February 9, 2026
Water security, freight routes and digital connectivity were three of the major topics discussed at last week’s meeting of the Darling Downs and South West Queensland Council of Mayors hosted by Toowoomba Regional Council.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Toowoomba, Western Downs, Southern Downs, Maranoa, Goondiwindi, Balonne, Quilpie, Murweh, Paroo and Bulloo councils as well as senior representatives from the State and Federal governments, industry and regional agencies
Chair Mayor Geoff McDonald said the two-day meeting reinforced the strength of regional collaboration and the importance of speaking with one voice to all levels of government.
“This region is critical to Queensland’s economy, food security and freight network, and the discussions reflect a shared determination to ensure our communities have the infrastructure and services they need to grow and thrive,” Mayor McDonald said.
The key priorities discussed included:
- Critical freight routes and strategic highway investment to support agriculture, energy and regional supply chains
- Water security and bulk water supply, including long-term planning for major regional assets
- Telecommunications and digital connectivity, particularly for rural and remote communities
- Insurance affordability and disaster recovery, with a focus on strengthening resilience and reforming funding arrangements
- Economic development and investment attraction, including opportunities linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Waste management and biosecurity, ensuring sustainable and co-ordinated regional approaches.
