Defence, ag top wishlist

TOOWOOMBA is eyeing off massive potential in the Federal Government’s push for relocating departments into regional areas, with defence and agriculture main contenders.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise executive chairman Shane Charles said the Department of Defence and Department of Agriculture would be ideal additions to the region.

“You’ve got to look broadly at the amazing potential that exists here,” Mr Charles said.

“Toowoomba is a large service centre so realistically we should be able to house any department that may be appointed here.

“When looking at decentralising Federal Government departments, Toowoomba is without a doubt the ideal location thanks to its connectivity, liveability and diverse economy.”

TSBE this month hosted members of the Productivity Commission and will write to the Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation, chaired by Groom MP John McVeigh.

“One would suspect Dr McVeigh has been appointed chair of the committee because of the recognition Toowoomba has seen nationally as the model for regional economic development,” Mr Charles said.

“We’ve spoken with (Regional Development Minister Fiona) Nash about the importance of what this could mean for our economy and we fully endorse the push for decentralisation of departments.

“We’ll be providing submissions to the inquiry, and have spoken to Dr McVeigh about bringing the committee here to Toowoomba. We look forward to the interim report from the committee at the end of 2017.”