Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is building on the success of its zone-based engagement model, with Councillors set to rotate into new zones from January 2026 to strengthen community connections even further.
Introduced in 2025, the model assigns each Councillor to a specific geographic zone for 12 months before rotating annually through to December 2027. This approach has given residents greater access to their elected representatives and helped Councillors gain a deeper understanding of local priorities.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said the first year had exceeded expectations.
"2025 has shown us just how powerful genuine, face-to-face connection can be. At the start of this term, we committed to doing things differently for better and the community has backed us every step of the way. People wanted to see more of us, and this model has delivered exactly that," Mayor McDonald said.
Covering more than 13,000 square kilometres, the Toowoomba Region is vast and diverse. Mayor McDonald said the zone-based approach ensures Councillors are present where real conversations happen, at schools, sporting events, service clubs, main streets and community gatherings.
"This isn't about replacing existing customer service channels. It's about amplifying them and making sure Councillors are on the ground, listening and learning directly from residents," he said.
Councillors will rotate into new zones from January 2026, continuing the commitment of strong, meaningful engagement.
"We're heading into 2026 with strong momentum. By the end of this term, every Councillor will have spent time in every zone, and every community will have strong, meaningful relationships with all elected representatives. That's the level of connection our residents deserve," Mayor McDonald said.
While Councillors focus on their assigned zones, they will continue to attend events across the entire Region.
"Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff and I remain available to support every Councillor in every zone. With so many events happening across our vast Region, often on the same day, we're committed to ensuring strong representation wherever we can," Mayor McDonald said.
Zones for 2026
North Zone South Zone Emerging Zone
Cr Edwina Farquhar Cr Bill Cahill Cr Kerry Shine
Cr Tim McMahon Cr Melissa Taylor Cr James O'Shea
Cr Gary Gardner Cr Carol Taylor Cr Trevor Manteufel
North Zone communities: Jondaryan, Oakey, Goombungee, Hampton, Crows Nest, Maclagan, Cooyar, Yarraman and surrounds.
South Zone communities: Pittsworth, Greenmount, Nobby, Clifton, Cecil Plains, Millmerran and surrounds.
Emerging Zone communities: Toowoomba, Cabarlah, Highfields, Meringandan, Kingsthorpe, Gowrie Junction, Westbrook, Wyreema, Cambooya and surrounds.
Map of Toowoomba Region Councillor Engagement Model
Link to Councillor Portfolios, Committees, Working Groups and External Appointments
