CHRONICLE COLUMN | 4 MAR 25 | DARLING DOWNS REGIONAL ALLIANCE
The Darling Downs Regional Alliance (Alliance) is a collaboration between Chamber and like-minded organisations covering areas including Cecil Plains, Clifton, Crows Nest, Highfields, Millmerran, Oakey, Pittsworth, Toowoomba and Yarraman.
The Alliance remains the only group across the Council’s footprint who represent the totality of the former shire’s pre-amalgamation.
With a combined membership of representing more than 1000 businesses and community groups, Alliance members are on the ground listening to their communities as issues arise.
The Alliance collaboration brings together experience, knowledge, and skills. For me, it is a learning playground, all with a common goal of advocating for the needs of the business community and Toowoomba ratepayers.
At the meetings, the Alliance brings new ideas to resolve challenges, creative ways to address concerns, open communication and a better understanding of local business needs. It has built strong region wide relationships, and provided broad city, regional and rural perspectives to achieve better results together.
In recognition of the important role of our local policy makers, an invitation is always extended to Toowoomba Regional Council’s elected members. Thus, creating the opportunity for elected officials to meet with and listen to community leaders who are advocating on behalf of their members and who want the best for the region.
Our most recent meeting, held in Yarraman, the Alliance discussed:
- the significant and wonderful role the Community Development Officers play across the region;
- requesting early and often involvement in a review of the application processes and procedures for holding events in parks to reduce red tape and better utilise and showcase these community assets;
- safety concerns on the D’Argular Highway and the need for advocacy with Queensland Police and the Department of Main Roads;
- seeking clarification around Council’s key performance indicators to respond to correspondence and requests and the need for public reporting on timeliness;
- Highfields Town Centre; and
- much more.
The true impact of the meeting will only be measured by the actions we take. The Alliance will continue to push for more action around the issues that impact our communities.
We urge businesses to reach out to its local Chamber or like-minded organisations, get involved and help us build a better future for business and the community in general.
