Mayor welcomes Region’s strong voice in Government

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald has welcomed our Region's strong representation in the Queensland Government Ministry, with several local MPs being named as Ministers and Assistant Ministers.

"Our Region is unique, where each of the returned local members of parliament will be part of the new Crisafulli Government," Mayor McDonald said.

"It is pleasing that this strong local representation from our Region has been recognised by senior appointments within the executive government," he said.

"There has never been a time when our Region has boasted the Treasurer, Energy and Housing Minister, Attorney General and Minister for Justice and Integrity, Speaker of Parliament, and an Assistant Minister responsible for South West coming from members representing the Toowoomba Region.

"With the many challenges facing our Region, the inclusion of several local representatives in the new ministry will provide a united approach and ensure that our regional voice is heard by the government.

"Council already has a funding business case with the Queensland Treasury asking for support of up to $200 million for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement project.

"Council's advocacy for this project will be made so much easier by working with a Toowoomba-based Treasurer who understands the impact on our ratepayers through increased water charges if support is not received.

"Our local representatives would also be aware that if grant funding is not secured, Council, by necessity, would have to defer planning and delivery of other critical major projects and review the range and levels of services offered to our residents.

Mayor McDonald said that in our 2024 Queensland Budget Submission, Council decided to advocate exclusively for the support of the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project. 

"The project cost will cost around $270 million, making it the single largest project ever completed by Council," Mayor McDonald said.

"While the project is critical to water security and will reduce risks to people and property downstream during extreme flood events, the current project scope will not deliver additional water to the Region.

"As a Council, we look forward to working cooperatively with the new government to improve our state."

“Congratulations to:

- Hon David Janetzki MP, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership, Member for Toowoomba South

- Hon Deb Frecklington MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Member for Nanango

- Hon Pat Weir, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

- Trevor Watts MP, Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland, Member for Toowoomba North

- James Lister MP, Member for Southern Downs”