Community & Business
19 September, 2023
Millmerran meeting strengthens alliance between Council, community
The Darling Downs Regional Alliance meeting hosted by Millmerran Commerce and Progress Association last month has been hailed as a success by Toowoomba Regional Council and the community organisations represented.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said the recently formed Alliance brings together Council with community groups representing each area of the Toowoomba Region.
“This Alliance is a tremendous opportunity for regional groups to talk to decision-makers about the issues that each part of our Region is facing,” Mayor McDonald said.
“The meeting heard about the positive opportunities for growth in our Region, with a host of coming infrastructure projects contributing to growth in our regional economy.
“It was pleasing to hear about the Millmerran community’s interest in the new investments in the area, including the Genex Wind Farm, Inland Rail and Bulli Creek Solar Farm.
“The meeting heard about the potential housing challenges this growth will bring.
“In particular, the balance between creating workers’ camps versus using existing housing stock and creating pressure on the local rental market.
“Pittsworth District Alliance identified the benefits that will flow from Millmerran’s coming work, but voiced concern about the added pressure on housing and workforce challenges.
“Similarly, the Crows Nest representative also discussed the housing market challenges during construction of the proposed Pumped Hydro project at Cressbrook Dam and the 500-person workers’ camp that will come with it.
“There are some real opportunities taking place in our regional towns, and it is up to Council to advocate for improved infrastructure to keep up with the growth.
“Council has its own challenges with the significant impost of dam safety upgrades that will cost Council the equivalent of our annual capital budget.”
Mayor McDonald said the present aims of Council are to balance financial sustainability, while continuing to build the infrastructure that will drive the Region’s growth.
“These meetings are a tremendous opportunity for Council to proactively work with community groups to find prospects to support them,” he said.
“We understand that there are things Council needs to work on.
“We are listening, and together we will look for solutions that both benefit our community and streamline our processes.”
Chair of the Darling Downs Regional Alliance Kate Venables said the Alliance was delighted to have the ear of Council to listen to the concerns and celebrate the successes of each of the towns in the regional footprint.
“We look forward to Council’s responses to
the issues raised, especially to some of the ‘low hanging fruit’ concerns that can make such a positive impact in the towns,” Ms Venables said.
“As the Alliance, we aim to be a conduit for our members and our communities with Toowoomba Regional Council, to ensure we do not fall into the trap of becoming Toowoomba-centric in our focus and activities.
“We look forward to working together with the new-look Council and are confident we will have some successes for our members in the coming months.”
The meeting included representatives of the Millmerran Commerce and Progress Association, Pittsworth District Alliance, Crows Nest Progress, Recreation and Tourism Association Inc., Highfields Chamber of Commerce, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Council representatives.
