The first meeting for the newly formed Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) was held earlier today inside The Annex.
While social distancing guidelines kept Councillors spaced apart in the alternative venue, Mayor Paul Antonio ensured business was back on track with the unveiling of new portfolio chairs and leaders.
"The community spoke at the polling booths and as a result I felt it was important to place the Councillors with the most votes in the positions of chairs," Mayor Antonio said.
Councillor responsibilities:
- Mayor Paul Antonio - Economic Development Committee Chair
- Cr Carol Taylor - Infrastructure Committee Chair
- Cr Melissa Taylor - Infrastructure Committee Portfolio Leader
- Cr Rebecca Vonhoff - Water and Waste Committee Chair
- Cr Nancy Sommerfield - Water and Waste Committee Portfolio Leader
- Cr James O'Shea - Environment and Community Committee Chair
- Cr Tim McMahon - Environment and Community Portfolio Leader
- Cr Geoff McDonald - Finance and Business Strategy Committee Chair
- Cr Kerry Shine - Finance and Business Strategy Portfolio Leader
- Cr Megan O'Hara-Sullivan - Planning and Development Committee Chair
- Cr Bill Cahill - Planning and Development Portfolio Leader
"The portfolio structure will again align directly with the organisational structure. I will Chair the Economic Development Committee, assisted by the Deputy Mayor in my absence, or my colleagues from the relevant portfolio on a case by case basis," Mayor Antonio said.
"Further refinement on Councillor portfolios may be made once discussions between these Councillors and relevant General Managers take place," Mayor Antonio said.
During the meeting, Cr Geoff McDonald was elected as Deputy Mayor, with the role to be revised during the term of Council.
"This is a different approach for the Toowoomba Region but one which will give more Councillors an opportunity to take on this position.
"This will ensure more Councillors get experience in the role and will increase the leadership skills more broadly across our team of Councillors.
"Councillor McDonald is an experienced Councillor who will bring a lot of fresh ideas and enthusiasm to this position.
"He's passionate about the community and has a strong commitment to continually improve the lifestyle, economy and global standing of the Toowoomba Region.
"I would like to congratulate Cr McDonald and thanks all the Councillors who expressed an interest in the role.
"As we begin this term of Council we have a number of challenges we need to address immediately and I believe we have the right people around the table to do this.
"While we lost valuable experience with four Councillors stepping down from the previous term, it brings me a great deal of excitement to welcome in four new faces.
"Each of the new Councillors bring their own set of skills and experience to their portfolio areas and I look forward to working with them all over the next four years.
"It's important to remember that being an elected member of this Region is an honour. The community has voted us in to look after their best interests and now that we've met for the first time, we can get on and do the job we're expected to do."
During the meeting, Council also set a date for a Special Meeting of Council to formally consider local economic relief options. This meeting will be held on 29 April 2020 at 10am.
