The Chronicle special investigation exposes major issues and scandals plaguing new term of Toowoomba Regional Council

Whistleblowers within Toowoomba Regional Council have revealed the major issues and scandals plaguing City Hall, as The Chronicle calls for accountability from our elected officials. Go inside our special investigation here.

Less than two months into the new Toowoomba Regional Council term, the unity and strength of the region’s 11 representatives is being tested by a wave of scandals and controversies.

A looming financial crunch, a leaked photograph of a councillor and concerns about the organisational culture within council are among the challenges facing mayor Geoff McDonald, deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff and their councillor colleagues as they prepare to reveal a new portfolio system for the next four years.

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald with the 2024-2028 councillors outside City Hall.

Multiple sources both inside the TRC, including councillors and senior bureaucrats, have exposed a raft of issues, where they stem from and what can be done.

Some of the city’s most influential business people and politicians outside the council have also revealed how the problems threaten to hamper the TRC’s productivity and project delivery.

But all sources have told The Chronicle they want to lift the lid on major incidents and trends to address them at their roots and move the organisation in the right direction ahead of a critical four years for the council.

Read our special investigation here.

‘Appalling’: TRC rocked after leaked photo of councillor spread online

The leaking of a photograph depicting a councillor asleep in his chair that was then spread online has raised concerns about behaviour within the Toowoomba council, with one insider calling it ‘appalling’.

For more on this story from Tom Gillespie click here.

TRC councillor Kerry Shine speaks at a special meeting to endorse new deputy mayor, Friday, July 28, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

’Rubbish’: Councillor unity challenged ahead of difficult term

The Toowoomba council’s leaders have asserted the boardroom is working as a team, but that has been challenged by insiders as the organisation prepares for a difficult period ahead.

Click here to learn more.

Future of council chief executive’s tenure in doubt as culture under scrutiny

The Toowoomba council’s chief executive is facing fresh scrutiny over organisational culture as the number of councillors looking for a change in leadership grows following the election.

For the full story click here.

Toowoomba Regional Council chief executive Brian Pidgeon (left) and Geoff McDonald. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mayor lifts lid on major portfolio revamp amid $300m project strain

The Toowoomba Regional Council will unveil a complete overhaul of its portfolio system to fixing issues like siloing and get the organisation pushing ahead with major projects — but not all are convinced it will work.

Click here to learn more.

OUR SAY: The Chronicle calls for council accountability

Everyone wants to see the Toowoomba Regional Council thrive and reach its full potential, however some serious issues facing Toowoomba council does not make for easy reading.

To read this piece from editor Jordan Philp click here.

Toowoomba deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff and mayor Geoff McDonald discuss the council's request for $90m from both the state and federal governments to help pay for the Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades.

New action plan meetings agreed to after The Chronicle investigation

The region’s three tiers of government representatives have all vowed to improve co-ordination towards funding, advocacy and the regional growth following an explosive council investigation.

For more on this story click here.

‘Not a talkfest’: When Toowoomba leaders’ meetings could start

In a move sparked from investigations by The Chronicle, Toowoomba’s political leaders from three tiers of government have started planning their first meetings.

Click here for the full story.