Our say: Toowoomba council election has major implications for next four years

FREE READ: Don’t be fooled by the seemingly-low energy of this local government election — what the new council does over the next 12 months could impact our region for years to come.

As we approach the final day of this edition of the Toowoomba Regional Council election cycle, what has been most notable is how low the energy has been for the two-month campaign.

Sure, there have been plenty of community forums, corflutes on the sides of roads, political mud-slinging and pledges made.

After a significant lack of interest, the region of more than 170,000 people managed to muster 29 candidates to vie for 11 spots.

But the sentiment expressed by some contenders and the public is an air of apathy or indifference.

The Toowoomba Regional Council election shapes as an important one.

This is headlined by the lacklustre mayoral race, which sees Geoff McDonald as an overwhelming favourite to beat challenger Douglas Doelle — a man who, with respect, doesn’t seem to be concerned whether he wins or loses.

And this perceived lack of energy is insane, because this term of council will easily be the most consequential and important one since amalgamation in 2008.

Forget all the obvious challenges the next set of councillors will face — a constrained labour market, dwindling external funding support, continued rising costs of doing business, recovery from natural disasters, a local road network the TRC is struggling to maintain and delays to major projects with federal money already attached.

This council and this mayor will be judged on how it manages the delivery of the Cressbrook Dam spillway upgrade.

To repeat for the umpteenth time – this state government-mandated dam project needs to be finished by late next year and will cost at least $270m to finish.

Given the nature of the economy right now, the idea that number won’t increase over time is naive.

Putting aside the fact the council has known about this project since 2009 — the fact is if it can’t secure a bailout from the state government, it will have to pay for it alone.

Mr McDonald has indicated council will apply to borrow more from the Queensland Treasury to cover the cost, potentially hitting its debt borrowing ceiling of $300m in the process.

The alternatives are either cutting services and delaying other projects, or raising rates significantly.

Well-known businessman and candidate Gary Gardner believes this situation would put the council on the path to administration, and News Corp understands that phrase has been discussed within City Hall itself.

Such an outcome would be disastrous for the sustainability and economic viability of our region, which easily punches above its weight across the nation.

The question of Cressbrook has been asked of virtually every candidate during this campaign — you can listen to their answers here.

So to the 80,000 people who will vote on Saturday, I urge you to really think about your choices for candidates when you get in that booth.

Don’t just think about the rates and services you have right now, but the future region you and your kids might have over the next 10 to 20 years.

I do believe the situation is that serious so it warrants serious consideration.