FKG Group executive chairman Gary Gardner to run for Toowoomba Regional Council at local government election

A Toowoomba business identity who heads one of Queensland’s largest private companies has announced his council campaign and how he plans to shake up the organisation.

Business identity Gary Gardner has vowed to tackle what he calls “stifling bureaucracy” at the Toowoomba Regional Council if he is elected on March 16.

The executive chairman of massive Queensland company FKG Group launched his local government bid on Tuesday, describing the move as a “short notice” decision bought out of frustration with the council’s current trajectory.

Mr Gardner, whose family’s firm is now one of the state’s largest private businesses as of last year, said he would focus on increasing development and growing new and current industries within the region if he wins enough voter support next month.

FKG Group executive chairman and Toowoomba business identity Gary Gardner will run for council at the upcoming local government elections. Picture by Andrew Coates, Salt Studios

“For too long I’ve witnessed first-hand the stifling bureaucracy hindering our city’s growth,” he said in a statement.

“As a businessman, I’ve navigated the hurdles of council policies that delay crucial development projects. It’s time for real change.”

The move has shocked some in the development sector, with one calling him a “top of the tree” candidate.

A noted businessman and developer, Mr Gardner said he was aware that he would face potential conflicts of interest if elected to council in March.

But he said he would approach each one on a “case-by-case” basis.

“I don’t think I’d be the first or only (councillor), as the issue arises I’ll deal with it,” Mr Gardner said.

“Hopefully I’ll stay out of trouble.”

Mr Gardner, who is considered one of the region’s most powerful business voices, said he believed he didn’t fit the mould of a traditional politician.

“I’m not afraid to take an unpopular position if it’s in the best interest of growth,” he said.

“Toowoomba deserves a council that prioritises progress over politics.

“My real-world business experience will be invaluable in cutting through bureaucratic red tape and driving real results for Toowoomba.”

Mr Gardner said he wanted to see the growth of key industries like agriculture, exporting and energy.

“(These sectors) will have a ripple effect that benefits Toowoomba and surrounding areas,” he said.

“If elected, I will advocate for continued investment in these sectors, recognising the positive impact they have on job creation, economic growth, and overall community wellbeing.”

He also criticised the council’s decision to support a moratorium on gas exploration in the Darling Downs, arguing it chilled business confidence.

“I was very surprised by the Toowoomba council’s decision on gas, I thought that was something they did in Victoria — all it does is undermine business confidence,” he said.

When asked about how he would address the impacts of the upcoming $270m Cressbrook Dam spillway upgrade, Mr Gardner said he would have to learn more about the issue.

“I’m not over the issue, (but) I don’t think the ratepayer can afford it,” he said.

“I don’t think it hurts to bring a building or engineer brain to the table to think outside the square.”

It is understood a successful campaign wouldn’t affect operations at FKG, with Mr Gardner noting his eldest son Nick had been running the company for 10 years.

Mr Gardner’s announcement comes as nominations finally pick up ahead of the ballot draw on Wednesday.

There are now 23 candidates for the 10 council positions, with two mayoral candidates made up of incumbent Geoff McDonald and Douglas Doelle.

Originally published as FKG Group executive chairman Gary Gardner to run for Toowoomba Regional Council at local government election