February 6, 2015
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio has expressed the hope that funding programs such as Royalties For Regions continue, no matter what party eventually wins power in Queensland.
Mayor Antonio said today he take the first available opportunity to meet the incoming State Government and put the Toowoomba region’s needs on the table.
“Council takes very seriously our relationship with both the State and Federal governments and the sooner Queensland has some clarity about the future, the better,” he said.
Mayor Antonio said the Toowoomba region was undergoing a period of unprecedented growth with major infrastructure projects under construction or in the pipeline.
“Our region is on the cusp of remarkable opportunities for the growing population,” he said.
“This is highlighted in a recent Regional Australia Institute report predicting a $10 billion boom for the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region over the next 15 years, based on current projections.
“Toowoomba has been held back by a lack of infrastructure for some time, but the advent of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, funding for the Second Range Crossing, and developments around the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail link all point to a game-changing chapter in our history.
“I want to make sure the flow of funds we’ve seen come to regional Queensland through programs like Royalties for the Regions continues.
“Our part of Queensland generates significant wealth for the state and Australia and we need appropriate infrastructure to provide long-term sustainable opportunities for employment and economic growth.
“We look forward to partnering with all levels of government as we work to realise our region’s full potential, and ultimately become a powerhouse of the national economy.”
- Related article: Mayor Concerned Over Regional Projects
