New councillors humbled by vote as counting ends

THE Electoral Commission Queensland has declared the winners of the Toowoomba Regional Council councillor election.

THE Electoral Commission Queensland has declared the winners of the Toowoomba Regional Council councillor election.

The city's 10 new councillors are: Carol Taylor, Nancy Sommerfield, Geoff McDonald, Megan O'Hara Sullivan, James O'Shea, Mike Williams, Bill Cahill, Chris Tait, Joe Ramia and Anne Glasheen.

Mayor Paul Antonio said he looked forward to working with the new team, which included seven councillors from the previous term.

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Having won the most votes, Cr Carol Taylor is in prime position to contest the position of deputy mayor, which traditionally is awarded to the most popular councillor.

"I am humbled at the community support I have received and didn't, at any point, expect to top the poll," she said.

Cr Nancy Sommerfield and Cr Geoff McDonald are also in the running, with the position to be voted on by the 10 councillors.

Newly elected Toowoomba Region councillors Megan O'Hara Sullivan, Joe Ramia and James O'Shea.

Other newcomer James O'Shea said he would do his city proud.

"We are on the cusp of exciting times. We need to be open for progression but at the same time preserve the character of our region," he said.

And after a four year break, Joe Ramia returns to the hot seat.

"The reason I did run again was that I have a passion for council and I'd like to see not just the city but the entire region grow and unite as one community," he said.

Cr Antonio said there would be a swearing-in ceremony for the new councillors prior to a statutory meeting of council on April 12, but details were to be confirmed.

Originally published as New councillors humbled by vote as counting ends