“Cr Taylor was elected to the former Cambooya Shire Council in 2000 and served as Cambooya Shire Mayor from 2004 to 2008, while Cr Cahill had previously served a term on the former Crows Nest Shire Council.”



Cr McDonald went on to say that the first 100 days will be an important time for the new Council team. “It will be a formative time where we need to work positively as a group of elected representatives for the good of our community and the entire Council organisation that will support our efforts and we must never lose sight of this objective,” he said. “I believe three guiding principles will set us up to achieve the best results for our community. “As Councillors, we need to be financially astute, community-minded and people-focused in all our deliberations.

“We all heard the refrain during the election campaign that the community want to be listened to across the entire region. “We must forge better connections with our community members. “Councillors in this new term have an opportunity to explore a new approach in this area to improve links across the region.

“This will be a key shift in our dealings across the next four years. “We are in the final phase of our budget planning ahead of its adoption in June and we need to work more intensively than ever on the key priorities for our community. “It is vital for everyone to get up to speed with the Council’s f inancial position and how we best deliver services and capital projects for our growing community.

“The Council will be delivering several multi-generational projects in this four-year term. “Top of the list is the $270 million, State Government-mandated Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Program, along with other major water security projects. “We must also deliver the Flood Recovery Program works, which are valued at almost $300 million (with the assistance of joint funding from the Australian Government and Queensland Government under the Disaster Relief and Recovery Funding Arrangements).

“Our longer-term strategic work will see us finalise a new Planning Scheme that will set the platform for future growth and job opportunities. “There will be further opportunities for community consultation across the region. “Maintaining our sound financial position is an overarching theme that must be top of our minds. “This will ensure the Council can pay its bills and meet the service expectations. of our communities. “Local government remains the poor cousin of the two higher levels of government. “It is a continual source of frustration that local government receives two-and-a-half cents in every dollar collected through the tax system. “For this reason, it will be a high priority to continue our advocacy to the state and federal governments to ensure we press for a fair share of funding for those who live across the region.

“We pledge to start work immediately to repay the faith shown iby those who elected us to these positions. “It is an honour to serve the community that we are proud to call home. “Each of us recognises the responsibility that comes with our office. “Councillors’ strategic work cannot be implemented without the diverse skills and dedication of our operational workforce and we greatly appreciate this commitment to serving fellow residents. “We must not lose sight of our good fortune to live in a beautiful and bountiful part of Australia. “The Toowoomba Region is blessed with a magnificent lifestyle, attractive parks, gardens and reserves and varied employment opportunities across our diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, defence, health, education, retail and other sectors. “Our motto of Rich Traditions and Bold Ambitions reminds us that the Toowoomba Region remains the best place to live, learn, work, play and raise a family.”