SOUTH WEST DIGEST: MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR
2020 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Welcome to our first e-news update from South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils. As Chair, it’s my pleasure to be able to look back on the year of challenges, changes and achievements as we look forward to the New Year.
This year marks a new era in advocacy and representation at the local government level for South West Queensland as myself and my mayoral colleagues reached agreement on forming the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (SWQROC) - bringing together the South West Local Government Association (SWLGA) and the South West Regional Economic Development (SWRED) entity. Having a single authoritative voice for the region will better support our advocacy efforts, enhance our profile and provide a single point of contact for our valued stakeholders and partners as we collectively strive for a better deal for South West Queensland.
Of course, as Chair, I’m supported by a capable group of Mayoral Leaders from Bulloo, Paroo, Maranoa, Quilpie and Murweh with Mayor Radnedge (Zoro) as the ROC’s inaugural Deputy Chair.
SWQROC’s Executive Officer Simone Talbot and Cr Samantha O’Toole.
To support our goals, like most other Regional Organisation of Councils, we took the step to appoint an Executive Officer, with Simone Talbot appointed to the role.
Simone comes to us with a long history working in the local government sector and a solid understanding of regional Queensland. Already she has been busy progressing key activities associated with Tourism, Regional Investment, Water and Roads; as well as engaging with our key stakeholders and partner ROCs to the north – RAPAD and NWQROC.
Mayors from the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils Inaugural Assembly in Longreach, July 2020.
SWQROC leads our region’s involvement in the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC). The WQAC brings together the 22 councils of Western Queensland to advocate for and address common issues and opportunities. We know that regional Queensland has been keeping the State going during this critical time and the WQAC will allow 22 councils from across more than 60% of Queensland to ‘hunt as a pack’ and make sure our key priorities are heard among the many voices competing for Government time and resources.
Our ROC had only just formed but we couldn’t miss the opportunity to make clear our priorities for the region as part of the State Election. Our strategy outlined a clear plan to unlock the ample opportunities to help our communities and those beyond our borders grow; and we will continue to pursue our ‘asks’ with the Palaszczuk Government over the next term.
Regardless of who is governing or sitting in parliament, we are committed to advocate as hard as possible for our region and deliver on our priorities. So in 2021, you’ll be sure to see more of us - working to put South West Queensland on the agenda, build recognition of who we are and realise the amazing potential of our region which is truly the Cornerstone of Opportunities!
This year has been tough and we thank our communities, councils, stakeholders and partner organisations for playing their part in keeping our region COVID-19 free. We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you have a chance to take a break and enjoy time with your loved ones this holiday season.
We’ll be back in 2021 and look forward to working with you and keeping you up to date on what’s happening.
Cr Samantha O’Toole
Chair SWQROC
The SWQROC represents the six shires of Balonne, Bulloo, Paroo, Quilpie, Maranoa and Murweh headed by its Chair, Balonne Shire Mayor, Cr Samantha O’Toole, and Deputy Chair, Murweh Shire Mayor Cr Shaun Radnedge.
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