By Jeremy Sollars
A new action group has been formed by concerned Warwick residents to lobby Southern Downs Regional Council over local issues.
The Residents Action Group Southern Downs – also known as RAnGe – held its first meeting last Saturday, 18 February, at the Warwick Library with a good attendance of around 30 interested citizens.
Peter Kemp was elected chairperson along with deputy chairperson Jenn Greene-Galloway, secretary Andrew Gale and treasurer Donna Cecil.
Three committee members were also elected – Neil Bower, Belinda Marriage and Aub Hannigan.
Andrew Gale said the new officer-bearers were pleased with the attendance at the meeting which formally established the group that will become an incorporated organisation.
“The next meeting will be in two weeks’ time and then we intend to meet monthly,” Andrew said.
“Projects identified include continuing to assist the Allora community in relation to issues with the GrainX operation and encouraging the council to drive tourism projects, with the moving of the Warwick Visitor Information Centre to the Town Hall one of the reasons for this.”
At their February meeting in Warwick last week, Southern Downs councillors voted in favour of pursuing legal action against GrainX over alleged breaches of environmental conditions relating to noise and dust, and lack of required tree-planting.
The meeting resolved to introduce a membership fee of $5.
The next meeting of RAnGe will be held on Saturday 4 March at 5pm, with the venue to be advised, followed by monthly meetings.
Interested residents can ask to be added to the group’s Facebook page – Southern Downs Residents Action Group.
Inquiries to Andrew Gale on 0420 589 358.
