General News
10 April, 2024
Council sworn in, Vonhoff back as Deputy
Rebecca Vonhoff was re-appointed as Deputy Mayor for Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) at the Council’s first meeting post-election on Wednesday, 3 April.
Councillors voted unanimously to re-elect Cr Vonhoff to the position.
“I’m humbled and honoured to again have the support of my peers,” Cr Vonhoff said.
“We face big issues but when I consider the experience as well as the fresh perspectives each of us brings, I can see there are plenty of green shoots here.
“The issues we face need to be critically examined from multiple angles from multiple people.
“And that’s what all of us around the table can bring.
“The Deputy Mayor position is an important role for our community, and I want to assure our residents I’m focused on continuing to deliver for residents of the region.
“As Councillors we are in such a privileged position where we get to represent this wonderful community and I’m grateful to be able to continue serving our residents as Deputy Mayor.
“I look forward to working closely with the newly elected Mayor and all my colleagues during this important term of Council.”
Mayor Geoff McDonald congratulated Cr Vonhoff on the appointment.
“As a united team, we’re committed to working collaboratively in the best interests of our community,” Mayor McDonald said.
“I’m pleased to see Cr Vonhoff re-appointed in this role.”
Cr Vonhoff was first appointed Deputy Mayor by her colleagues in July, 2023, following the resignation of Paul Antonio as Mayor and the subsequent appointment of Geoff McDonald in that role.
Mayor McDonald said he was grateful for the community support shown to him and the other 10 elected representatives.
“Toowoomba Regional Council is unique in comparison with many other local authorities across Queensland where there was substantial change in the elected members,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Our community has
shown faith in the Councillors who stood for election and endorsed our two newcomers, Cr Gary Gardner and Cr Trevor Manteufel.
“Cr Edwina Farquhar also was elected for the first time,” the Mayor said.
He said the first 100 days will be an important time for the new Council team.
“It will be a formative time where we need to work positively as a group of elected representatives for the good of our community and the entire Council organisation that will support our efforts,” he said.
“We must never lose sight of this objective.”
Mayor McDonald said we all heard the refrain during the election campaign that the community must be listened to across the entire Region.
“We must forge better connections with our community members.”
“Councillors in this new term have an opportunity to explore a new approach in this area to improve links across the Region.
“This will be a key shift in our dealings across the next four years,” he said.
“Council will be delivering several multi-generational projects in this four-year term.
“Top of the list is the
$270 million, State Government-mandated Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Program, along with other major water security projects.
“We must also deliver the Flood Recovery Program works, which are valued at almost $300 million (with the assistance of joint funding from the Australian Government and Queensland Government under the Disaster Relief and Recovery Funding Arrangements).”
Mayor McDonald said longer-term strategic work will see Council finalise a new Planning Scheme that will set the platform for future growth and job opportunities.
“There will be further opportunities for community consultation across the Region,” he said.
“Maintaining our sound financial position is an overarching theme that must be top of our minds.
“This will ensure Council can pay its bills and meet our communities’ service expectations.
“Local government remains the poor cousin of the two higher levels of government.
“It is a continual source of frustration that local government receives two-and-a-half cents in every dollar collected through the tax system.
“ For this reason, it will be a high priority to continue our advocacy to the state and federal governments to ensure we press for a fair share of funding to service our growing communities.”
At the meeting, Council endorsed a recommendation to review the existing committee structure and the allocation of Councillor portfolio responsibilities.
A report will be prepared for Council’s consideration at the May round of meetings.
Mayor McDonald was appointed chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG), with Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff appointed LDMG Deputy chair.
Cr Carol Taylor and Cr Melissa Taylor also were appointed to the LDMG.
Other appointments for advisory committees, community groups, industry bodies and external committees will be finalised at a future meeting.
