General News
13 August, 2025
Ex-Mayor “devastated”
The former Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council, Paul Antonio is distraught at the impact the structure of the local authority is having on rural areas.
Mr Antonio served as Mayor from 2012 to 2023.
In that role, living in Toowoomba was necessary because of the distances involved.
Since returning to his home in the Millmerran district Mr Antonio has seen the Council in a different light.
“I am devastated by what’s happened to my community,” he said.
Mr Antonio points to the level of service now being given to rural towns and districts and the significant reduction of staff in those areas.
He is now part of a group aiming to see a new shire created to cover rural areas.
“I have tried very hard to keep out of it, but the 25 per cent increase in rates is too much,” he said.
Mr Antonio is one of three former Regional councillors in the group, the others being
Anne Glasheen from Clifton and Ros Scotney from Pittsworth.
“We care about what has happened to our communities,” he said.
“The money is obviously all going to Toowoomba.”
