Community & Business
5 August, 2024
Shine not giving up on rural representation
In an exclusive interview Councillor Kerry Shine says the fight for rural divisions continues.
After his proposal was voted down in Council, Kerry Shine says he’s not giving up on the proposal to establish rural divisions.
“Council’s recent decision not to proceed further with consideration of electoral reform- in effect the proposal to advance the cause of country representation, was disappointing,” he said.
“However I acknowledge the support of Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff and Cr Tim McMahon.
“The prospect of having only one of the pre-amalgamated Shires, namely Toowoomba, having Councillors, is almost a reality, with only one who lives at Highfields, although Cr Carol Taylor who has had vast country experience, has only recently moved into Toowoomba.
“Sadly, in my view, this situation is patently undemocratic and unacceptable and from my many discussions with Constituents, both inside and outside Toowoomba, the reasonable result of having two country Councillors, representing folk in seven out of the eight previous Shires, is both a necessity and commonsense.
How to achieve that aim?
“It will require three more Councillors to change their minds,” Cr Shine said.
“I don’t think that’s impossible considering two of them have supported the lead up motions for this reform and one of the new Councillors had indicated at a public meeting his support for it.
“In my experience, public pressure will carry the day, if there is sufficient applied.
“Advocacy from community groups, emails and phone calls to Councillors, letters to the Editor and the presentation of a substantial petition would be essential.
“I intend to prepare and circulate a petition in Spring and will need as much help as possible to gain a very substantial number of Constituent signatures to enhance the chances of success in getting a majority of Councillors onside.”
What do you think?
