Simon McClintock - Councillor Gladstone Regional Council

12/06/2026

Spent two days earlier this week at the Resources Council Forum with Cr Mellissa Holzheimer, hearing from leaders, government representatives including Senator Anthony Chisholm, Minister Dale Last, Ass CG Kerry Smeltzer and various stakeholders about the complex future of Queensland’s resources, energy and industrial sectors.

A few of the highlights:

- Infrastructure, housing and workforce planning can no longer be considered project by project.
- Local government has a critical role to play. We are often where policy meets reality.
- Trust matters. This is consistent across any sector. Genuine engagement, transparency and clear communication will be essential going forwards.
- Planning ahead is vital. The regions that prepare early will be best positioned to capture the opportunities that come with investment.

One question I kept returning to throughout the forum though could be summarised like this:

How do we ensure local governments are actively involved in shaping major projects and regional outcomes without becoming responsible for solving challenges that sit beyond our remit?

It’s a question that will only become more important as Queensland continues to attract significant investment across resources, energy, manufacturing and emerging industries. The line between opportunity and responsibility may become harder and harder to distinguish.

Thank you to Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), Mackay Regional Council and the Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) the organisers, presenters and fellow attendees for the discussions, insights and willingness to tackle some complex issues facing regional Australia.

06/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

One of the only chances to purchase local natives grown in our Tondoon Gardens is at Ecofest! For only a few dollars you can bring some more life to your garden at home.

Pop down TODAY Sunday 7th to not only check out the great work going on around the region but learn how we can personally look after the environment better and more sustainably.

Come down check out the stalls, let the kids do some arts and crafts and have a great day in the Gardens! Ecofest is on today till 3pm.

See you soon!

#4680

19/05/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Gladstone is set to host a very special event as we celebrate 125 years of the Royal Australian Navy.

The Navy Ceremonial Sunset at East Shores will bring together our community to honour those who have served, support our local Navy Cadets TS Gladstone, and enjoy a live performance from the Royal Australian Navy Band.

It’s not every day we get an event like this in Gladstone, and it should be a fantastic afternoon for the whole family.

Saturday 27 June 2026
3:30pm | HMAS Gladstone – East Shores

Share with anyone you think would enjoy a spectacular afternoon of free world class entertainment.

(Posting on behalf of our local Navy Cadets)

18/05/2026

“This decision is a serious blow to rebuilding our vital agricultural industry.”

North West Queensland is at a critical point in recovery after prolonged disasters — but restocking support has been denied.

North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC) Chair, Etheridge Shire Council Mayor, Barry Hughes said:

“North West Queensland is in a critical moment of recovery after consecutive and prolonged disasters, and this decision is a serious blow to rebuilding our vital agricultural industry.”

Deputy Chair of NWQROC, McKinlay Shire Council Mayor, Janene Fegan said:

“This has put the region back by years economically with more than double the roads and fencing that was damaged in 2019."

Local leaders say the impacts will be felt across communities, industries and the wider economy.

LGAQ President Mayor Matt Burnett said:

“The Federal Government cannot walk away from these communities when they need them the most. They need to reverse this decision immediately.”

👉 Read the full story via the link in our comments.

This is a joint call from the LGAQ, NWQROC, AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Farmers' Federation.

18/05/2026

HAVE YOUR SAY

I recently posted jokingly about some exaggerated rumours around the town pool, all jokes aside there is a reason the pool is being questioned.

At our last general meeting we were asked to make an investment decision on the Gladstone 50m pool. The current pool has some major structural and functional issues that require the shell to be removed in order to remedy those issues. The pool is well beyond its expected lifespan and it’s come time to make the hard choice.

While it had some estimated costs (and economics do matter) the bigger question is ‘what does our community and more importantly our future community need from this facility?’ Given this has a 50yr lifespan what does Gladstone 2050 look like and what can 2026 Gladstone justify in an environment that is costing more and more everyday.

We were asked if pursuit of a like for like (8 lanes) or an upgrade to Olympic standard was the direction we should go. Championship pools are now 10 lanes as standard and this upgrade would allow not only the training of our local athletes in a competition quality pool but also the ability to attract state and national level competitions to the region. Others felt a like for like replacement may better reflect the current financial pressures being faced by the community.

There was a robust discussion around whether there is a justification to expand and upgrade what we have or leave it be. Given we have recently made a significant investment in the Boyne Tannum Aquatic Centre and will be needing to make an investment decision on the Mt Larcom pool very very soon this is a significant conversation. Many use it for recovery, mobility, socialising and obviously various training and educational needs.

No final decision has been made at this stage and there is still a lot of work to do including understanding what external funding opportunities may exist through State and Federal governments.

What would you like to see for the future of this facility? Do you think it’s time to grow or do you want to see something different?

Find the discussion on the GRCTV YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/live/mecPyOE4isE?t=790&si=XGg6RuYGkv-duFHA

10/05/2026

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Happy Mother’s Day to one of my favourite mums. Thanks to each of the mums and mother figures in my life that have shaped who I am as a person.

Big shout out to all the carers, step mums, adopted mums, hopeful mums, and mother figures. You are simply amazing and make the world such a wonder place.

Happy Mother’s Day!

01/05/2026

You may have heard we’ve got some expenditure planned for Goondoon Street.

Pleased to confirm we’re bringing the town pool back to the main street within sight of the original because nothing says progress like a well-placed full circle.

In keeping with our region’s rich natural history, the centrepiece will be a native pink flamingo water feature. While it may have a minor impact on competitive swimming, the emotional experience it creates was considered a higher priority.

Positioned on the hill overlooking the harbour, the design also unlocks a new Olympic pathway: downhill swimming. Early projections suggest Gladstone could dominate the 2032 program.

Ensuring fiscal return remains a priority we’re also working to have the installation recognised on Australia’s ‘Big Things’ register, with expectations it will drive significant tourism. Potentially the first listing under the category of “Big Decisions”pending review.

Proud to be part of a project that will be remembered for generations, for reasons still to be confirmed.

01/05/2026

BEAUTIFUL AGNES

Spent the weekend in Agnes last week with the family. It is truly a beautiful part of our world. With weather like this and views to match it’s easy to see why it’s one of the east coasts best kept secrets.

I first came to Agnes on my schoolies road trip with a school mate and discovered what still holds true today. This is one of those rare places you can still disconnect from the world just moments away from a hot coffee.

If there’s something happening, something working well or something that needs attention I’d genuinely like to hear it. I am always looking for a reason to visit if you want to catch up please let me know. I’ll be back down in the next couple weeks.

I would love to hear what great things are happening and could happen in the region!

25/04/2026

Thank you to those who served, and those who continue to serve.
Thank you to the families who stood beside them, often carrying a weight that isn’t always seen.

We remember those who gave their lives, and those who came home changed.
We remember the futures that were never lived, so that ours could be.

Thank you to the many in our community who continue to honour that service and sacrifice ensuring it is not forgotten.

It was a privilege to stand in various spaces across the region in the last couple days and especially with my family this morning in Agnes Water, alongside so many locals and visitors, and to share in a moment of reflection and respect.

Lest we forget.

21/04/2026