a fair dinkum sense of community. Here’s to a ripper year ahead!
CR JOEL RICHTERS
As we approach the end of what has been a challenging year for many, we prepare to spend cherished time with friends, neighbours and family. This holiday season, let us remember that even the smallest gesture can make a world of di erence to those around us. Just as Mary and Joseph found solace in the kindness of strangers during their time of need, many people in our community are also in need of support.
While the holiday season holds di erent meanings for di erent people, to me it is a time for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories. Our Christmas will begin with a special service at St Mark’s, followed by a warm celebration with our families at home and an afternoon of backyard cricket.
Before long, 2025 will be here and we’ll soon forget all the leftovers. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support you have given me this year and I look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.
CR RUSSELL WANTLING
Christmas, for me, is all about family. It’s the time to come together and enjoy those moments that mean the most. Having all six of my grandchildren around will be a real highlight - their excitement and joy brings the magic of the
This year has been a whirlwind, lled with challenges and milestones. Re ecting on everything, I’m reminded how important it is to focus on what truly matters and not get caught up in trivial things.
Christmas also carries a deeper, spiritual meaning and I believe these values and beliefs are more important than ever in today’s world.
As we look to the New Year, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to keep building a strong, connected community.
Wishing you all a happy and safe Christmas surrounded by family and friends.
CR CARLA PIDGEON
SMART WATER METER ROLLOUT HITS
MAJOR MILESTONE ACROSS THE SOUTHERN DOWNS
Now is the ideal time to register and set up your free online account to monitor water usage and receive real-time leak alerts to ensure you stay informed of unexpected water ows on your property, even while you're away on holidays.
Council is making waves in water conservation, reaching a signi cant milestone with more than 10,000 smart water meters now installed and actively transmitting water usage data across the region. Building on the successful installation of more than 2700 smart water meters in Stanthorpe in 2022, this initiative marks a proactive step toward securing long-term water sustainability.
Thanks to a partnership with Taggle Systems Pty Ltd and Data Right, the smart water meter rollout is fully funded by the Queensland Government’s Big Build initiative and the Southern Downs Drought Resilience Package. Launched in January 2024, Data Right has now installed more than 7,800 meters across the region, with plans to expand into Allora, Killarney, Pratten, Leyburn, Yangan, Dalveen and Wallangarra in 2025. By the project’s completion, Council will have more than 12,000 smart meters transmitting invaluable insights into water consumption patterns to support e cient, sustainable water management throughout the Southern Downs.
Property owners can access water usage data by registering with Council’s online customer portal, MySDRCWater. With this real-time monitoring tool, users can check their water consumption from any device and set up SMS or email alerts for instant updates on potential leaks. Property owners who use a real estate agent to manage rentals can even authorise their agent to monitor water usage, and many local agents are already on board.
The smart meters transmit water usage data every hour, giving both Council and property owners real-time access to reliable data that can help detect leaks early. Since January, Council has sent more than 1,400 leak alerts, leading to repairs on more than 700 leaks, which has prevented an estimated 680 megalitres of annual water loss and saved property owners approximately $2 million.
For more information on the smart water meter program or to register for MySDRCWater, visit Council’s Smart Water Meters page or contact Customer Service on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372).
TOP 5 Advent e Activiti
In The Southern Downs
Is it your turn to host the family for Christmas? Look no further than the Southern Downs Visitor Information Centres in Stanthorpe and Warwick and the o cial Southern Downs Visitor App for tourist drives, self-guided walking trails, accommodation and dining option in the region.
1. GO BOATING AND FISHING
Spend a day relaxing at Leslie Dam, Connolly Dam, Glenlyon Dam and Storm King Dam or cast a line into the Condamine River at Federation Park in Warwick.
2. HIT A MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL
Visit the www.southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au for a list of local trails or head to Stanthorpe’s Mount Marlay MTB Trail network.
3. EXPLORE A 4WD DRIVE TRAIL
Find some of the region’s best four-wheel driving in remote Sundown National Park, explore the Goomburra section of Main Range National Park or visit one of the well-maintained private properties o ering more challenging 4WD tracks.
4. TAKE A HIKE
From serious granite-scaling hikes to leisurely family bushwalks, some of the region’s most popular trails can be found at Girraween National Park and Main Range National Park, including Queen Mary Falls, Cunninghams Gap and Goomburra.
5. DO A SELF-GUIDED TOUR
With the Southern Downs Visitor App in your pocket, you can take several self-guided walking and driving trails including the Stanthorpe Art Trail, the Warwick Art Trail, the Leyburn Heritage Trail or the Southern Downs Stone Sculpture Trail.
Southern Downs Southern Granite Belt Downs &
The Southern Downs & Granite Belt Visitor App is Council’s free travel resource to help you #SeeSouthernDowns this summer.
Queen Mary Falls Main Range National Park