Councillor Gary Gardner

Councillor Gary Gardner Gary Gardner is not your typical politician; he is a straight talker unafraid to take a stand, even when it means standing alone.

His integrity, coupled with a proven track record of business acumen, sets him apart as a leader who doesn't just speak promises but delivers tangible results.

04/06/2026

It was great to spend time at the Toowoomba Interschool Reconciliation Touch Carnival during Reconciliation Week recently.

Sport has a powerful way of bringing people together - encouraging teamwork, respect, connection and understanding across schools and communities.

This carnival is a positive opportunity for young people to come together, take part, learn from one another and celebrate the role sport can play in building stronger relationships.

Thank you to the organisers, volunteers, schools and students involved in making the day possible!

Work is now underway on the Highfields Road Intersections Upgrade Project, with Council crews commencing Stage 1 works o...
17/05/2026

Work is now underway on the Highfields Road Intersections Upgrade Project, with Council crews commencing Stage 1 works on New O’Brien Road.

As Highfields continues to grow, it is critical that we invest in the infrastructure needed to support residents, local businesses, schools and future development. This project is an important step in improving how this key part of Highfields functions now and into the future.

Key upgrades include three new roundabouts, the realignment of Kratzke and O’Brien Roads, stormwater improvements, underground relocation of essential services and new landscaping to create a safer, more attractive and more pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

Importantly, this project will help unlock future housing opportunities in Central Highfields by delivering the trunk infrastructure needed to support further growth.
There will be road closures and detours in place over the next 12 months, so I encourage residents to stay informed and allow extra time when travelling through the area.

Projects like this are about planning ahead and making sure Highfields remains a great place to live, work and do business as the community continues to expand.

You can learn more about the Project online, here: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/News-articles/Work-underway-on-Highfields-Road-Intersections-Upgrade-Project

Following the Federal Budget, many Australians are still asking why, after years of increasing government spending and e...
14/05/2026

Following the Federal Budget, many Australians are still asking why, after years of increasing government spending and endless promises, everyday life continues to get harder.

Families are paying more for groceries, power, insurance, housing, and basic living costs, while businesses are under increasing pressure just to stay afloat. Yet Australians are continually being told the economy is improving, despite many households clearly feeling otherwise.

The reality is you cannot continue growing debt, government spending, and future tax burdens without consequences. At some point, Australians will be left paying the price, and future generations will inherit the problem.

Good financial management matters. At a local level, Toowoomba Regional Council has worked hard to strengthen financial sustainability, improve budgeting discipline and focus on long-term responsibility while still delivering for the community. Governments at every level should be expected to show the same discipline.

I believe people are also starting to recognise the difference strong leadership and proactive government can make. In Queensland, we are already seeing the State Government under David Crisafulli taking a more proactive approach to rebuilding confidence, restoring accountability, and addressing some of the deeper issues that have become embedded in society over many years.

Australians are tired of being told to simply accept rising costs, increasing pressure and lower living standards as the new normal. People are working harder, paying more, and feeling like they are falling further behind.

Australians want governments focused on long-term economic stability, responsible financial management and creating opportunity - not deeper dependence, bigger debt and short-term politics that leave future generations carrying the burden.

Construction began late last month on a major culvert upgrade on Perth Street between Kitchener and Mackenzie Streets.Th...
13/05/2026

Construction began late last month on a major culvert upgrade on Perth Street between Kitchener and Mackenzie Streets.

This important $4 million project will replace the existing ageing culvert with a modern, higher-capacity structure designed to improve flood mitigation, safety and resilience for the local community.

The upgrade will help reduce road flooding, improve accessibility and strengthen the reliability of this part of the road network.

There will be temporary road and footpath closures during the works, with detours and signage in place.

Thank you to the community for your patience as this important project gets underway. tourism and economic activity across Toowoomba.

Read more about the works online, here: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/News-articles/Major-Upgrade-to-Perth-Street-Culvert

Fuel costs and supply pressures are something many households, businesses and organisations are keeping a close eye on a...
11/05/2026

Fuel costs and supply pressures are something many households, businesses and organisations are keeping a close eye on at the moment - and Council is no different.

As a large region with a wide range of essential services to deliver, Toowoomba Regional Council relies on fuel every day to support operations such as waste collection, water and sewerage services, road maintenance, fleet use and travel across our communities.

Importantly, Council services remain unchanged at this stage.

Council is taking a proactive and measured approach by monitoring the situation, planning travel carefully, reducing non-essential travel where practical and making responsible decisions around fuel use and costs.

This is about good planning - not panic.

With budget planning also underway, it is important that Council continues to manage cost pressures carefully while ensuring the services our community relies on continue to be delivered.

I will continue to support practical, responsible decision-making that keeps our region moving and our community informed.

Read more detail online, here: https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/News-articles/Council-planning-ahead-to-protect-essential-services

08/05/2026

💬 Ask Gary

Got a question about council, community projects, or the decisions shaping our region? This is your chance to ask directly.

Drop your questions in the comments ⬇️ and Gary will answer them.

It’s your community — let’s talk about it together.

Yesterday’s announcement that Inland Rail will no longer continue north into Queensland is deeply disappointing for many...
06/05/2026

Yesterday’s announcement that Inland Rail will no longer continue north into Queensland is deeply disappointing for many communities that have spent years planning around the opportunities the project was expected to deliver.

For Toowoomba and regional Queensland, Inland Rail represented more than just rail infrastructure - it was about long-term investment, regional growth, improved freight connectivity, and confidence in the future of our communities.

While governments must make difficult decisions, regional Australia deserves certainty when it comes to nation-building infrastructure projects of this scale.

Toowoomba will continue to play an important role in the state’s freight and logistics future, and I will continue supporting investment that strengthens our region, creates opportunity, and delivers long-term benefits for local communities.

Today, we pause as a community to remember the courage, sacrifice and service of all Australians and New Zealanders who ...
24/04/2026

Today, we pause as a community to remember the courage, sacrifice and service of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served.

ANZAC Day holds deep meaning across our region, where many local veterans, returned service personnel and defence families have shaped the fabric of our community. Their service - and the legacy of those who served before them - is something we remember with pride, gratitude and respect.

As we gather at services across the region, may we take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the people who helped protect them.

Lest we forget.

23/04/2026

It was a real privilege to be part of the recent opening event for Base Services and to see this important next chapter come to life.

What continues to stand out to me most is the number of people getting behind The Big Move by offering their time, skills, experience, networks and resources to help make it happen. That kind of support says a lot about the strength of our community.

From day one, this has always been about people coming together to back something bigger than themselves — and it’s powerful to see so many stepping forward and saying, “I’m in.”

Proud to support this journey and excited to see what comes next for Base Services. This is only the beginning.

You can find out more about this initiative here: https://base-services-big-move.raiselysite.com/

Address

275 McDougall Street
Toowoomba, QLD
4350

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