QUILPIE and Eromanga may be still scratching for doctors and a proper water supply but tonight, the local council is celebrating.
In front of a who’s who of local government in Canberra, Quilpie Shire Council was formally recognised as the country’s Outstanding Rural and Remote Council.
Announcing their success at the Australian Local Government Association’s National Assembly, Council says the award celebrates its Q1000 Regional Growth Initiative – a long-term, community-driven vision to strengthen liveability, grow the economy and secure a sustainable future for the region.
“Born from extensive community consultation, Q1000 reflects a shared ambition: a thriving community of around 1,000 people, where businesses prosper, schools and health services remain strong, and community organisations continue to flourish,” Council triumphantly posted on its Facebook page.
Council points to a list of achievements as to why they cleaned up at the ALGA conference in Canberra, at the expense of other small councils in the bush.
That list includes a local $20,000 homeowner grant, a $15 million investment in building 22 new homes for essential workers, pathways to home ownership for Council staff and local families, construction of a 30-lot rural residential estate, planning for a residential sub-division and a proposed new childcare centre.
“This award belongs to our entire community,” says Council, which has been seeking State Government help to fix the water supply problem for Eromanga.
“It recognises what can be achieved when a council and its residents work together with a clear vision for the future.”
Tonight’s news followed a day of disappointment and frustration over the ongoing doctor shortage at Quilpie and Eromanga’s continuing water woes.
In Eromanga’s case, they missed out on funding in the State Budget for a new artesian bore, which would have delivered a reliable town water supply.
Laura Josey, who operates the Royal Hotel, says it’s a massive letdown for locals in the close-knit oil town, about 106 kilometres west of Quilpie.
“We’re absolutely devastated,” a candid Ms Josey told Costo on his 4RR-FM drive show late this afternoon.
“We just don’t know what we can actually do about it. How are we going to grow our town?”
POSTED: Tuesday, June 23, 2026