Southern Downs councillor Stephen Tancred will ensure the community stays informed on projects if re-elected in 2024

After completing his first term on council, Stephen Tancred is eager to continue bringing results for residents of the Southern Downs. See what he’s helped to achieve in the past four years here.

Stephen and Peta Tancred with family heirloom an original map of Stanthorpe. Photo: Jessica Klein

Agricultural scientist by trade, Stephen Tancred is determined to continue to bring results for Southern Downs residents.

The current councillor was voted onto Southern Downs Regional Council in 2020 and has been a major advocate for many high priority projects in the region.

Mr Tancred said some of the projects he’s most enjoyed seeing come to fruition include the Condamine River Rd river crossings, ongoing upgrade of the Stanthorpe Art Gallery, and the upgrades to Warwick Saleyards.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time on council and am proud of what this current council has managed to achieve,” he said.

With water security a major concern for the region, and particularly Mr Tancred’s home town of Stanthorpe, the councillor remains confident of finding a solution.

Mr Tancred said the new smart water meter initiative has been an asset for Stanthorpe, with the project to become available in homes across the wider Southern Downs.

Southern Downs councillor Stephen Tancred will continue to be transparent with residents if re-elected in 2024. Photo: Jessica Klein

“We’ve made some great progress with implementing the smart water meters and taking part in the state government’s regional water assessment,” he said.

“It’s always been council position to support the Emu Swamp Dam project if that’s the best outcome, but it’s not up to council to build dams, the state builds dams.”

Mr Tancred said the state government is set to reach an outcome on the regional water assessment before the October election.

Movement on the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline project saw council enter a 10-year agreement that will see no maintenance costs paid on the pipeline for the Southern Downs in that period.

The pipeline project has caused quite a stir around the region, with Southern Downs MP James Lister slamming the project in 2023 over claims Stanthorpe would miss out on access to the additional water supply.

Despite popular belief, Mr Tancred said the current council had achieved a significant decrease in the region’s debt.

“We’ve actually seen an increase in surplus and I’m confident this will continue,” he said.

As for claims of a lack of transparency from council, Mr Tancred said current council had done their best to keep the community informed, bringing in public access to council meetings and hosting community consultations on projects.

Mr Tancred has taken to social media using his Facebook platform to post detailed videos about important issues in the region and on how council operates.

Originally published as Southern Downs councillor Stephen Tancred will ensure the community stays informed on projects if re-elected in 2024