Toowoomba Regional Council Councillors Kerry Shine, Megan O’Hara Sullivan, Tim McMahon share interest in vacant deputy mayor role

After Geoff McDonald was appointed mayor by his colleagues last week, tensions are again set to rise at an upcoming meeting which will determine the new deputy mayor, with several councillors suggesting they may put their hands up for the role.

Several councillors could be in the running to become mayor Geoff McDonald’s deputy, with three already indicating they would consider accepting a nomination.

Political stalwart Kerry Shine, second-term councillor Megan O’Hara Sullivan and local government freshman Tim McMahon have all expressed interest in nominating for the role, which will be decided at a special meeting on Friday.

However, two of the biggest names have not indicated whether they will enter the race for the position, which runs until the end of the term early next year.

The meeting to see who will replace Mr McDonald as deputy is expected to be a “wild ride” according to sources, as the council grapples with life and politics after former mayor Paul Antonio’s retirement.

One councillor told NewsCorp they wouldn’t be surprised if “seven hands” went up at the meeting for deputy mayor.

Tim McMahon; Megan O'Hara Sullivan; Kerry Shine.

In a statement, Mr Shine said he was interested in nominating, believing he had a strong working relationship with Mr McDonald.

“Over the past three and half years, Cr McDonald and I have worked closely in the finance portfolio — a proven successful and trusting partnership lays a solid foundation for the future,” he said.

“My experience as a lawyer has been beneficial in council deliberations and my time as a State MP, Minister for Water and Attorney-General can be advantageous in gaining much needed support from state and federal governments.

“Importantly, I have close associations with ministers in both governments and if elected I would, with our mayor, be able to present Toowoomba’s case effectively.”

Ms O’Hara Sullivan said having “considered the landscape”, she would weigh up accepting a nomination.

“The position needs to be someone who can support the mayor and works well with them, and I think I’ve demonstrated that — it needs to be someone who is consistent and calm,” she said.

“The job of the deputy mayor is to support the mayor and you have to have demonstrated that.”

Mr McMahon had initially ruled out of vying for any leadership positions prior to last Friday’s mayoral vote, but had a different tone when asked on Tuesday.

“I’m strongly considering it — I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but I am considering it,” he said.

Popular councillor Rebecca Vonhoff and experienced elected official Carol Taylor have not made their positions clear yet.

Ms Vonhoff, who was denied the role by colleagues twice despite earning the most votes at the 2020 council election, did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Ms Taylor, who ran against Mr McDonald on Friday with a fiery speech, declined to comment.

Councillors James O’Shea and Melissa Taylor reaffirmed they would not be sticking their hands up for the position and would decline a nomination from their colleagues.

Meanwhile councillors Nancy Sommerfield and Bill Cahill declined to comment.

It comes after newly appointed mayor Mr McDonald announced the vacant councillor seat would be filled by September 21.

Mr McDonald detailed the qualities the ideal candidates would possess which included “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.”

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

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.

The individual selected for the position will serve until the 2024 local government election.

Councillor Geoff McDonald greets his supporters after he was named the new Toowoomba Regional Council mayor at a special meeting, Friday, July 21, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

New mayor lays out priorities

He may only have about six months guaranteed, but new Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald has hit the ground with a number of changes and new priorities.

Mr McDonald, who was overwhelmingly endorsed by his colleagues at Friday’s meeting, said “inclusivity and teamwork” would be high on his agenda.

“Our first steps as elected representatives is getting everyone together to make sure we’re working together for a shared purpose,” he said.

“Internally, we’re introducing councillor catch-up meetings and will be meeting with council’s general managers to make sure we’re all operating as collaboratively and effectively as possible.

“We also need to complete the process of appointing a new deputy mayor, with a meeting to vote on this position set to take place at 4pm on July 28 and the appointment of a new councillor, which will need to take place by September 19.”

Mr McDonald said councillors would also meet with seniors government officials in the coming weeks to discuss key projects.

“We’ll be working with other levels of government on community matters such as the Toowoomba North South transport corridor, youth crime, homelessness and domestic violence, which are all important issues to our residents,” he said.

“We intend to meet with the relevant Ministers on these issues to get updates on the work taking place and to get the best possible outcomes for the Toowoomba region.

“We’ll also be putting our case forward for state and federal government funding for the dam spillway upgrade.

“Our community has high expectations of their elected officials.

“We will be doing everything we can to represent and advocate on behalf of the community.”