Locals 4 Locals : The Advantages of Supporting Local Business

There are so many advantages to shopping locally and supporting our local business. When you support local business, you are not only supporting the local economy and the employment of local people, you are also supporting the vitality of your local community in general.

Locals 4 Locals is a non for profit organization that was founded in 2011 by a man named Greg Jackson in an effort to support the thriving local business in Armidale. Concerns about the impact of online shopping and larger corporations choking small businesses drive Jackson and his associates to creating an organization that championed local business and local engagement.

Their motto, Locals 4 Locals looks to create a symbiotic and circular relationship between local businesses and local communities. The group’s members pledge their time to supporting local charities and events while encouraging people to ‘look for the stamp’ and shop locally.

Small and local businesses are the biggest employers in Australia and it seems only fitting to provide them with the support they need to continue to flourish.

So why shop locally?

There are many studies that indicate that shopping locally has major economic benefits for your community. When you spend $100 at a local business, on average 58% more of your money stays in your community. However, when shopping at multinational companies only $43 dollars per hundred dollars stay within the local economy.

Supporting smaller businesses and local business is important for sustaining a healthy local community. It will encourage the creation of long-term relationships and promote loyalty. Furthermore, as seen in Armidale, local communities support your community! They are often championing local charities and fundraisers allowing you to support your lifestyle. They have our region’s interests at heart!

What do you think of the Locals 4 Locals campaign? Is this campaign something that should be considered in the Toowoomba region?

Women Of Strength: The Benefits of a Diverse Workplace

In light of the recent Women of Strength luncheon hosted by the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation and the wise words of The Hon Julie Bishop, it seems only fitting to discuss the benefits of a diverse workplace.

The Women of Strength luncheon is one that Melissa and Taylors proudly support each year. Being the chairman of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, these events are very special to Ray Taylor. Coordinated by the incredible CEO Alison Kennedy, the luncheon did not disappoint.

Guests got to enjoy a decadent two-course meal with bubbles, prizes, and an awe-inspiring speech from Julie Bishop, who made some pertinent points about the key role women play in any workplace.

The term ‘Workplace diversity’ sounds a lot like jargon. However, in reality, diversity should be a priority for every company. This is not about reputation, nor is it about the lofty social goal of inclusion (though both of these are important). No, a diverse workforce has several immediate and very tangible benefits to both the individual worker and a company.

Workplace diversity means employing people from all walks of life – backgrounds, genders, ages, races, religions, and abilities. Each of these people bring a valuable and unique world view and their personal experiences will provide a perspective to benefit your company. This diversity allows for a slightly different approach to problem-solving. Statistics show that when faced with a problem, women tend to be more cooperative in finding a solution.

What’s more, increased diversity promotes increased creativity. Sameness breeds sameness. When human beings are confronted with things that are unfamiliar, creative thinking is necessary in order to adapt and find solutions. When made to work towards a common goal, the unique perspectives provided by a diverse group of workers allow for more creative solutions. In the same vein, this increases productivity. According to a McKinsey study, U.S. public companies with diverse executive boards have a 95% higher return on equity than do those with homogeneous boards.

A workplace culture of diversity also reduces fear of rejection and improves performance because employees are less afraid of ‘sticking their necks out. Diverse teams see a 60% improvement in decision-making and a 2013 report by Deloitte shows that when employees feel included, innovation increases by 83%.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of workplace diversity. Do not be discouraged, remain persistent and remember your contribution is valuable. In the words of Julie Bishop. Aim high and dream big!

Parking Fees Increased in Toowoomba After 3 Years

It has been announced that both on and off street parking fees and charges will increase from Monday, 5th July 2021. All parking fees will increase by 10 cents per hour to a maximum additional charge of 50 cents per day with the exception of Central Carpark which remains at 1 dollar per hour.

This is the first parking fee increase for Toowoomba since 2018 and will allow Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) to keep pace with costs of maintenance, upgrading and introducing new payment options. The increase is consistent with the CPI (Cost Price Index) over the past three years.

Parking fees were initially due to rise in 2020 but the Toowoomba Regional Council decides to waive all parking charges in April due to the pandemic. This initiative was part of the $10.5 million stage one pandemic economic relief package. Furthermore, the biennial increase to the parking fees was also delayed, helping alleviate the economic strain and support the city’s business.  

A part of its annual Budget process, a new schedule of Fees and Charges for 2021-22 was adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting in March.

Melissa said, “It’s an appropriate time to make changes to the fees after deferring the increase in 2020 given the Region’s circumstances in relation to COVID-19 have improved greatly since the same time last year.”

The increase is necessary in order to assist council in the “operating and maintaining” of the city’s carparks as well as the “upgrading” of parking meters to “facilitate payment by credit card and future smart parking initiatives.”

However, motorists should be remaindered that the free one-hour parking is still available on Ruthven and Margaret streets in Toowoomba’s CBD and people can also take full advantage of a number of 5 and 10-minute parking zones in these areas as well!

“Weekly parking tickets are available at all of Council’s off-street carparks excluding the Toowoomba Bus Station Carpark, with discounted weekly parking available at the Herries and Water Streets Car Park and Station Street Carpark.”

Cr Melissa Taylor said Council continues to look for ways to improve parking services to ensure Toowoomba remains a modern and attractive city for residents and visitors alike.

“As the city continues to grow Council is planning for ongoing growth and development to make our city more user-friendly and accessible in the future,” Cr Taylor said.

Victoria Street Bus Stop Relocation: Improving our Public Transport

Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) Infrastructure Committee Portfolio Leader Melissa Taylor initially introduced the idea of relocating the Victoria Street bus stop in order to alleviate issues with weather and sun exposure. As one of Toowoomba’s busiest ports of public transport, it seemed only fitting. Just in time for our signature Toowoomba winter, a shady shelter for those looking to utilize the bus stop has been created!

Council and Melissa worked with Grand Central and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to assess how feasible the relocation of the bus stop would be and they settled on moving it to the Grand Central over-bridge where it would be safely tucked away from the sun!

The relocation of the bus stop on the eastern side of Victoria Street in Toowoomba is now complete! While something as seemingly simple as a relocation feels like a small feat, there are always many considerations around safety and feasibility to be taken into account. Melissa is thankful for the patience of the public while they navigated these issues and is excited that the relocation was such a success.

Easier access to public transport is always on the council’s agenda and this relocation has brought us one step closer to that goal! It is well established that improved access to public transport can improve population health and community engagement by facilitating physical activity. This, in turn, aids in boosting local economies and increasing morale.  

It is fantastic that passengers will now be able to fully benefit from the improved bus stop location. Melissa is excited to move onto her next projects and continue supporting our region’s infrastructure.

Men's Mental Health Week: How We Can Support Our Men

This year’s Men’s Mental Health week focussed on the importance of having a team and a strong support network. What exactly does it mean to have a team?

The statistics on men’s mental wellbeing and illness are startling, to say the least. According to Beyond Blue, 1 in 8 men will experience depression in their life and 1 in 5 men will suffer from anxiety. Studies have ascertained that men are 3x more likely to commit suicide than women and unfortunately this number is on the rise. Suicide is the greatest cause of death in Australian men aged 15-44.

Modern societal views around masculinity tend to place a lot of pressure on men from a young age. They are expected to be providers and not rely too heavily on others. In addition, it is seen to be unattractive and ‘unmanly’ to show vulnerability in many cases. The sad truth is, many men do not feel as though they have a team and they tend to bottle up their emotions.

A strong support network is essential to maintaining a healthy mind. Men should be able to feel as though they can lean on, look to and rely on people around them in times of mental distress. Prioritising your physical and mental health is the responsible thing to do and people should not be made to feel ashamed for doing just that.

Research shows that men are much less likely to seek help for acute mental health issues, including suicide risk. Despite the huge focus to shift the stigma around mental health issues and raise awareness, the number of male suicides continues to rise at an alarming rate.

So, how can we help? We need to support our men. We need to encourage them to speak up about their issues without feeling shame or embarrassment. Luckily, thanks to initiatives such as Men’s Mental Health week, there are a number of growing support systems and agencies available to men struggling with mental illness.

Help reduce the stigma around men’s mental health. Support our Aussie men and encourage them to seek the help they need. Build a team.

Recycle, Recycle, Recycle: Take 2!

Being environmentally efficient and green is extremely important to Melissa and to her company Taylor’s Removals. We aim to be as economically circular as possible. Reuse, repurpose and recycle! That is our motto and we work everyday to find new ways to do just those things.

Today we are going to teach you all about mattress recycling! Old mattresses are annoying large and notoriously difficult to recycle. It is much easier to just take it to the dump but it is our responsibility to look after our environment and our home, even if it is a little bit inconvenient sometimes.

The TRC is trialling mattress processing in an attempt to reduce the number of mattresses in landfill by 3000. TRC Water and Waste portfolio leader Cr Nancy Sommerfield said Council was expanding its recycling opportunities at the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility at O’Mara Road.

“Council is committed to diverting as much recyclable material as possible from landfill to reduce operating costs and promote further environmental benefits,” Cr Sommerfield said.

“Large bulky items like mattresses have posed challenges up to now as they do not compact easily, due to the springs, and take up significant landfill space.

The mattresses will be processed, the springs removed and turned into scrap metal to be repurposed and resold.

The trial will be run for 6 weeks and will gauge the level of recycling that may be attained which will potentially include being able to recycle the mattress foam and other components as well.

The council officers will test and experiment with the logistics of recycling and the mattresses will be processed at the facility’s residual waste transfer building.

There is a growing enthusiasm for recycling and people have been excited about opportunities to recycle e-waste (electrical and electronic items) across the region.

The cumulative effect of additional recycling will see a significant reduction in material ending up in our landfills. Apart from reducing our operating costs, it also helps Council reach the state government’s waste reduction targets.

For a full list of recyclable items and links to firms and organisations that offer recycling drop-off facilities, please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/recycling

National Volunteer Week 2021: A Show of Gratitude

The Toowoomba Regional Council have been humbled and grateful for the support and service of Council-affiliated volunteers over the years and particularly during the pandemic. A thank you function was held at the Clifford Park Racecourse on the 20th of May to recognise the amazing contribution of our Region’s volunteers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recognise, Reconnect and Reimagine is the theme of National Volunteer’s Week 2021and Mayor Paul Antonio said that the function was created to mirror this theme. The past year emphasized just how irreplaceable and invaluable volunteers are for each of our services and facilities.

Experiencing the impact volunteers first-hand, Melissa is utterly astounded and humbled by the amount of support and love that our community has for one another. She is continually impressed and surprised by the level of dedication and the generosity of our region’s people. One of the great joys of her job is volunteering alongside these people to help better and support our community.

These tasks were made even more challenging with the need for social distancing and COVID-19 safety measures meant our friendly volunteers were unable to provide their normal, amiable assistance. However, that being said, the persistence and dedication despite these challenges was astounding.

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said Council was indebted to the tireless work of volunteers across the organisation’s activities.

“Volunteers complement and enhance our service delivery in art galleries, museums, libraries, and cultural centres across the region,” Cr O’Shea said.

Around 550 volunteers help provide services at our Region’s art galleries, visitor information centres, libraries are more specifically the Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village and Museum, the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery, the Crows Nest Nursery, Franke Scrub, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and other civic events. This is in addition to the many partnerships the TRC has with other volunteer groups as well.

According to research commissioned by Volunteering Australia, approximately 6 million volunteers dedicated more than 600 million hours annually nationwide.

Tummaville Road Bridge Opening!

At long last, on May 6th The Tummaville Road bridge replacement project across the North Branch of the Condamine River! What an exciting and long awaited project this was. Melissa, as TRC Infrastructure Services portfolio leader, was thrilled to be able to support this project and be at its opening.

The $2.5 million bridge replacement project at Kincora, south-east of Brookstead and Mayor Antonio said Council was grateful for the Australian Government’s financial contribution to the vital upgrade project.

 It is vitally important to our council and Melissa in particular than equal support is shown for our rural and regional areas as well as our denser, urban community. This project has greatly improved accessibility for those in this area as well as the safety of travel for the local community.

“Council replaced the former single-lane timber bridge, which was closed to traffic in 2018, with a two-lane, multi-span concrete bridge to improve local accessibility and road safety for motorists and surrounding residents,” Cr Taylor said.

The old, damaged timber was removed and demolished so as to make way for the new design that was crafted with the utmost care and precision. Service relocations were undertaken, and Council crews worked on the temporary piling platforms, which were used by the piling contractor to handle and drive the precast concrete piles that formed the bridge foundations.

The concrete construction for the bridge was completed in line with our program to open it to traffic by the first quarter of 2021. The new bridge has been designed to accommodate large agricultural machinery, higher productivity vehicles and improves flood immunity for the area.

A sum of the Council’s budget for 2020/21 was assigned to this project which was generously supported by the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program with $700,000.

Melissa and Council are extremely grateful for the community’s patience and cooperation during the bridge’s closure and the subsequent construction phase and those who worked and collaborated with the council on the project.

Road Safety Week: Arrive Alive

National Road Safety Week 2021 made a ‘pledge to drive so others survive’. 2020 saw 276 Queenslander’s die on the road and there was a 125% increase in road fatalities as of February this year in comparison to the same time last year. This has led to many desperate and cautionary pleas from the police, urging drivers to obey road rules and to be vigilant while driving.

It is only fitting that the 2021 Road Safety Week asks drivers to make a pledge for themselves, loved ones and fellow road users.

The pledge is as follows:

“I pledge to drive as if my loved ones are on the road ahead.

I will remove all distractions and never use my mobile phone while driving.

I will not put other people at risk by speeding, driving while tired or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

I will protect all vulnerable road users, especially those whose job places them in harm’s way, by slowing down and giving them the space they need to be safe.”

As the holder of a truck license and the head of Taylor’s Removals, Melissa is very conscious about road safety. She is committed to helping create a safe road environment for all road users. Driving and transport is a large part of our trade and as such, she feels responsible for ensuring we use the roads responsibly. Her staff and herself regularly take defensive driving courses and other workshops in order to keep their skills up to scratch.

Melissa wants to challenge each of you to visit the road safety website and take this pledge for yourselves and others.

Road accidents injure and take the lives of thousands of people every single year. There are approximately 1200 people killed and another 44,000 seriously injured on Australian roads alone. Traffic injury is the biggest killer of Australian children under 15 and the second-biggest killer of all Australians aged between 15 and 24.

Having these statistics in the forefront of your mind, while scary, is necessary in order to stop this number from growing every single year. Everyone is someone’s loved one. Drive so others survive.

Love Your Small Business Day!

2020 brought many challenges all around the world but small businesses were hit hard! As a part of Queensland Small Business Month 2021, Business Queensland celebrated local small businesses with a Love Your Small Business Day on Saturday 15 May 2021. This agenda is the perfect opportunity to help get our economy back on track, support small businesses get back on their feet and leave COVID in the dust!

As a small business owner and a member of council, Melissa is passionate about supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Her own family business, Taylor’s Removals has been running for over 100 years and she is proud to be part of such a rich family tradition. Keeping those small business roots alive is what separates businesses like Taylor’s from other large conglomerates. That beauty should be supported and nurtured by our community. We are so very proud to support this endeavour and we look forward to championing more of our local business as we move forward!

·       Small businesses can get involved by using the Queensland Small Business Month hashtags in your social media posts!

o   #QSBM2021

o   #loveyoursmallbusiness

o   #bouncebackbetter

o   #qldsmallbiz

• following Business Queensland on Facebook to keep up to date with small business news in Queensland

• asking your followers to #loveyoursmallbusiness and @tag your small business when they visit or buy from you

• using our social media frame to brand your business’s profile image

• sharing our social media tile to promote Love your small business day in the lead up to 15 May 2021

• displaying the Love your small business day poster and flyer.

There are also number of ways we can support our small businesses all year around. Opt for buying from your local businesses rather than large business chains. Visit local restaurants; splurge on takeout night with a smaller business; enjoy a morning coffee and baked good from your local barista and bakery; join a fitness studio or gym in your neighbourhood; take some time to explore and find businesses you didn’t know were there! There are so many options!

You can take pictures of your local restaurants and support them on social media as well as using good old word of mouth. Instead of buying from large conglomerates, buy your fresh produce such as egg, milk and meat from the farmgate or a grower’s market.

When buying gifts, choose to buy niche items from local sellers or even gift cards that people can use later!

Building up small businesses lets our local economy thrive and nurtures a sense of community! Make sure you are doing as much as you can for our local businesses this month and all year round to help them get back on their feet!

Follow Business Queensland on Facebook to stay up to date! https://www.facebook.com/businessqldgov/

A Small Bus Stop Making All The Difference

On the 2nd of May the TRC ‘christened’ its latest urban bus stop upgrade at Carey Street and it has won the appreciation of local retirement home residents.

Willow Glen Retirement Village residents’ committee secretary Christine Jenkins and fellow resident Corinne Bartlett showed their gratitude to the TRC and Mainroads and were among the first to use the new development.

It ws heartwarming to be able to make trips into town for Corinne and Christine more convenient for elders. At 92 years old, Corinne immensely enjoys her adventures into town and staying active in general. I think we can all agree that we would love to be so spry and stylish at 92 years old! Being able to help the more vulnerable members of our community to get the best quality out of life is one of Melissa’s favourite part of the job and she was truely touched and humbled to be able to talk to Corinne and Christine and share their stories.

This new upgrade is in compliance with the TRC’s goal to reach 100% disability standard compliance by 2022 which would allow all members of our region the same convenience and opportunity that has been afforded to the lovely members of the Willow Glen Retirement Village.

Corinne first raised the idea of installing a seat at the bus stop with Councillors when she stopped driving around her 90th birthday.

She said the bus service offered Willow Glen Retirement Village residents independence and was also used by patrons at the caravan park.

“If you don’t drive, this is a convenient way to travel to the city. I used it twice last week and often head to the pictures in town,” Corinne said.

As the TRC Infrastructure Services portfolio leader and Regional Active and Public Transport Advisory Committee chair, Cr Melissa Taylor said Council was installing 12 shelters at city bus stops, including the recently completed Willow Glen Retirement Village shelter, in addition to undertaking bus stop upgrades in conjunction with the state government to comply with disability provisions.

Melissa and Council were very pleased with being able to improve the comfort and safety of our community’s elders while they travel around town.

ART TEXTILE BIENNALE 2020!

Yes, 2020! That is not a typo… Thanks to COVID last year Toowoomba was unable to have the Art Textile Exhibit come to visit but it has finally arrived and we are so excited!

The Fibre Arts Australia showcase of contemporary art textile practice in their inaugural biennial award, Art Textile Biennale 2020, is on display from the 6th of April to the 30th of May and it is on Melissa’s list of ‘must-visit places!’

Featuring 29 artists from 16 different countries the works evocatively explore the dialogue of what it is to be a textile artist in this day and age. The pieces are emotional, raw and precise, exploring and manifesting a range of different concepts and presentations. From intimate and personal reflections to intense societal issues such as climate change, there is something in the exhibit that is sure to strike a chord with everyone.

Barbara Stephenson’s piece and will the blue skies go on forever?

Local artist Barbara Stephenson is featured in the exhibit with her piece “Desert Spring”, which features old woolen blankets, dressmaking scraps sewn and glued onto an up-cycled footstool! The Darling Downs Textile Arts Group member has won awards for her textiles, including a Queensland Regional Arts Award in the textile section in 2019 for a piece made entirely out of wool. Barbara said in her artist statement that ‘In a world drowning in waste, I use rejected woolen blankets to create art.’ Her work deeply reflects the current climate struggles we are facing around the world: a pertinent piece to shed light on with Earth Week only a couple of weeks ago.

The exhibit is truly spectacular and Melissa was covered in goosebumps while interviewing artists Glenys Mann & Nonie Sutcliffe. If you missed out on seeing that little video, head to Melissa’s facebook page Cr Melissa Taylor For Our Region to have a look!

Incredible Innovation: TRC Real Estate Portal

Toowoomba Regional Council has officially become the first in the nation to implement a Real Estate Portal into its official website: an impressive and groundbreaking bit of innovation that is set to save TRC time and money, while helping real estate agents and solicitors access rates and property information, along with a myriad of other useful information.

In an interview conducted by Melissa, Denise Upton from McGrath Real Estate Toowoomba said that when selling a property and trying to provide clients with sufficient information around property description, land values, and rates, she ran into some issues with accessibility and time. Each day, it is an extra phone call real estate agents have to make. However, with the new portal, this information will be readily and conveniently available for them.

All of the following information will be at the tip of their fingers thanks to this new development!

• property description (lot on plan)

• property location

• half-yearly rates and charges (including water charges)

• outstanding balance

• water meter readings

• land area

• land valuation.

On top of this, the council is saving around 500 phone calls each month because of the implementation of this program. Its a win-win for both council and real estate as it frees up time for the HR department and saves funds that can now be spent elsewhere!

It’s an incredibly innovative idea on behalf of the council and it ticks all the boxes!

Happy Earth Day: Restore Our Earth 2021

Earth Day 2021 will be celebrated on the 22nd of April and this year, their slogan is an interesting one. "AS THE WORLD RETURNS TO NORMAL, WE CAN’T GO BACK TO BUSINESS-AS-USUAL.” From the 20th to the 22nd of this month people around the world are invited to engage and educate themselves on issues, changes, and solutions impacting the Earth today.

The theme for this year’s Earth Day, which you may have already guessed from the slogan, is Restore Our Earth and the execution of this goal, or at least the beginning, has been broken down into three, very well-planned, days.

The 20th of April kicks off Day 1 of Restore Our Earth with a global youth climate summit led by Earth Uprising, in collaboration with My Future My Voice, OneMillionOfUs, and hundreds of youth climate activists. This will include speeches, panels, and discussions from the likes of Greta Thunberg, Alexandria Villaseñor, and Licypriya Kangujam.

The digital, ‘We Shall Breathe’ summit will follow in the evening and will address some of the world’s most challenging and poignant issues, such as: climate and environmental justice, connecting the climate crisis to issues of pollution, poverty, police brutality, and the pandemic, all within a racial justice framework.

Day 2 will see Education International leading a global lesson about the necessity to educate people on climate change and action. This will be given virtually in hundreds of languages and will reach millions. It will be centrally focused on the vital role that educators play in combating climate change and the necessity for transformative climate education now.

Finally, Day 3 - the official Earth Day 2021 - will host a myriad of events around the world. A global Earth Day show will begin at 12 pm Eastern Time parallel to the Biden Administration’s global climate summit.

Events throughout the day will cover natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems.

Leaders and activists all over the world will come together to help, educate and push towards a better world.

Inland Rail: All Aboard?

The Inland Rail project is possibly a once-in-a-generation project that is happening right under our feet, literally. It is a 17000 km rail project that will completely alter the way goods are moved around Australia.

Connecting Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, this railway will complete the nation’s rail network and allow for greater job opportunities, safer and fast transport, fewer carbon emissions and overall regional growth. This is the next step in Australia’s economic development in order to make sure we can ‘keep pace’ with increasing freight demand.

The benefits of this project are undeniable. There are to be 21,500 jobs generated both indirectly and directly through construction. Transit time from Brisbane to Melbourne will be whittled down to 24 hours with 98% reliability which gives way to improved road safety, lower emissions, and a happily boosted economy. This is just to name a few.

However, a project of this magnitude requires due diligence and planning and does not come without risks and consequences. The Toowoomba Regional Council has endorsed a submission on the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Border to Gowrie (B2G) section of the Inland Rail project that will be sent to the Queensland Coordinator-General.

he B2G project is one of 13 sections of the project and is proposed to be 216 kilometre single-track dual-gauge freight railway from the Queensland Border to Gowrie includes 145 kilometres of new dual-gauge track (green field) and 71 kilometres of upgraded track (brownfield), 34 bridges and five (5) crossing loops. It will include the construction of a new track through the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley region in Queensland and building a vast freight tunnel. A new 6.2km tunnel will be built through the Toowoomba Range, making it the largest diameter diesel freight tunnel in the southern hemisphere. At this stage, however, the council and the coordinators of this project are conducting studies, examining risks, and consulting locals and key stakeholders of the region on how best to maximize the benefits to our region.

The submission given by Council identified a number of issues with the draft Border to Gowrie Environmental Impact Statement, such as:

• Construction water sources (preventing the use of any TRC water supplies and; need for the proponent to identify and source water from private allocations),
• Identify and protect areas of cultural significance,
• Proposed management of road/rail interfaces do not meet the desired outcome of the Federal Rail Safety Guidelines (looking at grade separation and crossing safety, and ensuring access for over-size and wide agricultural machinery),
• Local road and traffic requirements (including provisions for post-construction maintenance),
• Consideration around the operation of the Mt Kent Observatory (protection of dark-sky that supports Queensland’s only professional astronomical research facility),
• Measures to mitigate dust, noise and spill stockpiles,
• Appropriate management of flood mitigation in the Condamine Floodplain, and consideration of outcomes of the Independent Expert Panel for flood studies review (plus consideration for hydrology matters across the alignment),
• Current and significant accommodation shortages in the TRC Region,
• Appropriate management of providing regional job opportunities for the local community, and
• Impacts to environmentally sensitive areas (further surveys are required to assist in the identification of core fauna and flora habitats)

Mayor Antonio has said that this is imperative for Australia and our region to ‘look at all the factors and make the best decisions possible.’

It is a gargantuan task to tackle to say the very least, but one that has great potential and will positively affect the region once all the appropriate measures have been taken.

World Health Day 2021: A Fairer, Healthier World for Everyone

Since its inception in 1948 at the First Health Assembly, April 7th has been globally recognized as World Health Day. Each year the celebration has geared its energies towards raising awareness about pertinent health issues affecting people around the world. Last year we saw recognition and appreciation for nurses and midwives around the world. In other years we have discussed issues such as mental health, chronic illness, health care systems and so much more.

This year, the WHO is bringing light to creating a fairer, healthier world for everyone. Every country’s health care systems have been put under immense strain since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out just over a year ago. However, some have clearly been hit more than others. It is moments like these that show how undeniably blessed we are to live in a country like Australia. We are blessed with good healthcare and well-equipped hospitals.

Many developing countries, such as those in the Western Pacific, were finding their feet in the wake of rapid economic and population growth when the pandemic hit. While this created opportunities for some, it left many starving, jobless and facing greater social and health inequalities than before. This year, the WHO is calling for action to help mitigate some of the damage caused by COVID.

The overarching theme for this year’s mission is one that is relevant and poignant in several aspects of our daily life across the globe: a fairer and healthier world for everyone.

The WHO is dedicated to creating, “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the most fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition."

A powerful message we should all be invoking this year, particularly around Easter when we are reminded of the blessings of family, friends and comfort.

Go to the World Health Day website to see more information and understand how you can help!

Ending Gender Inequality: The Power of Women

In honour of International Women’s day this March, it seems only reasonable to acknowledge the amazing women in our lives and the strides they are making to shatter glass ceilings around the world.

Melissa has often spoken about drawing inspiration from the amazing women in her life. From her family to friends to complete stranger, she feels a connection with all these women as they stand together in solidarity against difficult societal problems.

Melissa herself is an absolute go-getter and is an active advocate for feminism and equal opportunity, while also making major strides in her own career. She has been recognised with prestigious awards for her contributions to the furniture removals industry, being the CEO of Taylor’s Removals, and in 2016 was named ATA’s (Australian Trucking Association) National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year. She has also received many other awards such as the Down’s Woman of The Year, Women in Industry for excellence in commercial road transport and many more. She is a strong woman fearlessly and gracefully taking over a man’s world.

Since being named a Toowoomba City Councillor, she has continued to make strides in advocating for women’s right. Recently she participated in the March 4 Justice campaign in Toowoomba, an event designed to raise awareness for victims of sexual assault and harassment. She said it was an “emotional day standing with other women of our community, lending a voice and standing up for those without a voice.”

Melissa has spoken about how important supporting other women is for her. She believes that when women support one another, they become role models for each other and that they will rise together to fight against societal injustices.

There are so many issues regarding gender inequality and sexual harrassment that are still unresolved, but through mutual support and solidarity women can break down these constructs and strive for a better future.

Paint The Town Lime: What Would Scooters Mean For Our Region?

If you have been to Brisbane in the last two years, you might have seen these flashes of green gliding past you with their faint electronic hum. Lime (and now orange) scooters have made quite the resurgence in post-covid times as they provide a social-distance, inexpensive and sustainable means of traveling.

They took over Brisbane city a couple of years ago and although they were praised by many, there were also some downsides to integrating this unorthodox means of transport into daily life.

That being said, let’s start with the good because the benefits are undeniable. As mentioned before, the Lime scooters offer a cheap, efficient, and sustainable method of transport.

They are very ‘no fuss’ and particularly appealing to the younger generation and students. In order to rent the bike, it would only set someone back 1 dollar and then 30 cents for every minute on the scooter. This works out to be about half the price of an average uber when considering the speed they run at, which is a max of about 25 km/hour.

Growing population and urbanisation have called for governments to find ways of reducing spikes in car use pollution. The Lime Scooter provides a rather eloquent solution in this regard. The Lime company is dedicated to transparent and sustainable practices. In Paris, 1.2 million car trips were replaced by these nifty little scooters, which replaced 330+ tons of CO2 emissions and this is only the beginning. They are working towards 100% renewable energy practices in every country and they are already well on their way in many countries such as Paris. Their scooter fleet is 100% electric and 80% of that electricity will be renewable energy by the end of this year. This is an eloquent solution to help push sustainability in the right direction but Lime is yet to iron out all the kinks with their design.

Safety was an issue with the initial release of these scooters. Some complained of them being a nuisance to pedestrians and hazardous because of insufficient hardware. There were accidents as a result. However, both the Lime company and Neuron Mobility (orange scooters) are introducing a third-generation scooter with improved safety features that will address the hardware problem. They are also working with the Brisbane Council at the moment in order to optimize safety and efficiency. There have been discussions about introducing speed limits in densely populated pedestrian areas and also outlining safe paths for scooters to use throughout the city.

However, the population of Brisbane and its geography must also be considered. Our region has a significantly smaller population and our size and space may make us ideal candidates for programs such as this. Cycling is proven to be most popular across the board in the Toowoomba Region, is there any reason these wouldn’t be as well?

It goes without saying that is an extremely exciting and innovative idea that has great potential in reducing motor-vehicle emissions. So, what do you think, should we grab a paintbrush?

A Hub for Education: Study Toowoomba

Those of us who live in Toowoomba know there are schools around every corner. Being the second-largest city after the nation’s capital, Toowoomba has a long and rich tradition of educational excellence. We are renowned for our world-class, safe, and inclusive educational experience that equips our children and students with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve success in the workforce.

Study Toowoomba was officially launched on February 18th, 2021. It is an innovative organization, dedicated to fulfilling Toowoomba’s potential as an educational hub and assisting students with their study in every capacity. The committee is comprised of members from The University of Southern Queensland, the Council, TAFE Queensland, and other representatives from leading schools in the region.

Their website provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to studying in Toowoomba and clearly outlines the many benefits of living and studying in our beautiful city of flowers. They are active on social media and consistently post useful information in regards to student experiences, scholarships, and opportunities to aid in creating a well-rounded educational experience for all students.

At a domestic level, they are committed to helping students find work and other opportunities within our region. They wish to encourage people to live, study and work in Toowoomba and take advantage of all the opportunities and facilities Toowoomba has to offer.

Study Toowoomba is also dedicated to helping promote the growth of Toowoomba’s international student numbers in tertiary, VET and High School. Thanks to our superior educational facilities, Toowoomba can facilitate and welcome students from outside Australia, and Study Toowoomba plans on transforming our town into an international and national education destination of choice!

Mayor Antonio says this initiative will be to the benefit of the entire region as education and training are the second-largest employers in the region and it is predicted to create 4000 jobs by 2041. Our region has a serious commitment to be an educational hub and this initiative is a positive step in developing the region.

Students and parents can stay up to date and informed of Study Toowoomba’s latest news here!

Come For A Ride: Bike with Toowoomba

Cycling is a popular sport across all age groups, demongraphics and communities. It’s an explorative and entertaining way to engage in physical activity and also to get around! So why not make a day of it?
The Bike with Toowoomba event will be held on Sunday 14 March, 10am to 1pm, at the Civic Square. This event will be run by the Toowoomba Council and Bicycle Queensland (BQ) with Toowoomba Regional Council proudly providing sponsorship for the event!

Activities will include:

• Free guided commutes

• A bike maintenance workshop

• Bike safety checks

• Free coffees for those who take the pledge to be part of the Commuter Harmony Alliance.

Bookings are required for the free guided commutes and the bike maintenance workshop. To book into an event activity, or for more information contact Alyssa from Bicycle Queensland P: 07 3844 1144 E: events@bq.org.au.

This event is also one of many activities being held to celebrate Parks Week 2021! For a full list of activities visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/parksweek. Everyone who participates in a Parks Week activity can enter the photo competition to win a $170 Picnic Park Pack!

Toowoomba Council’s Sport, Active Recreation & Healthy Living (SARHL) Plan, revealed that cycling identified cycling in everyone’s top 10 activities across all age groups and genders! In response to this some-what unsurprising revelation, the council took the opportunity to partner up with Bicycle Queensland and support more residents cross the Toowoomba Region to take up cycling through the Bike with Toowoomba event.

As Chair of the “Regional Active & Public Transport Advisory Committee”, this event is close to Melissa’s heart. Council is committed to supporting residents to participate in recreational cycling activities, as evident through the development of the Peter Watts Criterium Track, the adoption of the Strategic Trails Strategy and Toowoomba & Lockyer Valley Escarpment Mountain Bike Master Plan, creation of Recreational Riding maps, and Bike-ability videos, Council’s ongoing support for the PCYC’s bike skills program and various Learn to Ride courses established in parks across the region.

Council’s Sustainable Transport Strategy supports a range of cycling initiatives, with a particular focus on active transport. Examples include the development of Council’s Cycle Hub under the Toowoomba City Library, the Regional Active & Public Transport Advisory Committee, along with ongoing network planning for cycleways and cycle infrastructure across the Toowoomba Region.

Don’t forget to book your spot and join us at Bike with Toowoomba! It’ll be a day of leg-burning, sunshine and jollity!