The Darling Downs Regional Alliance (the Alliance) established in 2021 consists of Crows Nest Progress, Recreation & Tourism Association, Highfields Chamber of Commerce, the Millmerran Commerce and Progress Association, the Oakey Chamber of Commerce, the Pittsworth District Alliance, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, along with the Clifton Chamber of Commerce and Yarraman & District Progress Association.
The purpose of the Darling Downs Regional Alliance is to support and be the voice of regional business. Working together with other Chambers and like associations within the Toowoomba Regional Council footprint, the Alliance collectively advocates for SME key drivers to help growth across the entire region, develop and implement regional business strategies and provide members with access to benefits of a coordinated voice on regional issues.
The Darling Downs Regional Alliance
We are the only group who represents the former shires pre-amalgamation, with a combined membership of representing almost 1000 businesses and community groups, the Alliance is on the ground listening to their communities as issues arise.
Formed in recognition of the common issues the Chambers and Associations each experience relating to TRC, the Alliance extends regular invitations to Toowoomba Regional Council’s elected members to listen to community leaders advocating on behalf of their members.
Last week, the Darling Downs Regional Alliance met to raise shared core concerns of administrative burden and red tape, communication and messaging and infrastructure that need TRC focus and attention.
These matters will not come as a surprise to the readers. They reflect the growing body of evidence produced by the Toowoomba Chamber over the past few years, as part of our goal to advocate for an improved regulatory environment and delivery of infrastructure for businesses and the community. We are confident that all of these are likely to be significant election issues in the lead up to the 2024 Councillor election race.
What was enormously encouraging was the way the elected officials present listened to the broad matters raised by the Alliance.
Moving forward, the Alliance can play a critical role in communicating decisions, sharing critical information, and creating connections for Toowoomba Regional Council to the respective member bases. I see this as critical in breaking down the barriers, perceived or otherwise between the local government and the broader community. This is a role that the Alliance is more than willing to facilitate.
The Regional Alliance continues to believe that there was real value in the meeting and are looking forward to seeing the commitments made by Councillors rolled out through the Alliance and in the region as a whole.
