Hello! Welcome to my website…
I’m nominating for a Councillor position on the Toowoomba Regional Council in the upcoming Local Government election due to NOW be held on 28 April 2012. This Toowoomba Regional Council election will be held through a postal vote system whereby all residents of the Toowoomba Regional Council will get the opportunity to vote via mail.
Media Release
Sommerfield confirms tilt for Council. Click here to download.
Invite me to your next meeting or event.
I want to listen to your views on issues in the Toowoomba Regional Council area. Do you or your community group think there is a better way?
Go to my Contact Page and let me know… or ask me a question.
Due to Council amalgamations implemented by the State Government in 2008, the Toowoomba Regional Council represents a large area including the city of Toowoomba, the townships of Millmerran, Pittsworth, Oakey, Bowenville, Goombungee, Hampton, Maclagan, Yarraman, Cooyar, Ravensbourne, Clifton, Cecil Plains, Cambooya, Crows Nest and many other little villages and farms in between. The Toowoomba Region encompasses a total land area of about 13,000 square kilometres.
It is important that all these areas continue to receive good service and the key to that is communication with all communities.
Whilst our rural land is used largely for beef and dairy cattle, crop and cereal growing, vegetable growing and sheep grazing, with some forestry and tourism, energy resources has also become a key use. The rush on our resources has lead to much upheaval and angst for farmers, graziers and communities in a number of areas in the region as the federal and state government struggle with defining fair legislations so that all parties can work together side by side for best outcomes. As I see it, whilst local governments have no power to create legislation in this area, the role for Toowoomba Regional Council is to negotiate strongly for sound social infrastructure, affordable housing for those not working in the mining industry and to ensure our local economy gets its share of economical boost.
I would also like to see Council place the long term future of the region in its strategic plan. I believe there is a need to plan for when the CSG component of the mining boom begins to wind back in approximately thirty years time. It is all very well for us to enjoy the spin offs this boom offers now but we have to look to the future and plan for implementation of industry that will sustain us when the gas aspect of the mining boom dwindles. Put simply, it’s like meals on the table. There is no point in having one great big meal and then not having enough food for meals for the rest of the week.
The Toowoomba region, with an estimated population of over 162 000, is a great place to raise a family and I see a need for our communities, small and large right across the region, to build on our current assets through driving tourism; stimulating the building industry with timely approval and support of appropriate business and residential developments; and more whilst retaining quality of lifestyle.
Families are the building blocks to a strong community. Families like you who are committed to creating a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
