Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said a roundtable meeting this morning with John Anderson – the chairman of the Federal Government’s implementation group for inland rail – has given him confidence in the future of the project.
The former Deputy Prime Minister addressed representatives from Toowoomba Regional Council, Goondiwindi Regional Council, Toowoomba & Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) as well as the transport and logistics industry on the Federal Government’s commitment to the Brisbane to Melbourne line and the challenges still to be worked through.
“The new government is committed to good quality infrastructure, infrastructure that generates wealth,” Mr Anderson said.
“Our priorities are to lock in the corridor, identify where the project starts, which will be closely tied to where cash-flow can be generated, and finally where the funding comes from. I expect this to be a mix of public and private funding.”
Mr Anderson said he hoped to see work on the project begin within the first term of the Abbott Government.
Mayor Antonio said he was delighted that Mr Anderson’s visit to Toowoomba was first in his capacity as chair of the group.
“Importantly, Mr Anderson was open to hearing from our community about ideas and suggestions on how the impact of the rail line could be maximised,” Mayor Antonio said.
“I’m confident this morning’s event, followed by the TSBE workshop for the agriculture sector, have left Mr Anderson with no doubt that this community is ready to embrace the opportunities presented by the inland rail project.
“I look forward to working with Mr Anderson and all stakeholders in our region to make sure our community gets the best possible benefit from this nation building project.”
