TRC Reaffirms Commitment to Communities, Calls for Fairer Funding in 2024-2025 Annual Report

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering key community projects while advocating for a fairer funding share from the State and Federal Governments, Mayor Geoff McDonald said during the adoption of the Council's 2024-2025 Annual Report on Thursday, October 23.

Mayor McDonald said Council remained focused on maintaining essential services and enhancing lifestyle opportunities across the region.

"Gaining a fairer portion of the financial pie will ensure our communities continue to be places where ambition meets opportunity," he said.

Council manages an asset base of more than $7 billion and has maintained a "Sound" credit rating with a Neutral outlook from the Queensland Treasury Corporation. The 2024-2025 results place the organisation in a strong position to sustain that rating.

Following the introduction of Queensland's new financial sustainability framework last year, TRC received an unmodified audit report from the Queensland Audit Office, confirming the Council's ongoing financial sustainability.

Council recorded a $639,000 net operating surplus this financial year, attributed in part to pre-payment of half of the 2025-2026 Financial Assistance Grant from the Australian Government and cost savings across the organisation.

At this week's Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Conference, TRC successfully moved a motion calling for State and Federal Governments to provide a five-year rolling payment schedule for Financial Assistance Grants - supported by 216 votes to one.

"While this surplus is welcome, it again highlights how reliant local governments are on inconsistent grant payments," Mayor McDonald said. "We continue to call for fair, timely and untied funding to deliver the services our communities deserve."

He said the Council faced increasing pressure to balance population growth with liveability and maintain ageing infrastructure, including 6,700 kilometres of roads.

The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project remains a major financial commitment.

"We can afford to complete the project, but without significant State and Federal funding, it impacts our ability to deliver other important community projects," Mayor McDonald said. "This situation shows an urgent need to review how local government is funded."

Among the year's milestones, the Toowoomba Region was confirmed as a host location for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games - a development Mayor McDonald described as transformative.

"This opportunity places our region on the global stage and promises significant economic, social and cultural benefits," he said.

The 2024 Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers achieved record results, drawing 470,000 visitors - a 12 per cent increase from 2023 - and generating more than $29 million for the state economy. Visitor nights rose by nine per cent to nearly 150,000.

The region also recorded strong economic growth, with employment increasing by 11,700 people (up 14.3 per cent year-on-year) and unemployment falling to 2.7 per cent, one of the lowest rates in Queensland. Business registrations grew by 545, while TRC spent $194.3 million with local suppliers.

Council also completed its $300 million 2022 Flood Recovery Program, restoring over 1,500 roads and 119 floodways with assistance from the jointly funded Australian and Queensland Governments' Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Despite challenges from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year, Mayor McDonald praised the resilience of residents and staff.

"I thank my fellow councillors, staff and local suppliers for helping deliver another productive year for our region," he said.

Major projects delivered in 2024-2025 included:

• Completion of the new trunk water main through Highfields to the Borghardt Road Pump Station
• Opening of the $4.35 million Melrose Road Bridge and $3.66 million Kearneys Spring Recreation Park Clubhouse upgrades
• Launch of the Visit Toowoomba Region tourism website
• Adoption of key strategies, including the Toowoomba Region Road Safety Strategy 2024-2028, the Customer Experience Three-Year Strategy, and the Intercultural Strategy 2025-2030
• Appointment of new CEO, Mr Sal Petroccitto OAM
• Continued advocacy for improved transport links, including future passenger rail between Toowoomba and Brisbane

The 2024-2025 Annual Report also tracks TRC's progress against its Corporate Plan 2024-2029.

For more information or to view the full report, visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/annualreport or contact Council on 131 872.