2015-16 Annual Report 2015-16 Annual Report | Page 31

2.3 Councillors Mayor Cr Paul Antonio COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL CHAIR P 07 4688 6433 M 0429 954 109 E [email protected] Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio has been Mayor of the region since 2012. Bringing more than 30 years of local government experience to the role, Paul was previously the Deputy Mayor of the Toowoomba Regional Council in its first amalgamated term, and Mayor of Millmerran Shire Council for eight years, having served continuously on Council from 1982-2008. As Mayor of one of Australia's most family friendly cities, Paul leads the region at a time of intense growth and development. The current and projected spend in the broader region is estimated at more than $11 billion dollars which includes the construction of the much anticipated Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, one of Australia's largest ever inland road projects. Paul is the founding Chair of the Darling Downs South West Queensland Council of Mayors and Deputy Chair of the Council of Mayors South East Queensland, which collectively represents one in seven Australians. Mayor Antonio continues to advocate for Toowoomba's place on the planned Brisbane to Melbourne Inland Rail Line and is an executive member of the alliance of Local Governments likely to be impacted by the project. Paul is also leading the business community to position Toowoomba as the transport and logistics hub of Queensland and Australia. Other significant initiatives delivered under Paul's leadership include an extensive flood recovery and mitigation program for Toowoomba following the devastating floods of 2011 and 2013; declaration of the region as a Refugee Welcome Zone; and hosting one of Queensland's largest White Ribbon Day events promoting peace, particularly in families and homes. Paul holds a Diploma of Agriculture, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has held a number of board positions. Serving as patron of a number of local associations, Paul is also a White Ribbon Ambassador. In his time away from Council Paul continues his interest in the family farming operation west of Millmerran concentrating on the production of Angus beef and grain. TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016 Our Council CHAPTER 2 31