Race for council grows
A FORMER small business owner said she would focus on growing the Toowoomba region economically and socially if elected to the council at the upcoming election.
Petria Grabham is the latest person to join the 2020 council election race, which has now grown to 18 candidates.
Ms Grabham, who owned the Pine Cottage and Tall Poppies Furniture in Russell St and has a background in aged care, mental health and community development, said she would want to build on the economic and social groundwork laid by previous councils.
“The groundwork has been laid with the range crossing and all the networking to develop where we are (as a region), and I really want to get on to the next phase,” she said.
“(The next phase is) growth, and looking at how we connect our city together with southeast Queensland.
“(The council) has done well with the growth of the city.”
Ms Grabham said her experience in a variety of fields meant she understood how to help create an inclusive society, which integrated people from different areas.
“We’ve got very good people in our city that want inclusion,” she said.
“I’m about inclusion, and particularly for people with a disability, first nations people, people with mental health issues, among others.
“The next term is even more important (for that).
“I’m approachable for the people, and I will take their ideas to the council. My team is the community.”
When asked about the community’s issues with development in Toowoomba, Ms Grabham pointed to the controversial Defence Housing Australia subdivision and its impact on the natural environment.
She said a balanced approach was needed.
“Those trees that are already there up at Mount Lofty, (the developers) know those trees need to be left there,” Ms Grabham said.
“These things have got to be looked at before they go forward.
“The environment is a big thing to protect, but not at all costs.”
People wanting to contact Ms Grabham for more about her policies and ideas can call her on 0478 729 323.
tom.gillespie@thechronicle.com.au