MEET YOUR 35 TRC CANDIDATES
NOMINATIONS have closed, and your candidates for the Toowoomba Regional Council election have been finalised.
Campaigns will undoubtedly begin to ramp up, as 32 candidates vie for 10 councillor positions and three contenders aim to convince the Garden City public why they should serve as mayor for the next four years.
A ballot draw will be held today, ahead of what is sure to be a busy 24 days.
The first mayoral forum was held in Highfields yesterday morning.
Toowoomba region voters will head to the polls on March 28.
tom.gillespie@thechronicle.com.au
RESIDENTS of the Toowoomba region, meet the candidates who want your vote.
With nominations now closed through the Electoral Commission of Queensland, 35 people have put forward bids to win just 11 spots on the next term of the Toowoomba Regional Council.
Ranging from experienced public servants to small business owners, from advocates to community workers, the field includes three mayoral candidates and 32 council candidates.
Seven incumbent councillors have announced their candidacy, after Crs Anne Glasheen, Chris Tait, Mike Williams and Joe Ramia said they were retiring.
For more information on the election, head to thechronicle.com.au.
MAYORAL RACE Mayor Paul Antonio
A Millmerran farmer and long-term public servant, who said water security would be a top priority.
Douglas Doelle
A former council worker who would focus on improving services and infrastructure in regional communities outside Toowoomba.
Chris Meibusch
Former lawyer and major opponent to the proposed Defence Housing Australia development, who places improving the transparency in council as his top policy.
INCUMBENTS Cr Bill Cahill
Long-serving councillor with experience and passion for water and waste, running on environmental protection and supporting disadvantaged members of the community.
Cr Geoff McDonald
Chair of the environment and community portfolio, focusing on tourism investment and small business.
Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan
Cr O’Hara Sullivan is the portfolio leader for finance and business strategy, with a focus on organisational development and customer service.
Cr James O’Shea
The portfolio leader for infrastructure, who wants to improve CBD parking.
Cr Nancy Sommerfield
The chair of the water and waste portfolio since 2012 and vocal advocate for the council’s new regional waste management strategy.
Cr Carol Taylor
Deputy mayor and longtime public servant who is the infrastructure chair.
NEW CANDIDATES Lizzie Adams
Advocate for indigenous health in Toowoomba with a focus on services.
Eakraj Adhikari
Leading member of the Nepalese community, focusing on social services.
Ben Apsey
Car salesman and former small business owner who wants to focus on reviving the CBD.
Rob Berry
Former business bank manager, who didn’t provide campaign information.
David Campbell
Mr Campbell did not provide campaign information in time for deadline.
Rita Toledo Clarke
A true single-issue candidate and small business owner.
Lindy Eising
Aged person carer with a pro-environment stance.
Tim Entwistle Kevin Flanagan
Young retail worker focusing on CBD issues.
Former TRC general manager of water and waste with a platform on water security and renewable energy.
Mike Flanigan
Former Toowoomba Regional Council employee and major proponent of decentralising council services.
Mr Goldie did not provide campaign information in time for deadline.
Petria Grabham
Former small business owner with a background in aged care and community development.
Garry Humphries
Board chairman of PCYC Queensland.
David King Carol McCabe
Mr King did not provide campaign information in time for deadline.
Experienced businesswoman focusing on cutting red tape and promote entrepreneurship.
Chelle McIntyre
Longstanding member the city’s arts community.
Tim McMahon Warren Midgley Joy Mingay
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Former schoolteacher and business owner who wants to foster small business growth.
Ex-University of Southern Queensland academic with experience in education.
Long-time fixture of the Toowoomba business community and former Chamber of Commerce president.
Alyce Nelligan
Greens candidate and disability advocate wanting to support regional communities.
Robert Relvas
Council call centre worker with vision for more sustainable planning and development.
Kerry Shine
Former state politician, running on water access to ensuring success of Quarry Gardens project.
Kirsten Smolenski
Small business owner and registered nurse, focusing her platform on water security and infrastructure.
Melissa Taylor
Respected businesswoman with a passion for small business development.
Michael Truskinger
Small business owner, whose key issues include community sports investment and water security.
Rebecca Vonhoff
Former journalist, prioritising better bushfire management and water security strategies.