Queensland Senator Russell Trood visited the three communities in the Barcoo Shire on Wednesday October 29 to gain a better understanding of issues in remote areas of the state.

The senator travelled with Barcoo Shire Mayor Bruce Scott to Stonehenge to meet with the local community for lunch and discuss any concerns residents there may have.

Following lunch Senator Trood was able visit the recently completed Stonehenge Community Centre, travel to the location of the Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar Site, and Swanvale lookout near Stonehenge before travelling to Jundah.

In Jundah, Senator Trood met with residents for afternoon tea at the recently completed Shire Administration building, followed by a tour of the town’s facilities including the Memorial Park and water desalination plant.

En route to Windorah, Senator Trood visited the Thomson River and was able to experience travelling on the recently completed bitumen seal of the Thomson Development road between Jundah and Windorah.

Approximately 15 locals took the opportunity to enjoy pre-dinner savouries with Senator Trood in Windorah. While in Windorah, Senator Trood took the opportunity to view the Ergon Energy Solar farm, travel to the sand dunes to the west of Windorah and the iconic Cooper’s Creek.

A common thread of concern in the three towns was transport infrastructure, telecommunication services, the bitumen sealing of roads within the shires, loss of people in the bush, the water management plan for Cooper’s Creek, postal services, rural power and health care, and especially patient travel to specialist services.

After a visit to the JC Hotel ruins, some native wells and the Inland Oil Refinery at “Cuddapan” on Thursday morning, Senator Trood along with Cr Scott and Acting CEO Gordon Webley met with Diamantina Shire Mayor Cr Rob Dare, Cr Barry Gaffney and Cr Garth Tully for morning smoko at Deon’s Lookout which is located on the boundary of the two shires on the Diamantina Development Road.

Senator Trood then continued on to Birdsville and other areas of the Diamantina Shire accompanied by Diamantina Shire Councillors.

Source: Western Times