2025 is shaping as a year of opportunities for the Toowoomba Region.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald highlighted several projects that will be top priorities in the coming year, including:
1. The appointment of a new Council CEO,
2. Ongoing advocacy for State and Australian Government funding, relating primarily to:
(a) The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project,
(b) 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
(c) Infrastructure to manage for planned growth with a new Planning Scheme, plus
3. The new Councillor Community Engagement model to improve Councillors' communication and connection with residents, which starts from this month.
Mayor McDonald said he was pleased to make the most of appointments this week (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) in Brisbane that included discussions with the Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki that highlighted Council's key advocacy projects (as listed above).
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 Equine Centre that is proposed at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.
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," Mayor McDonald said.
