URGENT UPDATE: Former Toowoomba Region Councillor and Pittsworth Shire Mayor Ros Scotney OAM has launched a powerful campaign demanding the creation of a new shire, citing severe dissatisfaction among rural communities. This grassroots initiative is gaining momentum as residents express growing frustration over the impact of the 2008 amalgamation that formed the Toowoomba Regional Council.
Just announced: A committee of former local government officials, including Scotney, is advocating for a new shire that would encompass areas from the former Clifton, Pittsworth, and Millmerran shire councils, along with rural sections of the former Cambooya and Jondaryan shires. The group plans to hold public meetings to gather support from locals.
Scotney, who served as a councillor from 2008 to 2016 and as Pittsworth Shire Mayor from 1998 to 2008, shared her disappointment over the perceived deterioration of services in rural areas, stating, “The focus seems to gravitate towards Toowoomba and Highfields.” She emphasized that the recent rates increase does not align with the funds allocated to rural regions.
The discontent stems from promises made by former Premier Peter Beattie during the amalgamation process, assuring that budgets and community funds would remain intact. “This did not happen,” Scotney asserted, highlighting the ongoing struggle for adequate funding and services in less urbanized areas.
Residents have voiced their concerns about the increasing bureaucracy within the council, making it difficult to conduct business and access services. Scotney noted, “It breaks my heart… we worry where we are heading.” She, along with fellow committee members like Anne Glasheen, former Clifton Shire Deputy Mayor, and Paul Antonio, former Millmerran Shire Mayor, are committed to advocating for change.
The proposed new shire aims to address the needs of communities like Greenmount, East Greenmount, Ramsay, and Felton, ensuring local governance is responsive and reflective of resident needs.
The urgency of this movement is palpable as the committee gathers information and prepares for community engagement. Public meetings are set to mobilize residents across the affected areas, fostering a dialogue on the future of their local governance.
What’s next? Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings to voice their opinions and support the establishment of a new rural council. The committee is actively working on specific boundary proposals, aiming to reshape local governance to better serve the community.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as residents rally for a governance model that prioritizes their needs and ensures a brighter future for rural communities on the Darling Downs.
