New council meets to plan road ahead

THERE were three new faces among some more familiar as the newly elected Toowoomba Regional Council team met for the first time.

New councillors for Toowoomba Regional Council (from left) Joe Ramia, Megan O'Hara Sullivan and James O'Shea. Picture: Nev Madsen

THERE were three new faces among some more familiar as the newly elected Toowoomba Regional Council team met for the first time.

In a closed meeting today, Mayor Paul Antonio and his new team of 10 discussed some of the technical aspects of council ahead of their first official meeting - a statutory requirement for all new councils.

At that meeting, to be held on Tuesday, the deputy mayor will be elected and the councillors will be assigned portfolios by Cr Antonio.

The new Toowoomba Regional Council team (back from left) Mike Williams, James O'Shea and Chris Tait, Geoff McDonald, Joe Ramia and Megan O'Hara Sullivan, Anne Glasheen, Carol Tayor, Paul Antonio, Nancy Sommerfield and Bill Cahill. . Picture: Nev Madsen

With all seven sitting councillors re-elected, Cr Antonio said it was vote of confidence in the former administration.

That means we can expect more of the same from what was widely seen as a pro-development and business council.

Cr Chris Tait said there was unfinished business to complete.

"I'm keen to see the development in the Toowoomba CBD continue," he said.

Cr Tait said the city's inner streets needed upgrading to encourage more foot traffic.

That could help struggling businesses which are facing increased competition from new shopping centres.

Work has already begun on the northern end of Ruthven St, but Cr Tait said Russell St also needed work.

He also wants to see the continuation of council's lane way strategy, to make Toowoomba a "mini-Melbourne".

Originally published as New council meets to plan road ahead