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Published: 08 July 2026

Barcoo Shire Council has adopted its 2026-27 Budget, with a strong focus on supporting the community, continuing flood recovery, and investing in the future of the Shire. Mayor Sally O'Neil said Council had worked hard to balance the rising cost of delivering services with the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by local families, businesses, and primary producers.

To help ease financial pressure, Council has limited the general rate increase to 3 per cent, which is below the current rate of inflation, and has frozen all Council fees and charges for the coming financial year.

Council also remains debt-free, ensuring it is well placed to respond to future opportunities while continuing to invest in essential infrastructure and services without the burden of loan repayments.

A major priority in this year's Budget is the continued recovery from the March 2025 floods. Over the coming years, Council will deliver significant road, drainage and public infrastructure projects to restore flood-damaged assets and strengthen the region's resilience to future disasters.

The Budget also includes investment in replacing and refurbishing cattle grids across the Shire, helping improve safety, reliability and access for landholders and road users. Council's road construction business will continue to play an important role in supporting the organisation's long-term financial sustainability, with profits reinvested into local infrastructure and community services.

As part of the Budget, Council also adopted its new five-year Corporate Plan, developed with input from residents, businesses, and community groups. The plan sets the direction for the next five years, focusing on infrastructure, community wellbeing, economic development, good governance and disaster resilience.

Mayor Sally O'Neil said the Budget reflects Council's commitment to supporting the community, while planning for the future.

See the full media release here.

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Published: 06 July 2026

STREET SWEEPING PROGRAM COMMENCING ACROSS BARCOO SHIRE

Barcoo Shire Council is pleased to advise residents that we have partnered with Longreach Regional Council to deliver a regular street sweeping program across the Shire.

Under this arrangement, the streets of Jundah, Windorah and Stonehenge will be swept every two months to help keep our towns clean, tidy and well presented.

The program will commence on Monday 13 July 2026, with Longreach Regional Council's street sweeper beginning work across the Shire.

Council thanks residents for your cooperation while the street sweeper is operating and encourages motorists to take care around the vehicle and, where possible, avoid parking on streets scheduled for sweeping.

Thank you for helping us keep our communities looking their best.

See full Community Notice here.

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Published: 02 July 2026

In accordance with the provisions of Section 254C(2)(b) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, notice is hereby given of a Special Meeting to be held on Wednesday 8 July 2026 at Jundah Council Chambers, commencing at 9am. This meeting will be open to the public.

Business conducted will be:
1. Adoption of the 2026-27 Barcoo Shire Council Budget

Should you require further information please contact Council on telephone 07 4658 6900, between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please see the full Community Notice here.

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Published: 18 June 2026

BARCOO SHIRE COUNCIL RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT $15 MILLION IN WITHDRAWN FEDERAL FUNDING

Barcoo Shire Council has formally resolved to oppose proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), warning the changes would place unsustainable financial pressure on remote councils and significantly undermine disaster recovery efforts in regional communities. 

At its Ordinary Meeting on 17 June 2026, Council expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes announced by the Australian Government, noting they would fundamentally alter the long-standing disaster funding partnership between all levels of government.

Mayor Sally O’Neil said the proposed shift to a 50/50 funding model would significantly reduce Commonwealth contributions and disproportionately impact rural and remote local governments.

“For councils like Barcoo, with a small rate base and large infrastructure networks, these changes present a very real and immediate financial risk,” Cr O’Neil said.

Council’s resolution highlights that the current DRFA arrangements, which provide Commonwealth contributions of up to 75 per cent, have enabled local governments to respond effectively to disasters and support their communities through recovery.

The proposed model would make it significantly more difficult for Council to deliver recovery works in a timely and effective manner.

“Based on the March 2025 flood event, Barcoo Shire estimates would have lost approximately $15 million in Commonwealth support under the proposed model,” Cr O’Neil said.

“That level of cost shift is simply not sustainable for a remote council and would directly impact our ability to rebuild roads, restore essential infrastructure and support our communities.”

Barcoo Shire Council is currently delivering approximately $60 million in recovery works following the March 2025 flood event and has warned that future disaster recovery efforts would be compromised under the proposed funding model, also highlighting the broader community impacts of delayed disaster recovery.

“In our region, recovery is not just about infrastructure.” Cr O’Neil said.

“It’s about ensuring people can access medical services, food supplies and other essential services.

“When roads are out, communities are isolated.”

The Barcoo economy is heavily reliant on the beef industry.

“Delays in restoring transport networks disrupt cattle movements, supply chains and regional productivity,” Cr O’Neil said.

“This has implications well beyond our local area.”

Council’s resolution also raised concerns about the reduction in funding for mitigation and preparedness, noting a decline in the Disaster Ready Fund would weaken Australia’s ability to invest in resilience and reduce long term disaster costs.

Barcoo Shire Council is calling on the Australian Government to reconsider the proposed changes and retain the existing equitable funding model, while also strengthening investment in disaster mitigation and resilience programs.

Council will actively advocate on the issue in partnership with other councils and key stakeholders.

“We will be working with the Local Government Association of Queensland, RAPAD Councils and our Federal Government representatives to ensure the voices of remote communities are heard,” Cr O’Neil said.

“A strong, fair and collaborative disaster funding framework is critical to the resilience of Queensland communities, and we will continue to advocate for its retention.”

See the full media release.

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Published: 28 November 2025

Barcoo Shire Council is excited to launch a buy local campaign. Summer can hit local businesses hard, and this year it is compounded by a slower than usual tourist season while we got ourselves back on our feet, post flood. In response, the Barcoo buy local campaign will encourage local spending and support the legends who make our shire unique and a place we are proud to call home.

See program poster here.

Chief Executive Officer David Wiskar said Barcoo Shire Council is committed to strengthening our local economy.

“Spending can decline in the summer months,” David said.

“We are encouraging community members and visitors alike to support local business and help us create a thriving summer economy.”

The concept is simple. Every $50 you spend locally earns you one entry into a fortnightly prize draw. Whether it’s groceries, a meal, a service call, or gear from a local retailer, it all counts. Council’s Community Recovery and Resilience Officer, Helen Carroll said they entry process is simple.

“ Just write your name and phone number on the entry ticket you receive at the time of purchase, and the business will staple it to a copy of your receipt - that’s your official entry,” Helen said.

“Every two weeks, the CEO (or delegate) will draw a winner who’ll take home $400 worth of buy local vouchers (8 × $50).

“These vouchers can be spent on goods or services at participating Barcoo Shire businesses, keeping the money right here at home.”

See FAQs here.

Local businesses can take part by accepting the $50 vouchers and recording them against their Council account for reimbursement.

“To be eligible, businesses must meet criteria showing they’re local and/or employ locals, keeping the economic benefits right where they belong,” Helen said.

“Council will soon be contacting businesses to confirm participation. If you’re keen to jump in early, reach out to Council to express your interest and get registered as a participating store.”

Interested in registering your business? Fill in the EOI here. 

The buy local campaign runs from 1 December 2025 to 24 February 2026, with draws to be held on the following dates.

• 16 December 2025
• 30 December 2025
• 13 January 2026
• 27 January 2026
• 10 February 2026
• 24 February 2026

See Terms and Conditions here.