Getting the job done
ONE week into the region's top job, Mayor Peter Blundell says he is prepared to put the hard word on the government to get things done.
Cr Blundell said with the recent change in State Government, the Southern Downs region had to make its needs and wants known to the new leaders.
"One of the first and earliest things we have to tackle with the change of government, is ensuring ministers are up to speed with the requirements of the Southern Downs region," he said.
"We need to lobby vigorously for what we need to achieve in this area.
"While we understand the government is suffering financial woes, it doesn't mean we can't work with the ministers to ensure our needs are met."
Two issues at the forefront of council concerns are the Cherrabah development and Emu Swamp Dam.
"In the case of Cherrabah, all requirements of council have been made very clear to developers and that needs to be progressed," he said.
He added that council had met all of its responsibilities in the matter and the "ball is in the court of developers" to make progress.
At next week's council meeting, portfolios will be put up for discussion, with the new mayor having already decided who he would like to see in which role.
Cr Blundell said the decisions were not difficult ones, as he had worked with six of the eight councillors previously and knew their strengths.
The mayor said he had also gained insight into the passions and abilities of the newest councillors, Jamie Mackenzie and Glyn Rees.
