Toowoomba council election 2024: Huge numbers at pre-polling stations across region

Nearly 7 per cent of the Toowoomba region has already cast their ballots in the 2024 council elections, as candidates vie to appeal to the remaining undecided voters up until March 16. Here’s a wrap of the election so far.

People line to collect candidate material ahead of voting at the 2024 local government elections at the Toowoomba pre-polling centre on Hill Street in Newtown.

Nearly 9000 people have already voted across the Toowoomba region as part of the council elections campaign, with four locations offering pre-polling before March 16.

Candidates have swarmed Toowoomba’s pre-polling location off Hill St in Newtown this week, handing out flyers and material.

The are also early voting centres in Pittsworth, Oakey and Crows Nest.

The latest figures show nearly seven per cent of residents have already cast their ballots in the election, according to the Electoral Commission of Queensland.

The polling figures come after a major candidate forum on Thursday night, hosted by the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Triple M Darling Downs and The Chronicle.

Here is a wrap of stories and moments from the campaign during the first week of voting:

‘Anti-woke’ candidate won’t accept in-person interview

Say No To Woke council candidate Nathan Essex stands at the Toowoomba pre-polling centre in Newtown.

Outspoken conservative “anti-woke” council contender Nathan Essex has drawn a significant interest, and mockery online, for his slogans and proposals, but still won’t explain them in person.

The interstate truck driver, who is running with the Say No To Woke group including the essentially anonymous Adam Carney, was a heavy presence at pre-poll and has invested thousands into his campaign.

But Mr Essex on Wednesday twice declined an in-person interview with NewsCorp, asking for the questions to instead be emailed to him.

This comes after he also declined phone interviews with NewsCorp during the start of the campaign, though he did have time to speak with conservative Sky News host Andrew Bolt last week.

Mr Essex’s push for council has been grounded on the belief the TRC has embraced a woke ideology, though he did not name a single policy when pushed on it.

His Facebook page has featured a dislike of hire e-scooter rollouts and any potential name changes to Tabletop Mountain (also known as Meewah), wanting to terminate the council’s long-term plans for a new CBD administration building and his desire to stop Toowoomba’s involvement in the Olympic Games in 2032.

Neither Mr Essex or Mr Carney appeared at the Toowoomba Decides event on Thursday night.

Mr Essex was sent questions via email, but has yet to provide responses.

Councillor bemoans ‘nasty’ campaign

First-term councillor Melissa Taylor says the current council campaign has featured far more misinformation than what it did in 2020, calling it “a bit nasty”.

Ms Taylor’s comments come after she accused fellow candidate Nathan Essex of misinformation her after he wrongly accused her of going on a ratepayer-funded trip to New Zealand during the previous term.

Her photo was featured alongside former mayor Paul Antonio and another councillor in Mr Essex’ post about overseas council trips, before it was taken down after Ms Taylor called it “gross misinformation”.

The post was based on an initial story in The Chronicle, months before the trip took place. Council had given approval for the trip but Ms Taylor did not take the trip.

While Mr Essex apologised, Ms Taylor said misinformation had been more prevalent in 2024 in general.

“It’s been resolved, but it’s gotten a bit nasty — people have been telling a lot of mistruths,” she said.

“I’ve been quite disappointed, I’ve had signs go missing — I’ve had a few candidates talk to me about that (too).

“I just think there’s misinformation out there and it’s a shame people don’t go to the source — it’s really disappointing.”

Ex-mayor Thorley weighs into council campaign with endorsement

Former Toowoomba City Council Mayor Di Thorley.

Popular and outspoken former Toowoomba City Council mayor Di Thorley has weighed into the 2024 elections by endorsing Robert Relvas for the council.

In a written statement, Ms Thorley backed the long-term local government officer to be a passionate advocate for residents.

“I have known Robert for 24 years, since meeting him when I was mayor (and) he has always had an inquisitive mind with an ability to see issues clearly,” she wrote.

COUNCIL CANDIDATE: Robert Relvas is running in the local election. Picture: Contributed

“Robert is a very passionate advocate for the region and this has only been strengthened by his employment in council.

“I have not in the past become involved in the local government elections but I am pleased to highly recommend that you consider Robert Relvas for a community representative.”

Gardner slams ‘failed’ projects

High-profile Toowoomba businessman Gary Gardner has taken aim at the council’s ability to deliver major projects, after it was revealed both the Railway Parklands and escarpment trails masterplan could be delayed by years.

The projects, both of which featured federal and/or state funding, look set to be pushed back as the TRC grapples with the looming financial challenge of the $270m Cressbrook Dam spillway upgrades.

In the case of the mountain bike precinct, the council asked for the $3.3m in federal grant money to be terminated due to stretching time frames.

Mr Gardner, the executive chairman of FKG Group, said the delays pointed to a need for a change in leadership.

“The lack of planning and urgency to deliver projects that have funding is a direct result of our current council’s complacency,” Mr Gardner said.

“There are plenty of grants available for our region, but the council needs to have a system in place to ensure that they can deliver projects that they have asked for funding for.”

Mr Gardner’s comments come just days after Groom MP Garth Hamilton also questioned the council’s capacity to deliver region-shaping projects.

Mr Hamilton’s wife Louise is supporting Mr Gardner in his campaign, though Mr Gardner has also declared he is an independent candidate.

There is no suggestion the two men are linked.

Candidate’s South Bank-style idea for Toowoomba CBD

Ruthven St should be partially closed-off every Friday night for market stalls and alfresco dining, according to a first-time candidate.

Scot McPhie, who is running on environmental regulation and support for community groups among other platforms, made the suggestion during his two-minute profile as part of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s Toowoomba Decides format.

“How’s this for an idea? We close off Ruthven St between Russell and Margaret streets every Friday and Saturday night, just like the markets at South Bank in Brisbane,’ he said.

“I know it’s a complete different retail and social landscape now, but I remember how busy it used to be here back in the 1980s and 90s, and we can make it happen again.”

Residents’ key issues revealed in new survey

Toowoomba region residents overwhelmingly support divisions, want a new dam but no large rate rises in the next term of council.

That’s according to a new survey just days from the 2024 local government elections, with the results revealing the key issues for voters heading into the next four years.

The Chronicle-led non-scientific survey, completed by more than 200 residents from across the region, also highlighted the stark viewpoints between respondents living in urban and rural areas.

Overall, respondents put rate rises and the cost of living as their top priority for the election, with a whopping 20.3 per cent placing it among their three major issues.

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