Toowoomba Region

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Toowoomba Region
Queensland
Toowoomba LGA Qld 2008.png
Location within Queensland
Coordinates 27°34′30.60″S151°56′48.75″E / 27.5751667°S 151.9468750°E / -27.5751667; 151.9468750
Population178,399 (2022) [1]
 • Density13.7685/km2 (35.6604/sq mi)
Established2008
Area12,957 km2 (5,002.7 sq mi) [1]
Mayor Geoff McDonald
Council seat Toowoomba
Region Darling Downs
State electorate(s)
Federal division(s)
Toowoomba Region logo.png
Website Toowoomba Region
LGAs around Toowoomba Region:
Western Downs South Burnett Somerset
Western Downs Toowoomba Region Lockyer Valley
Goondiwindi Southern Downs Lockyer Valley
Aerial views of the Toowoomba Region.

The Toowoomba Region is a local government area located in the Darling Downs part of Queensland, Australia. Established in 2008, it was preceded by several previous local government areas with histories extending back to the early 1900s and beyond.

Contents

In 2018–2019, it had a A$491 million budget, of which A$316 million is for service delivery and A$175.13 million capital (infrastructure) budget. [2]

History

Prior to the 2008 amalgamation, the Toowoomba Region existed as eight distinct local government areas: the City of Toowoomba and the Shires of Cambooya, Clifton, Crows Nest, Jondaryan, Millmerran, Pittsworth, and Rosalie.

The City had its beginning in the Toowoomba Municipality which was proclaimed on 24 November 1860 under the Municipalities Act 1858, [3] a piece of New South Wales legislation inherited by Queensland when it became a separate colony in 1859. William Henry Groom, sometimes described as the "father of Toowoomba", was elected its first mayor. It achieved a measure of autonomy in 1878 with the enactment of the Local Government Act. With the passage of the Local Authorities Act 1902, Toowoomba became a town council on 31 March 1903. On 29 October 1904, Toowoomba was proclaimed a City. [4]

The Toowoomba Region also encompassed four of Queensland's 74 divisions created under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 on 11 November 1879: Clifton, Highfields, Jondaryan and Rosalie. On 31 March 1903, these became Shires. Between 1913 and 1917, a number of changes occurred: the Millmerran and Pittsworth areas voted to split from Jondaryan on 24 April 1913, whilst in the same year Crows Nest became a shire, and in 1914, Cambooya followed. On 19 March 1949, Highfields and Drayton were abolished, with their land going to Crows Nest and Toowoomba respectively.

In July 2007, the Local Government Reform Commission released its report and recommended that the eight areas amalgamate. Its main reason for recommending such a large area was that the region was a growth area and a new organisation would have political advocacy capabilities on behalf of the region. Two other key factors were that Toowoomba's suburbs had expanded well beyond the City of Toowoomba and a new entity would be able to manage the entire area under one plan. Additionally, environmental and natural resource challenges could, in the Commission's view, be better met by an organisation with "a scale and capacity to undertake... management across the region in an integrated manner." Four of the councils, Jondaryan, Millmerran, Pittsworth and Rosalie were rated as financially weak by the Queensland Treasury. While no council had supported the Commission's model, most were willing to consider some form of amalgamation, and the Commission considered whether Millmerran should be united with Dalby or Toowoomba carefully. In the end, its proposal was unchanged. [5] On 15 March 2008, the City and Shires formally ceased to exist, and elections were held on the same day to elect councillors and a mayor to the Regional Council.

Council

Toowoomba Regional Council is unsubdivided and its elected body consists of 10 councillors and a mayor. [6] Neither the Labor Party nor the Liberal National Party officially endorse candidates for council.

Current composition

The current council, elected in 2020, is:

PositionCouncillorParty
Mayor  Geoff McDonald Independent
Councillor Bill Cahill Independent
 Edwina Farquhar Independent
 Timothy McMahon Independent LNP
 Megan O'Hara Sullivan Independent Labor
 James O'Shea Independent
  Kerry Shine Independent Labor
 Nancy Sommerfield Independent LNP
 Carol Taylor Independent
 Melissa Taylor Independent
 Rebecca Vonhoff Independent LNP

Mayors

Election results

2024

2024 Queensland local elections: Toowoomba
PartyCandidateVotes%±%
Independent LNP Rebecca Vonhoff (elected)77,3977.96
Independent James O'Shea (elected)60,7906.25
Independent Melissa Taylor (elected)60,4016.21
Independent Labor Kerry Shine (elected)58,9026.06
Independent Gary Gardner (elected)57,1555.88
Independent LNP Tim McMahon (elected)56,2655.79
Independent Carol Taylor (elected)52,5615.40
Independent Bill Cahill (elected)50,0505.15
Independent Edwina Farquhar (elected)48,7655.01
Independent Labor Trevor Manteufel (elected)39,9794.11
Independent Andrew Reeson31,8903.28
Independent Mark Orford31,4923.24
Independent Paul Wilson30,0863.09
Independent Scot McPhie29,2073.00
Greens Ellisa Parker28,6452.95
Independent Eakraj Adhikari28,1632.90
Say NO to WOKE Nathan Essex27,9762.88
Independent Chris Brameld27,1212.79
Independent Chelle McIntyre24,6262.53
Independent Robert Relvas23,9512.46
Independent David King23,1382.38
Say NO to WOKE Adam Carney22,4422.31
Independent Gavin Mingay18,9921.95
Independent Federation Martin Hartwig18,8011.93
Westgarths Leeanne Westgarth18,4381.90
Westgarths George Westgarth13,9121.43
Westgarths Angus Westgarth11,3151.16
Total formal votes972,460100.0
Total formal ballots97,24689.52
Informal ballots11,38410.48
Turnout 108,63085.86
Party total votes
Independent 336,47061.52
Independent LNP 133,66213.75
Independent Labor 98,88110.17
Say NO to WOKE 50,4185.19+5.19
Westgarths 43,6654.49
Greens 28,6452.95
Independent Federation 18,8011.93
Party total seatsSeats±
Independent 6Increase2.svg 1
Independent Labor 2Steady2.svg
Independent LNP 2Decrease2.svg 1

Towns and localities

The Toowoomba Region includes the following settlements:

Toowoomba suburbs

Close Regional Localities

1 - split with the former Shire of Crows Nest 2 - split with the former Shire of Jondaryan 3 - split with the former Shire of Cambooya> 4 - split with Lockyer Valley Region>

Regional localities

Economy

Economic growth potential in the region has been identified through retail, construction and the development of energy resources found in the Surat Basin and in food processing. As well as the development of the newly built Wellcamp Airport and Second Range Crossing, and proposed Inland Rail the city is set to become one of the largest logistical centres in the country as well as a major inland port. [14]

Population

The total population recorded at each census before the foundation of the Toowoomba Region combines the population of its component entities prior to their amalgamation in 2008. Its population was officially recorded for the first time in the 2011 Census.

YearTotal RegionToowoombaCambooyaCliftonCrows NestJondaryanMillmerranPittsworthRosalie
193356,68726,4232,0473,1052,8505,2312,3353,5447,095
194762,54833,2901,7802,7602,3615,3463,0123,5996,716
195470,43043,1491,8482,5423,7335,4163,4733,7316,538
196177,13150,1341,7322,5723,4745,7853,4233,8216,190
196681,75755,7991,6172,5493,2445,7523,5123,7135,571
197184,29559,5241,5582,3783,1115,7043,4353,7954,790
197692,14466,4361,6762,2603,4456,5763,3093,7144,728
198194,60566,6981,8942,1884,1257,8323,0473,6055,216
1986106,59673,3902,4772,3545,3089,4573,1153,8806,615
1991117,50081,0432,8602,3016,64410,3083,0144,0357,295
1996124,84983,6334,0792,3088,64411,0562,8304,2648,035
2001132,86886,6424,8562,32710,00512,3233,9354,4458,335
2006141,98690,4665,6522,54912,59513,9653,0784,6888,993
2011151,189--------
2016160,779--------
2021173,204--------
2022178,399--------

Toowoomba Regional Library Services

The Toowoomba Regional Council operates the following libraries: [15]

The Toowoomba Regional Libraries also provide a range of services including (but not limited to) free computer and internet access, [17] free computer classes, and a Homebound Library Service for those who are temporarily or permanently home bound. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Crows Nest</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Crows Nest was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, immediately northeast of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire, administered from the town of Crows Nest, covered an area of 1,629.9 square kilometres (629.3 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1913 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to form the Toowoomba Region. Its growth in later years has been fuelled by the expansion of Toowoomba, particularly the suburbs of Highfields and Blue Mountain Heights which, with a combined population of 7,333 in 2006, were home to over half the shire's population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Jondaryan</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Jondaryan was a local government area located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, immediately west of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire, administered from the town of Oakey, covered an area of 1,910.0 square kilometres (737.5 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1890 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to form the Toowoomba Region. Its growth in later years has been fuelled by the expansion of Toowoomba and suburbs such as Glenvale and Westbrook.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Rosalie</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Rosalie was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, immediately northwest of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire, administered from the town of Goombungee, covered an area of 2,200.7 square kilometres (849.7 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1879 until 2008. In 2008, it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to form the Toowoomba Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City of Toowoomba</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The City of Toowoomba was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, encompassing the centre and inner suburbs of the regional city of Toowoomba. The City covered an area of 116.5 square kilometres (45.0 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity in various forms from 1860 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the surrounding area to form the Toowoomba Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Millmerran</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Millmerran was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) southwest of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire covered an area of 4,520.8 square kilometres (1,745.5 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1913 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to become the Toowoomba Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Pittsworth</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Pittsworth was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, about 40 kilometres (25 mi) southwest of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire covered an area of 1,089.5 square kilometres (420.7 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1913 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to form the Toowoomba Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Cambooya</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Cambooya was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, immediately south of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire, administered from the town of Greenmount, covered an area of 638.5 square kilometres (246.5 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1914 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to form the Toowoomba Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shire of Clifton</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Shire of Clifton was a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, southwest of the regional city of Toowoomba. The shire, administered from the town of Clifton, covered an area of 867.5 square kilometres (334.9 sq mi), and existed as a local government entity from 1879 until 2008, when it amalgamated with several other councils in the Toowoomba area to form the Toowoomba Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Burnett Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The North Burnett Region is a local government area in Queensland, Australia in the northern catchment of the Burnett River. Established in 2008, it was preceded by several previous local government areas with histories extending back to the early 1900s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cassowary Coast Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Cassowary Coast Region is a local government area in the Far North Queensland region of Queensland, Australia, south of Cairns and centred on the towns of Innisfail, Cardwell and Tully. It was created in 2008 from a merger of the Shire of Cardwell and the Shire of Johnstone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tablelands Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Tablelands Region is a local government area in Far North Queensland, Australia inland from the city of Cairns. Established in 2008, it was preceded by four previous local government areas which dated back more than a century. On 1 January 2014, one of those local government areas, the Shire of Mareeba, was re-established independent of the Tablelands Region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Longreach Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Longreach Region is a local government area in Central West Queensland, Australia. Established in 2008, it superseded three previous local government areas that had existed for more than a century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fraser Coast Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Fraser Coast Region is a local government area in the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland, Australia, about 250 kilometres (160 mi) north of Brisbane, the state capital. It is centred on the twin cities of Hervey Bay and Maryborough and also contains K'gari. It was created in 2008 from a merger of the Cities of Maryborough and Hervey Bay and the Shires of Woocoo and most of Tiaro. In June 2018 it had a population of 105,463.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern Downs Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Southern Downs Region is a local government area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, along the state's boundary with New South Wales. It was created in 2008 from a merger of the Shire of Warwick and the Shire of Stanthorpe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lockyer Valley Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Lockyer Valley Region is a local government area in the West Moreton region of South East Queensland, Australia, between the cities of Ipswich and Toowoomba. It was created in 2008 from a merger of the Shire of Gatton and the Shire of Laidley. It has an estimated operating budget of A$35m.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitsunday Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Whitsunday Region is a local government area located in North Queensland, Australia. Established in 2008, it was preceded by two previous local government areas with a history extending back to the establishment of regional local government in Queensland in 1879.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gympie Region</span> Local government area in Queensland, Australia

The Gympie Region is a local government area in the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland, Australia, about 170 kilometres (110 mi) north of Brisbane, the state capital. It is between the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay and centred on the town of Gympie. It was created in 2008 from a merger of the Shires of Cooloola and Kilkivan and part of the Shire of Tiaro.

Toowoomba–Karara Road is a continuous 82.5 kilometres (51.3 mi) road route in the Toowoomba and Southern Downs regions of Queensland, Australia. Most of the route is signed as State Route 48. Toowoomba–Karara Road is a state-controlled district road. As part of State Route 48 it provides an alternate route between Toowoomba and Inglewood. It is also part of the shortest route from Toowoomba to Texas.

References

  1. 1 2 "3218.0 – Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2017-18: Population Estimates by Local Government Area (ASGS 2018), 2017 to 2018". Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 27 March 2019. Retrieved 25 October 2019. Estimated resident population, 30 June 2022.
  2. "TRC adopts 2018-19 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Statement". Toowoomba Regional Council. 21 June 2018. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  3. 22 Vic No. 13 (Imp), assented 27 October 1858
  4. Queensland Government Gazette, Vol. LXXXIII, 29 October 1904, p.878.
  5. Queensland Local Government Reform Commission (July 2007). Report of the Local Government Reform Commission (PDF). Vol. 2. pp. 315–322. ISBN   978-1-921057-11-3 . Retrieved 3 June 2010.
  6. Toowoomba Regional Council. "Introducing Councillors" . Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  7. "2008 Toowoomba Regional Council - Mayoral Election - Election Summary". results.ecq.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  8. "2012 Toowoomba Regional Council - Mayoral Election - Election Summary". results.ecq.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  9. "2012 Toowoomba Regional Council - Mayoral Election - Election Summary". results.ecq.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  10. "2016 Toowoomba Regional Council - Mayoral Election - Election Summary". results.ecq.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  11. Queensland, Electoral Commission of (1 July 2019). "Electoral Commission of Queensland". results1.elections.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  12. "Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio resigns from elected position" . Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  13. "Geoff McDonald to lead Toowoomba Region" . Retrieved 21 July 2023.
  14. "About Council: Economic development". Toowoomba Regional Council. Archived from the original on 9 December 2010. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
  15. "Toowoomba Regional Libraries Locations and Hours" . Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  16. "Local History Library". Toowoomba Regional Council . Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  17. "Toowoomba Regional Libraries Public Use PCs". Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  18. "Toowoomba Regional Libraries Homebound Services" . Retrieved 24 October 2014.