Twelve months of Council marked

This week's Council meeting marked the 12-month anniversary of the current term of Council.

Our recent rainfall was an echo of this time twelve months ago when the region was also facing flooding.

Conditions saw Mayor Taylor take her official Declaration of Office early in order to assume her responsibilities under the Local Disaster Management Plan. In taking her Declaration of Office she became the first female to hold the office as Mayor of Maranoa Regional Council.

The intervening 12 months has seen activity and achievements rights across the region.

Shortly after taking office, Council reinstated the Councillor Portfolio system to empower Councillors to take the lead and focus council on the many strategic areas that make up Maranoa Regional Council. 

Advocacy

Advocacy has been a major focus during this term. This has been led by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor attending the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly and Conference and Councillors attending the LGAQ's State Conference. Subsequently Councillors O'Neil, Birkett, Vincent and Hancock were appointed to important advisory groups, ensuring the region's issues are reflecting in policy making. 

Representations have been made in person to state and federal Ministers and MPs, including The Hon David Littleproud MP, Former Premier The Hon Steven Miles MP, Premier David Crisafulli MP, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP, Senator James McGrath, Member for Warrego and Local Government Minister The Hon Ann Leahy MP, Senator Anthony Chisholm and Transport and Main roads Minister The Hon Brent Mickelberg 

Council has joined the advocacy efforts of the Local Government Association of Queensland on issues including saving the Great Artesian Basin, changing disaster funding arrangements, protecting the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and insurance reform.

Council has also reinvogorated its partnerships with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and Roma Commerce and Tourism to advance the region.

Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Spokesperson for Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy, Cr Cameron O'Neil, said collectively these efforts have given the region a seat at the table and a stronger voice.

"Whether it's to advocate for outcomes such as the $14.5 million in State and Federal funding for the pool redevelopment, or having our interests reflected in important policy, it is vital that the Maranoa is represented where decisions are made," he said.

"Our partnerships also ensure we are able to leverage the combined advocacy of our partners."

Consultation

Mayor Taylor outlined in her first budget speech that Council had made a commitment to face the challenges and difficult decisions head on – communicating openly and acting transparently.

After delivering that budget, Councillors held meetings across the region with residents to discuss the budget and answering questions about the decisions made around rates.

Across 7 days, Councillors travelled over 1400 kilometres visiting 16 Communities and spent a total of more than 24 hours discussing budget and answering questions.

This was followed by a comprehensive letter for those residents who couldn't join the community forums summarising some of the key points raised.

Consultations were held so the Injune community could have input into the placement of the Eagle Sculpture, and into the services provided by the Roma Airport. 

Council is currently preparing to gather community feedback on its structure as part of a promised review, and will outline the outcome soon.

Major Projects 

Council is proud to have finally delivered the State and Federal funding that has enabled the redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Memorial Pool to go ahead.

This is a once-in-a-generation project that represents the largest community recreation investment in our region’s history. It’s about more than just a pool - it’s about creating a space that supports health, inclusion, learning, and fun for current and future generations of Maranoa residents.

With a lengthy planning and development period for any major project being long, credit belongs to the efforts of successive Councils. This Council recognises the work of those that precede it and is honoured to be the current custodians finally delivering projects including the Campbell Park refurbishment, Wallumbilla Calico Cottage & Heritage Precinct, the first elements of the Yuleba Masterplan and others.

Looking ahead

During the first Council meeting, Cr Taylor spoke of the important role that Council plays for the future of the region, and of the commitment of the new Council.

"There are nine people here today who have been chosen by you to give back to your community and I have no doubt they will work hard for you, and with you," she said.

In recognising the passage of its first 12 months, it is impossible to recount all of the Council has done. It is showcased every fortnight in its Ordinary Meetings open to the public. Residents can see the issues large and small discussed, and see how decisions affecting the region are made. Dates for upcoming meeting are listed here. Meetings are recorded and can be watched here. 

Summaries of each meeting are also published as Council Snapshots.