Shaun Zorro Radnedge, Murweh Mayor – LGAQ Meeting (31 March)

In this episode of Rural Queensland Today, host Ben Dobbin speaks with Shaun Zorro Radnedge, Mayor of the Murweh Shire and Chair of Outback Queensland Tourism (OQTA), about the mounting challenges facing regional Queensland in March 2026. The conversation centers on two major crises: the ongoing fuel excise controversy and the collapse of critical infrastructure projects like the gravel pit redevelopment, both exacerbated by bureaucratic red tape. Radnedge expresses frustration with federal and state government inaction, particularly around the sudden halving of fuel excise without a budget offset, which he warns could trigger inflation and interest rate hikes. He emphasizes that while fuel availability isn't currently a problem, the psychological impact on tourists and operators is severe, with events like the Big Red Bash postponed and regional tourism suffering ripple effects. He also highlights the looming threat to the Regional Tech Hub, a vital connectivity initiative funded at $2 million annually, which faces cancellation due to lack of government commitment despite its proven impact on rural communities. Radnedge calls for urgent leadership, transparency, and coordinated action to restore confidence and support regional resilience. Key takeaways include: 1) Government policy must be coordinated across levels to avoid unintended consequences like inflation and tourism collapse; 2) Red tape in infrastructure projects like gravel pits must be reduced to enable development; 3) Regional digital infrastructure like the Tech Hub requires long-term funding commitments; 4) Tourism recovery depends on both physical availability and public confidence; 5) Local leaders are stepping in to fill gaps left by federal inaction, but systemic change is needed. The overall tone is urgent and critical, yet hopeful, with a strong emphasis on community resilience and the need for political courage.