Cr Robert "Scruff" Loughnan: 3. A Strategic Approach to Population Growth

A February 2006 report by the Department of State Development projects the combined population of Roma, Bungil and Taroom Shires trebling by the year 2030. While that sort of growth might sound extraordinary and probably is overblown, some rapid growth is inevitable and we need to be ready for it.

I intend to drive a reform of the council planning processes across the entire area to cater for the anticipated growth in development applications and new business opportunities. The key driver of this growth is the coal methane gas industry. We need a council that understands the dynamics of the industry and has the skills to interact with both industry and government leaders to lead this change. We need to be a business friendly council.

Inappropriate developments such as the recent second saleyards which threatened to impede the orderly growth of Roma must be fought vigorously while effort must be made to spread the growth and benefits across the whole council area.

Prince Phillip's visit to Roma.

(left to right) Di Loughnan, Robert Loughan, Prince Phillip.

About Me

I was born in Mitchell in 1962 and grew up on my family’s ‘Cornwall’ property to the north of Roma. I attended the Bymount East State School before heading to the Toowoomba Grammar School for my secondary schooling. On leaving school I returned to work at ‘Cornwall’ with my father Barrie, who at the time was chairman of the Bungil Shire Council. I then spent a couple of years working on farms in Sweden and Canada and playing rugby before returning to manage ‘Alicker’ in 1986.

I took an active role in the community including numerous roles in the Roma Rugby Club which subsequently awarded me a life membership. I still take enormous pride in the achievements of that club and its members.

I was elected to the Bungil Shire Council in 1994 and served six years as a councillor. I married my wife Dianne during that first term and we now have two sons, Patrick (7) and Nicholas (6) who both attend Bymount.

I became the (last) mayor of the Bungil Shire in 2000. I certainly count our collaboration with the Santos and Origin gas companies as a highlight of our council as well as our strong record on maintaining public infrastructure. We have maintained a sensible approach to debt and have adopted an entrepreneurial approach to council business, successfully diversifying to improve the nett position of council for our ratepayers.

In my spare time I am heavily involved in local history projects, watch rugby, play a little tennis, and regularly play my Takamine accoustic guitar (pretty badly).

Cr Robert "Scruff" Loughnan

3. A Strategic Approach to Population Growth

Cr Robert "Scruff" Loughnan

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