Toowoomba has critical impact on the economy

I JUST wanted to reflect on the status of Toowoomba for a moment.

As of January, 2017, we had not had a Prime Minister visit Toowoomba for many years and we have now had Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, visit our region three times in 12 months!

At the outset, let me say, TSBE is bipartisan.

Now that I have made that clear, Federal Member for Groom, John McVeigh, has had an enormous influence after taking the reins from the previous member, Ian Macfarlane.

John is quite remarkable and must make some impression in the teams in which he serves.

Let’s remember that when he arrived in Brisbane as a new state MP, he was a Cabinet Minister in his first term.

He then moved to the federal system, and popped up as a Cabinet Minister, again in his first term.

Regardless of what side of politics you are from, and whether you agree with all that he stands for – let me assure you, this is quite extraordinary!

Also just down the road we have the Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, who, again in his first term, has been elevated to a Ministerial appointment.

As well, we have our State politicians based here in Toowoomba, MP’s Trevor Watts, Toowoomba North, and David Janetzki, Toowoomba South, who are both very senior members of the Shadow Cabinet.

Sure, it would be preferable if they were in government, but at least they are recognised within their own party as significant leaders.

What’s my point I hear you ask? It is really just the critical impact that Toowoomba now has.

Toowoomba is a name that is on everyone’s lips, and political parties at both a State and Federal level understand how important we are to the economy.

A strong Toowoomba is great for both Queensland and Australia.

It is not just the LNP either - remember that Kerry Shine was also Attorney General while he held the seat of Toowoomba North.

It is an easy game to belt politicians, but we often do not stop to reflect and say thanks for the service they undertake.

It is often a thankless calling, and to have our local politicians in the leadership teams for their party is truly extraordinary.

I say to them well done . . . and keep up the good work, as Toowoomba loves the profile we gain from having you in your roles.

Finally, you may have read that we are getting a new CEO at TSBE.

I am excited that the board has selected Ali Davenport to take over the reins.

Ali is well-connected, super-smart, articulate, persuasive, and more than all of that, is just an extremely nice person.

I am certain she will do an outstanding job and I am excited to welcome her to the TSBE team.

Ali will be a great advocate for this fantastic region which I know she is very passionate about.

IT IS AN EASY GAME TO BELT POLITICIANS, BUT WE OFTEN DO NOT STOP TO REFLECT AND SAY THANKS FOR THE SERVICE THEY UNDERTAKE.