Southern Downs Regional Council

15/09/2026

🏆 Stanthorpe is officially Australia's Top Tourism Town!

Stanthorpe has taken home gold at the 2026 Australian Top tourism Town Awards, earning national recognition for its exceptional visitor experiences, natural beauty, local produce and warm country hospitality.

This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication of Southern Downs and Granite Belt, Granite Belt Wine Country, the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre, our tourism operators, businesses, volunteers and wider community, who work together to make Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt a truly special destination!

📸: GBWT President Rachael Lang was in Canberra this morning to accept the award on behalf of our region.

14/09/2026

Thinking about purchasing your first farm business or planning for farm succession?

Join RIC’s free Get RIC Ready webinar and learn how the RIC AgriStarter Loan may help eligible first farmers and support the next generation through farm succession arrangements.
📅 Wednesday 28 October 2026
🕛 12:00 noon AEDT for 1 hour
👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4wCd2GW

Hear from RIC Agri Lending Specialists and guest speakers as they cover:
✅ What you need to know about the AgriStarter Loan and how it can help
✅ Key eligibility requirements and what you need to prepare before applying
✅ Succession planning opportunities and pathways into farm ownership
✅ Practical tips to apply with confidence

The AgriStarter Loan can help eligible applicants purchase a first farm business, support succession planning arrangements, invest in land, livestock and equipment, and build a strong foundation for long-term farming success.
Whether you're a first-time farmer, part of a farming family planning for the future, this RIC webinar is designed to help you understand your options and prepare for the next step.

🎥Can't attend live? Register anyway and you’ll receive the recording after the webinar.

🌾Register now and take the next step towards your farming future: https://bit.ly/4wCd2GW

14/09/2026

📬Rate Notices have been issued

Your rate notice includes your property's land valuation, rating category, general rates, service charges, available discount and payment due date.

Not sure what it all means? Council’s online guide explains each section and can help you understand how your rates have been calculated.

Learn more at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/RatesandCharges

11/09/2026

WARWICK WATER SHUTDOWN 🚧

Council wishes to advise that planned infrastructure works have been scheduled to be undertaken on the water network on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 commencing at 10:00pm and will be completed by 4:00am on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, weather permitting.

During this time residents and businesses may experience water loss or interruptions. Approximately 4704 properties in the attached grey shaded mapped area may be affected.

This work is part of Council’s wider commitment to upgrade and maintain water infrastructure for the ongoing provision of quality water to Southern Downs Region’s residents and businesses.

Once supply is restored following this work, you may experience some pressure fluctuations and/or discoloured water. If this is the case householders are advised to allow a tap on their property to run for a minute or two until the water becomes clear. If the issue persists for longer than a few minutes or if you have any requirements or concerns during this time, please contact Council’s Water & Wastewater Team on 1300 697 372.

10/09/2026

A new edition of eNews is dropping soon!

Be one of the first to receive our Southern Downs eNews which includes local events, Council news and community stories, and so much more.

In this edition:
💪 New drought-resilient courtyard blooming at Warwick Art Gallery
✅ Planning and building services made easier
❌ Suspension of permits to light fires
🌱 Dalveen students join conservation for local endangered flora
🚜 Recycling pilot boosts farm plastic recovery
🤩 Funding support for community projects
🫟 Crisps Youth Art Prize
🧩 Free school holiday fun at the libraries

Subscribe now and get the latest Southern Downs news delivered straight to your inbox: https://bit.ly/SignUp_YSD

10/09/2026

The Rural Fire Service QLD have initiated a 10-day fire permit suspension effective from midnight this Friday.

Due to current and forecast fire and weather conditions across the region, it is not currently considered safe to light a fire.

All permits to light fire will be suspended 0001hrs 12th of September to 2359hrs 21st of September. This suspension takes effect across the whole of the Southern Downs Regional Council area, as well as Goondiwindi Regional Council, and Western Downs Regional Council.

Whilst the suspension only applies to fire permits, we encourage everyone to be safe with all use of fire in the current conditions. The QFD website can help you understand your obligations and responsibilities when using fire outdoors.

More information 🔗 https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/safety-education/using-fire-outdoor

07/09/2026

A fresh new courtyard is coming to the Warwick Art Gallery! 🌿

Works have started on the Warwick Art Gallery courtyard as part of council's wider Warwick Beautification project. The new space will feature paving and construction upgrades and a variety of next generation, drought tolerant plants, creating a quieter, more contemplative visitor experience.

Take a look at the artist's impression on-site to see the vision for this revitalised space. Thank you for your patience while we bring these improvements to life.

06/09/2026

For all current warnings, updates and mapping, go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

AVOID SMOKE - Nundubbermere to Glen Aplin - fire as at 3:42pm Sunday, 6 September 2026

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Nundubbermere, Glen Aplin and surrounding areas

Thick smoke is affecting Nundubbermere, Glen Aplin and surrounding areas. This is from a large fire burning near Mount Sterling Road and Winkler Road.

Fire crews are currently on scene. This fire could burn for days. Protect yourself from the impacts of smoke.

What you should do:

- If the smoke is thick where you are, stay inside and close windows and doors.

- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close.

- If you are worried about your health call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 432 584). If it is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) now.

- If you are affected by the smoke you may need to leave the area.

- Check for warning updates often.

- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.

Impacts:

- No properties are at risk.

- Smoke could make it hard for some people to breathe and can cause health issues.

- Some roads may be closed or impacted by smoke. It could be hard to see. You may need to drive a different way.

More information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/qldfiredepartment.

- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website. https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 19 40.

- For local information visit your Council’s Local Disaster Dashboard.

- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.

- Learn how to get ready for a bushfire on the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires - Prepare - Bushfire.

Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.For all current warnings, updates and mapping, go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

AVOID SMOKE - Nundubbermere to Glen Aplin - fire as at 3:42pm Sunday, 6 September 2026

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Nundubbermere, Glen Aplin and surrounding areas

Thick smoke is affecting Nundubbermere, Glen Aplin and surrounding areas. This is from a large fire burning near Mount Sterling Road and Winkler Road.

Fire crews are currently on scene. This fire could burn for days. Protect yourself from the impacts of smoke.

What you should do:

- If the smoke is thick where you are, stay inside and close windows and doors.

- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close.

- If you are worried about your health call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 432 584). If it is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) now.

- If you are affected by the smoke you may need to leave the area.

- Check for warning updates often.

- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.

Impacts:

- No properties are at risk.

- Smoke could make it hard for some people to breathe and can cause health issues.

- Some roads may be closed or impacted by smoke. It could be hard to see. You may need to drive a different way.

More information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/qldfiredepartment.

- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website. https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 19 40.

- For local information visit your Council’s Local Disaster Dashboard.

- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.

- Learn how to get ready for a bushfire on the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires - Prepare - Bushfire.

Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.

For all current warnings, updates and mapping, go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

AVOID SMOKE - Nundubbermere to Glen Aplin - fire as at 3:42pm Sunday, 6 September 2026

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: Nundubbermere, Glen Aplin and surrounding areas

Thick smoke is affecting Nundubbermere, Glen Aplin and surrounding areas. This is from a large fire burning near Mount Sterling Road and Winkler Road.

Fire crews are currently on scene. This fire could burn for days. Protect yourself from the impacts of smoke.

What you should do:

- If the smoke is thick where you are, stay inside and close windows and doors.

- If you need medication to help you breathe keep it close.

- If you are worried about your health call your doctor or 13 HEALTH (13 432 584). If it is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) now.

- If you are affected by the smoke you may need to leave the area.

- Check for warning updates often.

- Do not fly drones around the fire as they affect firefighting.

Impacts:

- No properties are at risk.

- Smoke could make it hard for some people to breathe and can cause health issues.

- Some roads may be closed or impacted by smoke. It could be hard to see. You may need to drive a different way.

More information:

- For all fire warnings, visit the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

- Follow Queensland Fire Department on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/qldfiredepartment.

- For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website. https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/ or call 13 19 40.

- For local information visit your Council’s Local Disaster Dashboard.

- If you need translation, call TIS National on 131 450.

- Learn how to get ready for a bushfire on the Qld Fire website. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/prepare/bushfires - Prepare - Bushfire.

Updates will be issued if the situation changes.

This warning is from the Queensland Fire Department.

03/09/2026

AG PLASTIC PILOT DELIVERS STRONG RESULTS // Southern Downs growers are leading the way in agricultural recycling, with a local plastics recycling pilot already delivering up to an 80% improvement in irrigation drip tape collection efficiency.

By helping farmers turn used irrigation tape into compact, transport-ready coils, the initiative is reducing waste, keeping valuable materials out of landfill and supporting a more sustainable future for our region.

The agricultural plastic recycling pilot is being delivered in collaboration with RMCG and the Granite Belt Growers Association and is proudly supported by the Queensland Government.

Visit sdrc.qld.gov.au/IrrigationRecyclingPilot for more information.

Read the full media release at sdrc.qld.gov.au/AgPlasticPilot.

03/09/2026

LOCAL STUDENTS TAKE ROOT IN CONSERVATION EFFORT // From classroom learning to hands-on conservation, Dalveen State School students are helping protect one of the region's rarest tree species. With only 350 Dalveen blue box trees remaining in the wild, students are now caring for saplings while learning about this eucalyptus species found nowhere else on Earth. Together with local conservation groups and Council, they’re playing an important role in securing the future of this unique Southern Downs treasure. 💚🌳

For more information, visit sdrc.qld.gov.au/DalveenBlueBox.