Toowoomba, June 19, 2024 – In a significant move towards enhancing community representation, the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has initiated the first steps towards a novel approach for Councillors to represent the region’s diverse communities. 

Toowoomba Council to Explore New Engagement Model

At today’s Ordinary Meeting, Councillors unanimously agreed to advance a workshop to develop a new regional representation model.

Mayor Geoff McDonald emphasised the importance of reassessing how Councillors engage with the community, especially at the start of a new Council term.

“It is crucial to continually recognize and understand the uniqueness of our townships and villages,” Mayor McDonald stated. “The proposed model, which was agreed upon for further exploration today, seeks to address the community’s sentiment on regional representation across the Toowoomba region.”

The current challenge is significant, with only 11 Councillors covering an area previously served by 68 Councillors before the amalgamation. 

“Creating a model that ensures every resident feels represented is undoubtedly challenging,” Mayor McDonald noted. “Today marks the initial step towards developing a system that fosters better engagement and access between the community and Councillors.”

The Council’s next step involves a workshop where Councillors will fine-tune the terms of reference for the new representation model. 

Under this model, Councillors will maintain their roles across the entire region, but they will also take on additional responsibilities for specific zones. 

These zones will enable them to act as conduits, facilitating communication between residents and the Council.

The proposal includes the establishment of three zones, each managed by three Councillors on a rotating basis.

Each Councillor will be assigned to a zone for one year, after which they will rotate to a different zone. 

This system aims to ensure that Councillors are intimately familiar with the unique needs and issues of each zone over time.

“Throughout their assigned year, Councillors will engage in various community activities such as visiting schools, attending local events, and utilising Council service centres for hot-desking and meetings,” Mayor McDonald explained. “This new model is designed to invigorate community-led discussions, ultimately leading to more inclusive decision-making processes.”

The workshop to finalise the terms of reference for this new model is expected to be held soon. 

The new proposed zones are:

  • North Zone: Cooyar, Crows Nest, Geham, Goombungee, Haden, Hampton, Pinelands, Ravensbourne, Yarraman, Acland, Biddeston, Bowenville, Jondaryan, Oakey, Mount Tyson, Kulpi, Maclagan, Quinalow, Peranga.
  • Emerging Zone: Cabarlah, Cambooya, Charlton, Gowrie Junction, Highfields, Hodgson Vale, Kingsthorpe, Kleinton, Meringandan, Meringandan West, Wellcamp, Westbrook, Wyreema.
  • South Zone: Brookstead, Cecil Plains, Kooroongarra, Millmerran, Millmerran Downs, Millmerran Woods, Cypress Gardens, The Pines, Wattle Ridge, Forest Ridge, Condamine Farms, Pampas, Back Plains, Clifton, Greenmount, East Greenmount, Felton, Nobby, Pilton, Pittsworth, Ramsay, Southbrook.

The new representation model is expected to foster greater connection and responsiveness between the Council and the diverse communities across the Toowoomba region, ensuring every resident feels heard and represented.

For more information and updates, please visit the Toowoomba Regional Council’s official website.

News and image source: Toowoomba Region Council