September 12, 2023
Toowoomba businesswoman Edwina Farquhar has been appointed as the new Toowoomba Regional councillor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation earlier this year of former Mayor Paul Antonio.
Mrs Farquhar was appointed at a Special Meeting of Council on Tuesday following a vote by the 10 serving Councillors.
Mayor Geoff McDonald congratulated Mrs Farquhar on her appointment.
“Council’s CEO Brian Pidgeon will officially swear in Mrs Farquhar (on Wednesday) after the committee meetings,” Mayor McDonald said.
“Our new colleague will attend her first official Council meeting at (next) Tuesday’s September Ordinary Meeting of Council.
“I’m pleased we have settled the composition of the Council team that will serve our residents until the next quadrennial local government election, which is set for March 16, 2024.
“There is a lot of work to focus on in the final months of this term of the Council and my colleagues and I are determined to do and be our absolute best for the rest of the year on behalf of the community.
“Councillors acknowledge the effort made by all 23 people who nominated for the vacant Councillor position.
“It is a big step for nominees to formally complete the application process and outline their vision and individual attributes that they consider will add to our decision making.
“I thank all the nominees for taking the time to apply and outlining how passionate they are about serving on Council.
“We all look forward to the contribution that Edwina will bring to her position.”
Toowoomba Regional Council followed the requirements under the Local Government Act 2009 to fill the vacant Councillor position, created when Cr Geoff McDonald was appointed Mayor.
Mrs Farquhar will fill the role for the remainder of the term.
Under the Act there was no requirement to hold an election to fill the vacant office of Councillor as the vacancy was too close (within 12 months) to the next quadrennial local government election, due to be held next March.
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