Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald ready to work with incoming Qld premier Steven Miles after recent Canberra trip

Just days ago, Geoff McDonald was lobbying for funding for Toowoomba and Queensland with the man who would become the state’s next premier — and he’s backed himself to further strengthen his relationship with Steven Miles.

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald is confident in growing his working relationship with Steven Miles, just days after travelling with the now-incoming Queensland premier to Canberra to secure a better funding deal for residents.

With Mr Miles set to become the next Labor leader on Tuesday after Annastacia Palaszczuk’s resignation from the top job, Mr McDonald was up close and personal with the then-deputy premier as part of a delegation to the nation’s capital with a group of southeast Queensland mayors.

Mr McDonald, still just a few months into his own position following the retirement of stalwart Paul Antonio, will now be tasked with strengthening ties with the man often known as Queensland Labor’s attack dog.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA, NewsWire Photos. NOVEMBER 28, 2023: QLD Deputy Premier Steven Miles arrives at Parliament House in Canberra with the delegation of mayors. It is a result of the infrastructure cuts in Queensland. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

A key priority will be securing extra funding from the state government to help reduce the financial black hole created by the Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades, which are estimated to cost more than $300m.

Speaking prior to news that Mr Miles would assume the role of premier, the Toowoomba mayor said he was excited by the prospect of developing their relationship.

“We have good relationships with the three ministers mentioned (Miles, Shannon Fentiman and Cameron Dick) and I was on a trip to Canberra with minister Miles just last week,” Mr McDonald said.

“Irrespective of who the premier is or what party it is, communication is the key.

“To meet with ministers in Brisbane is always challenging, and that takes both parties to work together, so we’d love a more regular contact between our region and the government.”

Mr McDonald said the meetings between himself, Mr Miles and several federal ministers had been “favourable”.

Along with the dam safety upgrades, projects included the upgrade of key federal roads in the Toowoomba region, Inland Rail, and the Railway Parklands precinct that was included in the SEQ City Deal.

“The meetings I’ve had have been met with pretty favourable discussions, and clearly there’s a good understanding that our region is good for the state of Queensland, including that we’re an economic driver,” Mr McDonald said.

“What it did emphasise is it’s so much easier to meet in person.

“The relationship is there and that’s why it’s so important we’re being heard.”