Toowoomba councillor applications just days away from opening

Toowoomba Regional Council will soon be on the hunt to appoint a new councillor following the resignation of Paul Antonio. Now we want to hear from you – who should it be?

Toowoomba Regional Council is just days away from opening nominations to pluck a member of the public into its 11th councillor position.

The resignation of Paul Antonio and subsequent elevation of Geoff McDonald into the mayoral position has left a hole in the organisation’s leadership team that must be filled by September 21.

If the position becomes vacant in the year prior to the next local government election, a councillor is selected through an application process.

The council is set to advertise the position in the coming weeks, and notify each person who ran as a candidate in 2020.

Councillor Geoff McDonald stands with fellow councillors after he was named the new Toowoomba Regional Council mayor at a special meeting. Picture: Kevin Farmer

While those former candidates will be individually given a nudge, any Toowoomba resident who is qualified to become a councillor can apply.

Newly appointed mayor Mr McDonald encouraged anyone with a strong sense of community to apply for the job.

“(The ideal candidate would be) someone who has a strong desire to support the community with passion, with a mind of positivity and to come in with an ability to listen for the first little while before trying to change the world,” he said.

Mr McDonald reinforced that fresh perspectives and new ideas are always welcome, but said warned new candidates to be prepared for a lot of listening and learning about the complexity of the organisation.

Applicants will need to reside in the Toowoomba Regional Council area and ensure they have statutory eligibility to hold the position.

These potential eligibility issues include citizenship status, and whether you are a prisoner, bankrupt or hold another high office position.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, applicants also need to have completed mandatory candidate training through the state government.

Once the council has received nominations from the public, they will resolve to appoint one of the nominees.

They will serve until the 2024 local government election.

On Friday the councillors will also hold a special meeting to select Mr McDonald’s replacement as deputy mayor.

Unsuccessful 2020 candidate Lizzie Adams has already signalled her interest in running for the position earlier this month.

Other candidates that were next in line to secure a position included Joy Mingay, Garry Humphries and David Campbell.

Who do you think should serve next as a councillor? Email [e-mail].