Geoff McDonald becomes new Toowoomba mayor following vote

Toowoomba councillors have selected a new mayor on Friday afternoon, following a seething speech from one of the nominees around gender equality.

Geoff McDonald is the new mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council, which has been marred by a fiery speech from unsuccessful nominee Carol Taylor.

Ms Taylor launched a seething spray around the current council in regards to gender equality, during a two-minute pitch that was supposed to sell them on why she should become the new mayor.

Councillor Carol Taylor at Friday's special meeting to select a new mayor.

She slammed the culture in council as “not great” and alleged gender inequality was an ongoing issue.

"Until we value everyone at this table we’re falling short of what the community deserves," she said.

"I don’t believe words mean much unless they’re backed up by action.

"I believe our gender diversity is not valued to date and I’m very disappointed about that."

Ms Taylor said while she had “never felt valued” on council as a woman, she would honour and support anyone who was elected Mayor.

All councillors except Ms Taylor elected Mr McDonald following the speech.

During his two-minute pitch, Mr McDonald said council needed an “inclusive, robust and clear” strategy for the future.

“Our number one priority needs to be our people - our people internally and our people across the region,” he said.

“We need to ensure all council staff are valued and empowered and feel safe to be the change makers to move forward.”

Councillor Geoff McDonald is the new Toowoomba Regional Council mayor.

Mr McDonald thanked his parents, in-laws and wife Lisa for their support.

"My promise to all of you is to do the very best I can," he said.

"Councillors we have a task - it’s a good task and we can absolutely nail it."

The councillors will now have to vote for a new deputy mayor at a later date.

The decision comes after Paul Antonio who served as Toowoomba Mayor for three terms, but spent more than 40 years in local government, announced his retirement from politics two weeks ago.

Rumours had swirled for months that Mr Antonio would retire before the end of the term, which he finally confirmed at an emotional press conference two weeks ago.

Mr Antonio said his decision was based on health and family reasons.

The 41-year local government stalwart was farewelled at his final ordinary meeting on Tuesday, with special words shared by colleagues as well as former Brisbane lord mayor Graham Quirk.

The council will also start the process in a couple of weeks to find a replacement councillor for the rest of the term, which will be determined via a recruitment campaign.