March 20, 2019
Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) will receive almost $840,000 from the Federal Government to establish an export hub in Toowoomba.
The Southern Queensland Innovation in Export Hub, which will be run by TSBE Food Leaders Australia (FLA), will aim to help small and medium businesses better access international markets.
Industry Minister Karen Andrews said the funding would fuel the regional economy through promoting exports, and help create local jobs.
The hub will focus on the food and agribusiness sectors, and oil, gas and energy resources.
It will promote a regional export culture and help local businesses build their skills and know-how to harness global opportunities.
Member for Groom John McVeigh said the funding was a big win for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs more broadly.
“With direct links to overseas markets now available via Wellcamp Airport, the Pulse Data Centre and the massive infrastructure developments in our region such as Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and Inland Rail – local businesses are better poised than ever to take advantage of opportunities in overseas markets,” Dr McVeigh said.
“Funding towards this export hub is extremely important to the economic development of the region. It will help businesses grow and create local jobs.”
FLA Export Manager Geraldine Doumany will head the program.
“There has been considerable private and public investment in logistics infrastructure in recent years including the development of the Wellcamp Air Cargo Terminal,” Ms Doumany said.
“This program will leverage off this development by connecting people and products to the world through increasing export opportunities.”
