What’s happening?
Mayors from across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland have come together in Toowoomba for a two-day meeting to progress a united regional agenda.
Hosted by Toowoomba Regional Council, the meeting brought together Mayors and Chief Executive Officers from the Toowoomba Region, Western Downs, Southern Downs, Maranoa, Goondiwindi, Balonne, Quilpie, Murweh, Paroo and Bulloo councils.
Senior representatives from the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, industry and regional agencies also attended.
The meeting focused on shared regional priorities, including infrastructure delivery, economic growth, water security, telecommunications and disaster resilience.
Chair of the Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors, Mayor Geoff McDonald, said the meeting reinforced the value of regional collaboration and speaking with one voice.
“This region is critical to Queensland’s economy, food security and freight network, and the discussions reflect a shared determination to ensure our communities have the infrastructure and services they need to grow and thrive,” Mayor McDonald said.
Why it matters?
The Darling Downs and South West Queensland region underpins key parts of Queensland’s economy.
Its role in agriculture, freight movement and regional supply chains means infrastructure and service planning has impacts well beyond local boundaries.
Mayor McDonald said the Council of Mayors helps align local government priorities with state and national policy.
“When our councils come together, we can clearly articulate what our broader region needs and why it matters, not just for local communities, but for Queensland and Australia as a whole,” he said.
Local impact
A coordinated regional approach strengthens advocacy outcomes for local communities.
The meeting aimed to ensure councils are aligned when engaging with government and industry on major projects and policy reform.
Mayor McDonald said the focus was on practical outcomes supported by strong partnerships.
“This meeting is about turning shared challenges into shared solutions, backed by strong partnerships with government and industry,” he said.
By the numbers
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10 local councils were represented, covering the Toowoomba Region, Western Downs, Southern Downs, Maranoa, Goondiwindi, Balonne, Quilpie, Murweh, Paroo and Bulloo.
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Two days of meetings were held in Toowoomba to progress regional priorities and coordinated advocacy.
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Six key priority areas guided discussions, spanning freight, water security, telecommunications, insurance and disaster recovery, economic development, and waste and biosecurity.
Zoom in
The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Permanent Cross-Border Commissioner, Mr Bob Gee, to meet directly with Mayors.
Discussions focused on the direction and priorities of the Commission under his tenure, with attention on cross-border coordination, resilience and regional advocacy.
Zoom out
Economic development and investment opportunities linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games were raised as part of longer-term planning.
Mayors also discussed the need for strategic highway investment to support agriculture, energy projects and regional supply chains across the broader region.
Key priorities discussed include:
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Freight routes and key highway investment
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Water security and bulk water planning
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Telecommunications for rural and remote areas
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Insurance affordability and disaster recovery
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Economic growth, including Brisbane 2032 opportunities
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Waste management and biosecurity coordination
What to look for next?
The Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors will continue collective advocacy for investment and policy reform.
The group will maintain a focus on building resilient, connected and economically strong regional communities.