April 23, 2020
The Toowoomba Region is well placed to address and overcome present challenges, as well as seize on opportunities that will continue to deliver lifestyle benefits and job prospects for residents, recently re-elected Mayor Paul Antonio believes.
Mayor Antonio outlined broad plans for Toowoomba Regional Council’s new quadrennial term at the Post-Election Meeting of Council on Thursday, which was held at The Annex to allow for social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Toowoomba Region is one of the most productive agricultural areas in Australia, with an internationally capable airport, tremendous road connectivity and the potential of a soon-to-be-constructed national rail line, making it ready for trade and investment,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Before the global pandemic took hold, the Toowoomba Region economy was among the broadest and best performing economies across Australia. We were outperforming similar regional centres, and our numbers mostly exceeded State and national indicators.
“Our regional growth is aided by public sector infrastructure and, just as importantly, several large-scale projects that have been built with significant investment by new pioneers from our private sector who are shaping the industries of the future.
“The construction of an internationally capable airport, pilot academy, data centre, intensive horticulture projects, Agtech investments and extensive value-adding processes in food production underline the confidence of private investment in the Toowoomba Region.
“These new industries add value to our rich tradition of agriculture and our region’s role as a service centre for education, health and the retail sector.
“During this Council term, we hope to see the start of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail line. This will include the most significant local construction project ever undertaken in our region, the $5 billion Inland Rail tunnel project to be drilled right through The Toowoomba Range.
“Alongside this nation-building infrastructure, we will also see the creation of complementary projects such as InterLinkSQ and investment in our Toowoomba Trade Gateway. Together with the Toowoomba Bypass, this sets a strong foundation for our region becoming a nationally significant and strategic transport and logistics hub.
“It is my ambition that this term of Council will build on the momentum of the previous four years, remain open for business, but importantly, engage with our communities about the legacy we are leaving for future generations.”
Mayor Antonio said he was determined that the challenges of COVID-19 would not define this term.
“Instead, Council will focus its attention on bolstering our community resilience and improving our liveability,” he said.
