Mayors from across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland come together in Toowoomba to advance a united regional agenda focused on infrastructure, economic growth, water security, telecommunications and disaster resilience.
Chair of the Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors (DDSWQCoM), Mayor Geoff McDonald, said the two-day meeting reinforced the strength of regional collaboration and the importance of speaking with one voice to all levels of government.
"This region is critical to Queensland's economy, food security and freight network, and the discussions reflect a shared determination to ensure our communities have the infrastructure and services they need to grow and thrive," Mayor McDonald said.
Hosted by Toowoomba Regional Council, the DDSWQCoM meeting brings together the Mayors and Chief Executive Officers of the Toowoomba Region, Western Downs, Southern Downs, Maranoa, Goondiwindi, Balonne, Quilpie, Murweh, Paroo and Bulloo councils, alongside senior representatives from the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, industry and regional agencies.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the new Permanent Cross-Border Commissioner, Mr Bob Gee, to meet with Mayors and discuss the direction and priorities of the Commission under his tenure, particularly in relation to cross-border coordination, resilience and regional advocacy.
Key priorities discussed include:
- Critical freight routes and strategic highway investment to support agriculture, energy and regional supply chains
- Water security and bulk water supply, including long-term planning for major regional assets
- Telecommunications and digital connectivity, particularly for rural and remote communities
- Insurance affordability and disaster recovery, with a focus on strengthening resilience and reforming funding arrangements
- Economic development and investment attraction, including opportunities linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Waste management and biosecurity, ensuring sustainable and coordinated regional approaches.
Mayor McDonald said the Council of Mayors plays a vital role in aligning local government priorities with state and national policy.
"When our councils come together, we can clearly articulate what our broader region needs and why it matters, not just for local communities, but for Queensland and Australia as a whole," he said.
"This meeting is about turning shared challenges into shared solutions, backed by strong partnerships with government and industry."
The Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors will continue to advocate collectively for investment and policy reform that supports resilient, connected and prosperous regional communities.
Photo caption: (from left to right) Mayor Wendy Taylor (Maranoa), Mayor Ben Hall (Quilpie), Mayor Andrew Smith (Western Downs), Mayor Geoff McDonald (Toowoomba Region), Mayor Suzette Beresford (Paroo), Mayor Sam O'Toole (Balonne), Mayor John 'Tractor' Ferguson (Bulloo) and Mayor Lawrence Springborg (Goondiwindi).
