AWARD-winning restaurateur Bev Ruskey has been voted in as the new president of the Killarney Area Promotions Association.

The Spring Creek cafe owner was handed the title at a meeting last week, after former president Paul Stumkat retired from the role.

Sonja Carr is the new vice-president and John Roberts (also designer of the new Killarney logo), has become the new secretary with Barbara Cutmore staying on for another year as treasurer and anchor woman in the KAPA leadership team.　

Mr Stumkat said he was pleased with his three years in the role and is looking forward to continuing to contribute to KAPA and support the new management committee.

In his three years he stated that some of his favorite achievements include: the development of the new Killarney logo on his watch; new signage at the entrance to Killarney, additional signage to and from the Cambanoora Gorge, the collection of Road Counter Data outside Killarney, the mini-conference held in Killarney in 2016 instigated by Judy Abernethy and kick starting the "Community Vision Document” which is an ongoing work in progress.　

Mrs Ruskey said he was excited about her new role and came with well-thought-out ideas for development inspired by her own 15-year journey of growing business on the Southern Downs.

Her number one priority - move shops out of the flood zone and shift Canning Park into the flood zone.

"Let's work out what really works on the main street of Killarney and how we can attract new investment with flood-free shops aesthetically sensitive in design to the Killarney environment, history, and future development plans and let's make a plan and get it done,” she said.

"The scenic gem of the Southern Downs is ripe for further developments in preparation for a prosperous future.”