Council Corner - June 2026

Water Upgrades Coming to the Cooloola Coast 

Work is now underway on a major water infrastructure upgrade across the Gympie Region, with several streets across the Cooloola Coast set to receive new water mains, with works expected to be completed by late 2026.

The project forms part of Gympie Regional Council’s wider $27.3 million investment into water infrastructure this financial year, focused on improving the reliability of the region’s water network and replacing ageing pipes.

Maintaining safe and reliable water services remains one of Council’s most important responsibilities, particularly as older infrastructure continues to require more repairs and maintenance. 

This financial year alone, Council crews have already responded to 73 water main breaks across the region, highlighting the need for ongoing upgrades.

For locals on the Cooloola Coast, replacement works will take place in parts of Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay, and Cooloola Cove, including:

• Turana Street, Rainbow Beach
• Nimrod Street, Cooloola Cove
• Dolphin Avenue, Tin Can Bay
• Drummer Street, Tin Can Bay
• Gympie Road, Tin Can Bay 
• Tarwhine Street, Tin Can Bay

The upgrades are designed to improve reliability, reduce the risk of future breaks and help ensure the region’s water network continues to meet the needs of growing communities into the future.

This project is jointly funded by Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government.

Record Memberships at Our Local Libraries

More locals than ever are making the most of Gympie Regional Libraries, with memberships now topping 26,800 across the region. 

Almost half of the Gympie Region’s population are now library members, including 471 new members who have joined since July last year to access free resources, technology, workshops, and community programs.

Libraries continue to provide far more than just books, with access to computers, digital resources, children’s activities, technology support and community events throughout the year. 

Locals are taking part in everything from sewing classes and technology workshops through to Mahjong groups and early childhood activities.

The growing membership numbers reflect the important role local libraries continue to play as welcoming community spaces where residents can learn new skills, connect with others and access free resources close to home.

If you’re not already a member, now’s a great time to join. Membership is free and open to everyone in the Gympie Region. 

To find out more, head to library.gympie.qld.gov.au/Home or call or drop into your local library:

• Rainbow Beach Library Rainbow Beach Community Hall, Rainbow Beach Road. Monday & Thursday: 9.30am–12.30pm Wednesday & Friday: 2pm–5pm Saturday: 9am–12noon 
• Tin Can Bay Library 47 Tin Can Bay Road. Monday & Wednesday: 9am–12.30pm Tuesday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday: 9am–12noon

Du Reitz Awards 2026 - Now Open

Local artists are being encouraged to put their creativity on show, with entries now open for the 2026 Du Rietz Art Awards at Gympie Regional Gallery.

Now recognised as one of Queensland’s leading regional contemporary art prizes, the awards continue to attract artists from across Australia, with a record 230 entries received last year.

More than $15,000 in prize money is on offer across several categories, including the 2D and 3D Acquisitive Awards, the Locals Award, Highly Commended Award and the People’s Choice Award. 

The awards provide an opportunity for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work alongside some of the country’s leading contemporary artists.

The exhibition will run from 5 September to 9 October at Gympie Regional Gallery, with the awards announcement taking place on Friday 11 September. Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday, 30 June.

For more information, including entry details and award categories, head to www.gympie.qld.gov.au/du-rietz-art-awards.

Entries open: 1 May - 30 June.

Finalists on display: 5 September - 9 October 2026.