The Council of Mayors (SEQ) has made an historic amendment to its legal structure, welcoming Interim Administrator Greg Chemello to its Board
The move ensures the City of Ipswich continues to play an integral role in the organisation’s ongoing advocacy, and its mission to reshape the region.
In a first for the organisation, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) unanimously voted to include Mr Chemello on its Board as the City of Ipswich’s representative until a new Mayor is elected in 2020.
Brisbane Lord Mayor and Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair, Cr Graham Quirk, said the decision to allow Mr Chemello to join the Board of Directors was made because of the City of Ipswich’s critical role in the future of southeast Queensland.
“The City of Ipswich is such an important part of southeast Queensland, and the community deserves to have a voice in matters of regional significance. Therefore, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) felt it was important to amend its existing structure to include Mr Chemello in the group,” said Cr Quirk.
“Mr Chemello will work alongside other elected Mayors and his knowledge and experience will add weight to our ongoing work and discussions with the Federal and State governments.”
Ipswich City Council Interim Administrator Greg Chemello thanked the Mayors for their inclusive approach.
“It is absolutely essential that the councils of southeast Queensland are aligned, particularly when it comes to major transport and infrastructure projects,” Mr Chemello said.
“It’s quite remarkable that the population of Ipswich is set to grow to more than 500,000 people in the next 20 years, by far the fastest growth in the region and one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.
“That means we’ll be looking to build more than 100,000 extra houses and 65,000 new jobs. If we can couple this with faster rail, clever road systems and responsible public transport networks, we’re well on the way to becoming an even greater place to live.
“To do this effectively means a coordinated approach which has the support of State and Federal governments. And I am committed to helping the Council of Mayors (SEQ) in their bid to benefit the entire region.”
The Council of Mayors (SEQ) is a private entity established in 2005. Traditionally, elected representatives from member councils have formed the organisation’s Board of Directors.
The membership of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) consists of the Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba councils.
For more on the Council of Mayors (SEQ) visit this website.
