Published Monday, 03 March, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Main Roads’ regional approach to benefit Darling Downs
Darling Downs residents will benefit from changes to the way Main Roads manages the road network in the region.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the changes, announced today, were part of the department’s new structure, which had been developed in response to the local government reform process.
“As a result of these reforms, Main Roads reviewed its district boundaries and determined that some adjustments to its structure were needed to continue delivering services effectively,” Mr Pitt said.
“A new Darling Downs region will be created, covering the Toowoomba, Dalby, Goondiwindi and Southern Downs regional councils.
“These local government areas will be serviced by Main Roads’ Toowoomba and Warwick district offices.”
Main Roads’ current structure – which involves 14 districts, each responsible for a number of local government areas – will be changed to a system of 12 regions across the state, supported by 15 district offices.
“These changes will retain and reinforce Main Roads’ long history of decentralised delivery and local decision-making, which allows our staff to make on-the-ground decisions that are best for their area,” Mr Pitt said.
“It means better service for councils and communities, without rationalising facilities or staff – all the current district offices will be retained. Importantly, no one will lose their job and no one will be forced to relocate as part of these changes.
"The regional approach also gives more flexibility to establish additional offices in regions in response to program and growth needs.”
Mr Pitt said Main Roads would consult with the new local governments after the March elections to ensure transitional arrangements were in place by 1 July 2008.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the changes, announced today, were part of the department’s new structure, which had been developed in response to the local government reform process.
“As a result of these reforms, Main Roads reviewed its district boundaries and determined that some adjustments to its structure were needed to continue delivering services effectively,” Mr Pitt said.
“A new Darling Downs region will be created, covering the Toowoomba, Dalby, Goondiwindi and Southern Downs regional councils.
“These local government areas will be serviced by Main Roads’ Toowoomba and Warwick district offices.”
Main Roads’ current structure – which involves 14 districts, each responsible for a number of local government areas – will be changed to a system of 12 regions across the state, supported by 15 district offices.
“These changes will retain and reinforce Main Roads’ long history of decentralised delivery and local decision-making, which allows our staff to make on-the-ground decisions that are best for their area,” Mr Pitt said.
“It means better service for councils and communities, without rationalising facilities or staff – all the current district offices will be retained. Importantly, no one will lose their job and no one will be forced to relocate as part of these changes.
"The regional approach also gives more flexibility to establish additional offices in regions in response to program and growth needs.”
Mr Pitt said Main Roads would consult with the new local governments after the March elections to ensure transitional arrangements were in place by 1 July 2008.
Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819