McKinlay Shire Council

06/08/2026

📣 Census Night is Tuesday 11 August 2026 📣

Options for Completing the Census:
✉️ If you received the paper forms, complete and return using the Reply Paid envelope provided. If you would prefer, there are instructions on the form if you wish to complete the Census Online.

💻 If you have not received your Census forms or a letter, you can go to the Census website and you can also request a Census number (a unique Census number is crucial).

If you need help to complete the form, you can ask a trusted person to assist you or visit the ABS website for help.

06/08/2026

📍 Julia Creek – 18 August 2026

Rural health practitioners in Julia Creek have a unique opportunity to access dedicated GP care with Dr Louise Stone.

This confidential service is available exclusively for local doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

🩺 Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
📍 Location: Julia Creek

To book your appointment visit:

👉 https://ruraldoctorsfoundation.org.au/book-appointment/

06/08/2026

Did you know you can complete your Census prior to Tuesday night?

We've received over one million completed Census forms already! Thank you, Australia. Census night is Tuesday 11 August. You can complete online, on paper, or with help from us. For more information go to census.abs.gov.au/help

06/08/2026

📢 Attention McKinlay Shire Residents

Rates notices for the first half of the 2026/27 financial year have now been issued. Please ensure your payment is made by the due date: 📅 Friday 4 September 2026.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

For more information, visit our website or contact Council directly 👉 https://shorturl.at/gKuqR

05/08/2026

Our Mayor, Cr Janene Fegan, is speaking out against the Federal Government's proposed changes to the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Since 2018, DRFA has provided vital Commonwealth and State funding to help communities recover from eligible natural disasters.

McKinlay Shire strongly opposes any reduction in the Federal Government's contribution. Communities like ours simply don't have the rate base to fund the rebuilding of roads and essential infrastructure after major disasters.

DRFA funding is critical to restoring access, reconnecting communities, and helping key industries like agriculture and mining get back on their feet.

Regional communities cannot afford to lose this vital support.

05/08/2026

We have some really great parks across McKinlay Shire. Pictured below is Peter Dawes Park on the main street of Julia Creek which provides the perfect opportunity to lap some kids whilst you enjoy a takeaway coffee or meal from any number of the local hospitality providers. Enjoyed by locals and visitors, alike, it's safe to say that this park is a well loved community asset. 🌞

05/08/2026

There are countless stories like Brandon and Ellas' who have not only made north-west Queensland home but also have rewarding careers, have broken into the housing market and who, most of all, genuinely love their new way of life. It's really great to see. 🫶

05/08/2026

A reminder to the McKinlay community, GP visit tomorrow! Call 07 4746 4080 today to schedule an appointment.

🩺 Visiting GP Clinic – McKinlay Township

A visiting GP clinic will be available at the McKinlay Primary Health Clinic on:

📅 Thursday, 6 August 2026
🕤 From 9:30 am
📍 McKinlay Primary Health Clinic

Community members are encouraged to book an appointment in advance.

To make a booking, please contact Julia Creek Medical Centre:
📞 07 4746 4080

04/08/2026

During the drought of 1926, 160 bales of lucerne hay bound for Huddersfield Station from Julia Creek.

04/08/2026

📞 Unplanned Phone Outage – Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre

The Julia Creek Visitor Information Centre is currently experiencing an unplanned phone outage.

If you need to get in touch with the VIC, please contact the team on their mobile:
📱 0499 933 832

Council will provide an update as soon as the phone service has been restored.

We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.