General News
14 May, 2026
Clifton Businessman and last Mayor of Clifton Shire Council Ian Jones farewelled today
A prominent citizen in the life of Clifton and district for many years, Ian Robert Jones passed away at the age of 84 last week after a long illness.
In public life, Mr Jones was probably best known for his efforts in local government.
He was a staunch defender of the Clifton district and was the last Mayor of Clifton Shire Council prior to it being compulsorily absorbed, along with seven other local authorities, into what become Toowoomba Regional Council in 2008.
The late Mr Jones was Mayor of Clifton Shire from 1991 to 1994 and again from 2004 to 2008 - the final term of the Clifton Shire Council, which had existed since 1903.
Mr Jones was one of the candidates who stood in the election for the first Mayor of the new Regional Council, but was unsuccessful, that role going to former Jondaryan Shire Mayor, Peter Taylor.
In business, Ian Jones was head of the local family-owned piggery and pork production company CEFN, which had been established by his father, K. B. Jones in 1940.
Assisted by his sons, Andrew and Marcus, Mr Jones grew the business into an entity employing some 100 staff.
Outside his own company, Ian Jones was part of a local informal business group which morphed into Clifton Chamber of Commerce.
He had also been prominent in establishing a local basketball competition which was very strong in its day, and played a big role in Clifton Golf Club.
A funeral service is being held at 9am today, Wednesday 13th May, at Burstow’s Funeral Chapel in Toowoomba.
Ian is survived by his wife, Joanne, his sons Andrew and Marcus and their families.
