19 April 2024
Teamwork and cooperation serve as the cornerstones of the 2024-elected Southern Downs Regional Council’s move to reinstate dedicated Councillor portfolios for the upcoming term.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Friday 19 April 2024, Councillors were appointed to 9 portfolios. Additionally, they unanimously adopted the policy that will guide the framework for the successful implementation and continued effectiveness of the portfolio system.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton welcomed the appointments and said portfolios allowed each Councillor to demonstrate their leadership across strategic issues that are important to the progress and prosperity of the region.
“This Council recognises that the best way to make real progress on the issues affecting the region is through teamwork and cooperation,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“Reinstating the portfolio system allows each Councillor to identify opportunities and advocate for our region. Our portfolios are based around what we want our communities to be: vibrant, liveable, connected, secure, productive, healthy, active and inspired.
“This will let us get the most out of every Councillor, and we can harness their skills, experience and passion for the benefit of the whole community.”
Vibrant communities
Mayor Melissa Hamilton
• Economic Development
• Governance
• Regional Advocacy
• Intergovernmental Relations
Liveable communities
Sheryl Windle
• Tourism
• Visitor Information Centres
• Parks and gardens (including cemeteries), active recreation areas and trails
• Community engagement
Connected communities
Ross Bartley
• Roads and transport
• Footpaths, cycleways
Resilient communities
Cynthia McDonald
• Disaster planning and response
• Disaster community recovery
• Mental health
• Disability community
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Secure communities
Joel Richters
• Housing
• Planning and Development
• Urban Design Frameworks
Productive communities
Carla Pidgeon
• Agriculture
• Water
• Saleyards
• Biosecurity and pest management
Healthy communities
Sarah Deane
• Wastewater
• Resource Recovery and waste management
• Circular economy
• Natural environment, climate and sustainability
Active communities
Russell Wantling
• Finance
• Audit & Risk
• Community halls and progress associations
• Sporting groups and associated facilities
• Camping facilities
Inspired communities
Morwenna Harslett
• Youth projects
• Education
• Art galleries
• Libraries
• Events
Last edited date 19 Apr 2024