This year will feature a few highly important projects according to Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald.

The appointment of a new Council CEO, ongoing advocacy for State and Australian Government funding and the new Councillor Community Engagement model rank as the most important items on the Mayor’s agenda.

Mayor McDonald said he was pleased to make the most of appointments last week in Brisbane that included discussions with the Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki, highlighting Council’s key advocacy projects.

New CEO hunt

Mayor McDonald said Council had started the recruitment process ahead of the appointment of a new CEO.

“Appointing the head of one of the Region’s largest employers is an important step in the evolution of Council, both for the organisation itself and for progressing the many projects and services which Council delivers to a growing population and for future generations,” he said.

Lobbying for more funding

The three projects for which Council is looking for funding are the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project, the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RASQ) bid for its proposed Toowoomba Equestrian Centre to host Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events and other events, and infrastructure to manage for planned growth with a new Planning Scheme.

Mayor McDonald and RASQ CEO Damon Phillips met the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last and the Director General for the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Patricia O’Callaghan to discuss opportunities and long-term economic, tourism and community benefits associated with the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre that is proposed at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

“Securing external funding for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project remains Council’s top Budget priority, however it is only one component of Council’s ongoing service delivery across our operations,” the Mayor said.  

“A federal election year offers a rare chance to further advocate for funding from the Australian Government, not only for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project, but for funding that local authorities need to support the maintenance and extension of essential infrastructure.

“We, like other councils, will reprise our call for fair, timely and untied funding from the higher levels of government that will be essential to support our critical service delivery without imposing additional costs on our ratepayers.

“Council awaits the outcome of the investigation into 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues, following our submission in support of the RASQ’s bid detailing its proposed Toowoomba Equestrian Centre at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

“Council, along with numerous other organisations and individuals, made a submission supporting the RASQ’s proposal, which was sent to the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA) as part of its 100-day review of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure.

“A Toowoomba Equestrian Centre would be a valuable facility that would support the development of junior riders and be a first-rate centre capable of hosting every level of competitive equestrian competition.

“This brings additional tourism benefits for the wider Region that will support generations of riders.”

Mayor McDonald said progressing a new Planning Scheme and a Local Government Infrastructure Plan was an important step in setting the foundation for the Region’s future development.

“Our Region has experienced consistent growth in the past decade and the statistics around our agricultural output (ranked first for Gross Regional Value of Production in Queensland in 2023-24), and our other leading economic sectors such as health and education, highlight the job opportunities and subsequent growth that will continue in coming years,” he said.

Councillor Community Engagement model

Mayor McDonald said he was positive that the new Councillor Community Engagement model would offer residents greater access to their elected Councillors.

“This new approach will further enhance our ability to listen to the needs, wants and aspirations of our residents as we discuss what they would like to see in their community,” he said.

“The model which allocates Councillors to designated parts of the Region (North, South and the Emerging/ Central zone) gives residents greater connection with elected representatives.

“Prior to amalgamation there were 68 Councillors across the same footprint where we now have 11.

“This is about doing things more effectively rather than all Councillors trying to be at every community gathering or school presentation across the entire Region.

“Schools and community organisations are encouraged to contact the Councillors in their respective zones and include them in events or regular meetings where meaningful time and discussions can take place.

“I need to be very clear that this model is not for the day-to-day Council enquiries.

“Councillors will continue to attend community events across the Region, and we are determined to be available to listen and discuss ways for continual improvement with our residents.”  

This article appeared in  On Our Selection News, 23 January 2025.