Candidates make their election day pitch to voters

HERE are the Toowoomba Regional Council candidates’ final pitches to voters ahead of today’s local government election.

HERE are the Toowoomba Regional Council candidates' final pitches to voters ahead of today's local government election.

Click here to see the list of five questions voters wanted candidates to answer. 

MAYORAL RACE

Douglas Doelle: Mr Doelle did not provide answers in time for publication.

Mayor Paul Antonio: Cr Antonio did not provide answers in time for publication.

Chris Meibusch: The COVID-19 crisis has fundamentally challenged our nation, our state and our region. Locally, we must support and protect our community's elderly and vulnerable. Please check on your neighbours and keep checking in the weeks and months ahead.

On the other side of this crisis, our mayor needs to regain the trust of our residents. There must be no more secret developer deals designed to keep residents in the dark.

The Toowoomba region can prosper by council and residents working together with transparency. I am the only mayoral candidate with the determination to lead this change.

COUNCIL RACE

Cr Bill Cahill: It is now more important than ever to ensure that the incoming council has a solid base of experience and expertise to ensure that a steady hand applies to the decisions necessary to take us forward as a community. It will require a demonstrated ability to stand and make decisions that will be essential to the recovery of our local community. It will be a time to focus on the timely, efficient and cost effective provision of services to the community.

I believe that my broad experience across three portfolios will be of great benefit to the new council and of course, I would be offering my support and encouragement to the new councillors.

David King: I am standing for council because I would like to see more transparency in rates, water charges, acknowledge that there is a big problem with unemployment and underemployment, which affects business dramatically. Also regional areas need representation in council. The water infrastructure needs to be examined.

Originally I come from a farm near Cunnamulla, went to primary school in Bollon and secondary school in Toowoomba. I started up two small business in Goondiwindi during the 1990- 2005 era then moved to Toowoomba to attend the University of Southern Qld. I graduated with a Bachelor of International Studies and a Master of Applied Linguistics.

Cr Nancy Sommerfield: Since being elected in 2012 I have overseen the Water and Waste Portfolio but I have also worked to ensure improved pest management across the region and security of the Toowoomba Airport. I've worked on the environment through recycled waste initiatives and SEQ Catchments, protecting and restoring our natural resources. I am a member of Arrow Energy and New Acland Community Reference Groups, where I hear first hand what is happening on the ground - the impact of no decision on Acland mine Stage 3 is having on many in our communities across the region. I have worked hard for you, please vote for me.

Lindy Eising: Ms Eising did not provide answers in time for publication.

Carol McCabe: I have significant expertise in executive management, international experience, extensive board membership. I expect the council to show transparency and ethical decision-making and implement strategic thinking practice. The council must ensure water availability and security, drought proofing, and managing landscapes across the region. With its excellent infrastructure, the region must lead by looking to the future. Waste innovation, red tape, retail and buy local program are other key areas of importance. It is important to return to a focus on the regions and rename as Darling Downs region. Information to ratepayers can be delivered by staffed offices, rotating council meetings and live streaming.

Petria Grabham: In the coming weeks, and beyond, it will be my role as a councillor, if elected, to develop sound recovery-based economic solutions and commit to our community's social restoration. There will be a need for many changes to the council's delivery and focus due to the current climate. We must not impact the individual, capping council charges, install payment solutions and establish further solutions for those experiencing hardship. The council must use local business in order to support increased employment in the region while solidifying our future. Red tape must be overhauled immediately to support productivity, positive business futures and sustainable development. We will recover and flourish.

Chelle McIntyre: I've seen and done some things and I've thought much about society. I'm community and there is a place for us in the council. We are hurting here and must live in hope through the uncertainty upon us. It's the council's duty to rebuild our region after this challenging time - my ideas are backed by facts and statistics - now they've been heard. I am not suits and dollars but empathy and true consideration for best outcomes. My lived life experience from Federal Government through to artist, horticulturalist and social entrepreneur has led me to this place with all respect.

Michael Truskinger: I would like your vote in Saturday's election. I believe that I am the right person for the position of councillor with having more than 40 years of experience in business, including corporate management at branch and state levels to owning and running my own business TruSports for the past 18 years, dealing with local clubs, schools and community groups.

Important issues to me are: recovery from COVID-19, water security, developing and improving sport centres for the health of the people, buy local policy, fast rail, but above all being able to listen to what the community is saying. Vote 1 Michael Truskinger.

Warren Midgley: I have the qualifications, skills and experience needed to get things done in the council. I've been head of an education school at USQ and have four university degrees. But for me, it's not just book learning. I have been a leader on many different boards and committees. I know how they work and I know how to get things done. I live on a five acre property near Greenmount. I know from personal experience that when it comes to working with our communities, one size doesn't fit all. We need to use local knowledge and local resources to develop local solutions.

Rita Toledo Clarke: Mrs Clarke did not provide answers in time for publication.

Robert Relvas: I hope the community realises a lot of the issues which affect their day-to-day life when dealing with the council can be resolved by an external review of all the council's operations. Reducing time frames for all types of applications, better utilisation of assets throughout the region, cutting red tape, more workers on the frontline where it is needed and services completed in a timely manner. Less chiefs and more Indians who actually know what needs to be done, rather than being constrained by over inflated processes and procedures. Get this fixed first, otherwise this will never change and only get worse.

Lizzie Adams: My focus and motivation is to give a voice to our most disadvantaged and vulnerable people who are silent and do not get the opportunity to have a say in the issues that affect them. I will engage with community and key stakeholders, and I will take those grassroots concerns to the table and relevant decision makers. I will challenge the council to let the community people be a part of resolving community issues and let the community prioritise those issues. I believe this will benefit our community by: increased productivity, improved creativity, improved community engagement, improved community reputation, improved cultural insights, a wider range of skills overall.

Cr Megan O'Hara Sullivan: A vote for Megan O'Hara Sullivan is a vote for: Stopping the waste - I will fight to end all ratepayer-funded overseas travel junkets by councillors. Real communication - I've personally made 20,000 phone calls to residents and businesses over my term, so I can understand their issues first hand. Action on feedback from the community - rural areas want action on their road network as a frontline priority. Fast-tracked water action - advocate for a fast-tracked development of a new Toowoomba Region water sustainability plan. Advocate for what you want - you want a kerbside collection service and you want council to consider a ward or division system.

Kirsten Smolenski: I'm standing for the council with a belief that I have the experience and knowledge required to be a resourceful member of the council team. We have conducted business and raised our family here for the past 30 years, and I am now ready to give back, by making a positive difference in our local regional government. While affordable rates, road upgrades, rubbish management and water security are high on my priority, it is also vital that small business, tourism, and our natural environment, are all managed by a competent team, moving forward, in these challenging times. Thank you.

Mike Flanigan: Retiring early from the Qld Fire Service (Inspector) I was engaged as Senior Adviser Emergency Management to local government in Emerald and then Toowoomba. This role required me to understand the entire region and the challenges faced by all. Having local government experience would allow me to get to work quickly with a focus on council core business: roads, rates, rubbish water security, planning scheme. Prior to the fire service I owned and operated a convenience store giving me direct knowledge of the daily challenges. Should I be successful I would establish a permanent office within a former shire for direct contact.

Cr Geoff McDonald: It has been my privilege to serve the community as a councillor since 2012. My vision for the region is simple - to make the Toowoomba region the most desirable place to live, learn, work and play by balancing economic growth and liveability and focusing on protecting and preserving our precious environment, heritage and culture. My track record shows I have a commonsense approach and put the community first. This is what our region needs now, more than ever. Look for my name smack bang in the middle of the ballot paper. If you want a councillor with community passion, enthusiasm and experience - vote Geoff McDonald.

Cr James O'Shea: The current health and economic crisis is unprecedented and requires a unified approach from local, state and federal governments. It's a time for clear communication and action. The health and wellbeing of our Toowoomba regional community is paramount. It's imperative that the newly elected council investigates practical ways in which to provide support and acts swiftly to bring this about. Stability and experience in council will be crucial. I bring experience, local knowledge, strong communication skills and a positive attitude. These attributes are required now more than ever.

Kevin Flanagan: My experience in local government and the water industry will assist the council in ongoing water security planning. I will work to maintain and improve infrastructure and facilities across the region. Our greatest challenge now and into the foreseeable future is the response to COVID-19 and its impacts on everyday life including our economy.

We need people on the council who have leadership, drive and abilities to steer our community through these challenging times. With my knowledge and experience, I will hit the ground running. Now more than ever experience counts and leadership matters.

Rob Berry: I support a total freeze for four years on all council rates, charges and fees to give relief to investors, business and ratepayers. Re-establish a permanent local work force complete with equipment in every town. Push for 50% of the council's spending be in regional areas. Introduce a ward/division system to make councillors accountable. Push for a new dam. Increase CBD carparking. Pay off the council flyblown debt $146.7 million. The council must be made to live within its means. Stop downsizing land in Highfields. Support the quarry gardens and 25th Battalion range projects. Outsource development applications to speed up approvals. Ban councillors' junket overseas ratepayer-funded travel permanently.

Tim Entwistle: I'm Tim Entwistle, and I'm running for a seat on council this year. I began my campaign in August 2019 and since then, it's been one heck of a ride. I've travelled kilometres across our region, attended numerous forums and meetings, hammered in nearly 150 corflutes, and hand-delivered flyers on foot with my pregnant wife. The most rewarding aspect of this journey however, has been meeting you: the people who make up the Toowoomba region. In this vein, I hope that when you decide your 10, you consider my determination, my strategies, and most of all my heart. Thank you.

Garry Humphries: When voting I look for two things, the skills to run a large enterprise like the council and a long history of being involved in a community. I bring both of these qualities to the council, holding an MBA, qualifications in community development and major events and 30 years experience in senior management. I know how the council can be run better, with lower rates. I have always volunteered, including six years as PCYC chairman preventing crime and helping 80,000 youth every year. You can rely on me, qualities I learnt as an army officer and veteran of Disaster Recovery Operations and as recipient of the National Disaster Medal from the 2011 floods.

Ben Apsey: Your next council needs to have a shift in its focus from growth to rebuilding confidence in the region. The revenue raising of the council must end. It must learn to do more with less, just like many of you in these uncertain times. You need to be supported and our businesses need to be helped. This region needs a team of leaders who can get on with the job of bringing us back together. I am confident, as a community, we can get through this.

As a councillor I will work hard for you. Toowoomba didn't get this good by having good councils, Toowoomba got this good because of its people.

Melissa Taylor: I'm Melissa Taylor of Taylor's Removals.

My campaign's about our region and its people, focusing on our region, our families, our businesses. I'll support our community, working towards strengthening our economy, building a strong business environment and encouraging investment, removing unnecessary bureaucracy and creating sustainable opportunities - creating jobs for our families and our businesses. It's important to create long-term strategic plans to protect our communities and environment - Eg sustainable water security, regional strategic plans for infrastructure and maintenance. While much has been accomplished, there's more to do, particularly in delivering, attracting business and investment to our region.

David Campbell: I feel enough has been said about the candidates and our aspirations. Our region is facing tough times with the closure of businesses and people now having to seek welfare, possibly for the first time in their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those currently making sacrifices in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19's impact. I would also like to thank the essential services staff who are assuming risk to ensure our community's safety. Thank you on behalf of my family and friends.

Aaron Goldie: I am proud to say that I've grown up in this beautiful region, and I'm excited to be an active member of the small business community. As our region continues to grow we are going to see new issues and opportunities, and it is vital that we have a council team that is ready to take on the task. In the past three years, I have opened three businesses and I want to bring this exact pace and business acumen into the council team. If elected, my focus would be on revitalising our CBD, improving regional services, and keeping rates reasonable.

Kerry Shine: The Toowoomba region is facing one of its most important council elections in years. With a significant number of incumbent councillors set to retire, we are guaranteed to see at least four new faces on the council.

As a former businessman of more than 20 years, as well as an MP and State Cabinet minister, I was able to deliver more than $1.6bn in infrastructure and services for our region. I have the experience to hit the ground running and get things moving from day one. If elected, I'll fight to freeze the water access charge, introduce a kerbside collection, build new sporting facilities and get the Quarry Gardens project started.

Alyce Nelligan: I am excited to be running for the council as I am passionate about building a future for all of us. I am a disability advocate, artist and regional candidate. I want to ensure our communities are accessible and inclusive for everyone. Local government has the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives. I would like the chance to serve my community to make that difference. The council's responsible for a vast area, we must prioritise water security, infrastructure and services for rural communities, improved and accessible public transport, accessible design in public spaces and take action on climate change.

Joy Mingay: Election day is almost here and things are radically different than I could have ever anticipated. What was supposed to be hugs and handshakes is social distancing and working together to keep our communities safe. I would like to thank everyone for their positivity and kindness. To our medical and pharmacy workers, first responders, truckers, journalists, farmers, factory workers, community service providers - and everyone else who is working to keep things going in these difficult times - thank you. To our businesses and residents who are doing it tough, my thoughts are with you. I am proud to be part of this community and always have been.

Cr Carol Taylor: During this time of uncertainty, experienced leadership has never been more important. With more than two decades' experience as a councillor and as a regional mayor behind me, I'm ready to get to work with my fellow elected councillors to build a cohesive team that can hit the ground running and continue to deliver for our 36 communities. Whether it's facing flood recovery and building resilience, to fighting state and federal government for TRC's fair share, I have put every bit of energy and integrity and knowledge I have in me to serve our region - and will continue to do so.

Eakraj Adhikari: Mr Adhikari did not provide answers in time for publication.

Tim McMahon: Eric Hoffer wrote that "In times of change, learners will inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists." As we head to the polls today, it is not those who have cemented old thinking that will be the best asset to our council. We are changing from small town into thriving city and our thinking needs to continue to change and evolve, by keeping community consultation and innovative ideas as paramount. As we head into a bold new era of council, make McMahon one of your 10 choices this election.

Rebecca Vonhoff: Today you decide. I implore you to do your research. There are some terrific incumbent councillors and candidates who have genuine hearts and reputations from contributing to our community. To me, running for the council is personal. My family has been on the Downs for five generations - we still have our family farm. This is where we have chosen to raise our children. I've worked and studied at the highest levels overseas and I will bring my professional experience, international and local perspective to the job. My four priorities are water security, vegetation management, long-term planning and a community care program.