Opportunity knocks for Toowoomba at hearing

THE spotlight will be on Toowoomba in February when a Federal Government committee investigating the advantages of decentralisation rolls into town.

The committee is looking at potential advantages of relocating public service teams to regional areas as well as encouraging private enterprise to look outside capital cities.

Chaired by Member for Groom John McVeigh, the Federal Government’s Select Committee on Regional Development and Decentralisation will hold a public meeting in Toowoomba early next year as part of its nation-wide examination of regional centres.

“I know Toowoomba will have plenty to offer this committee and I look forward to hosting my colleagues here and showing them the entrepreneurial and innovation attitude that exists right across the Darling Downs,” Dr McVeigh said.

Dr McVeigh said he expected presentations locally to focus on health, education and agriculture as well as transport, lifestyle and emerging technologies.

“The Darling Downs is growing rapidly with projects like the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and Inland Rail and one role Government has to ensure that enabling infrastructure for future growth is put in place now,” he said.

“I think the future of our whole country rests on the shoulders of regional Australia,” he said.

“There are many benefits with setting up shop in regional areas... Toowoomba for example has an enviable lifestyle that we all enjoy, but we need to ensure that our city continues to offer a whole range of opportunities for those that choose to move here.”