$9.8B Mayor invites investors to grab piece of the action
Region in prime spot for growth
TOOWOOMBA is the envy of the nation.
The region’s diverse economy has its Gross Domestic Product at $9.8billion – a staggering figure making us one of the nation’s economic powerhouses.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio has unveiled ambitious plans to ensure its longevity and growth, and a fresh tourism push
designed to bring millennial visitors to the region. He wants investors to join in the city’s boom.
It’s coupled with the neighbouring Western Downs where $5.5 billion worth of energy developments are in the pipeline.
THE diversity of the Darling Downs region is driving its economic strength.
No single industry can take credit for the billions of dollars generated in our backyard, and it is that collaborative approach which has seen the region surge ahead of the rest of Queensland - to the tune of more than $9 billion.
“We are not dependent on any one industry for our survival,” Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said. “That is why the economic indicators are all looking healthy.”
National unemployment is at 5.5 per cent, while the state sits at 5.9 per cent.
“Our unemployment is sitting under both the state and national average at 5.23 per cent,” Cr Antonio said.
“Our Gross Regional Product is $9.8 billion - an increase of 3.6 per cent in the last 12 months.”
Those were the opening remarks of Cr Antonio’s annual State of the Region address which revealed the council’s current priorities and ambitious future plans.
Ongoing plans such as the Russell St Refresh plan to regenerate the CBD road and its businesses, along with showcasing and using the Bell St Mall were among the centrepieces.
Strategic land purchases and the development of the Central Highfields Master Plan were the council safeguarding the growing area for the future.
“There will be an additional 7000 people living there by 2013 and the Central Highfields Master Plan we are working with the community to provide will give us a blueprint,” he said.
Cr Antonio said the council had moved early to chart the growth of Toowoomba’s western areas.
Those areas had the potential to become “high growth areas”.
“West Toowoomba is anticipated to be the home of approximately 30,000 by 2050, and will be the second largest employment area in the region,” he said, adding those predictions drove the need for greater infrastructure investment and major transport connections.
With concerns surrounding the future of the Oakey township amid the Acland Mine expansion battle, Cr Antonio said it was critical both the state and federal governments offer support for the residents.
“Toowoomba Regional Council is pledging its support for Oakey but we need the combined efforts and positive programs administered by higher levels of government to ensure Oakey remains a lively business and social hub for residents and investors,” he said.
High-speed rail linking Toowoomba to Brisbane was earmarked for reality by 2041, as identified as part of the 2032 Olympic Games bid with the Council of Southeast Queensland Mayors.
“The Olympic Games bid could provide a strong catalyst to galvanise our region’s transport planning and potentially (expedite) the delivery of road, rail and public transport infrastructure right across southeast Queensland,” he said.
“So regardless of whether this bid succeeds, southeast Queensland’s transport network will benefit from a unified focus from all tiers of government.
“We know from the studies that have been done that a high-speed rail link between Brisbane and Toowoomba is earmarked to come to our region in about 2041.
“Well, the message is that is too late for the Olympic Games - we need it far sooner than that.”
A collaborative approach between all levels of government and private enterprise was needed, he said.
“We must remember though that the region is one team, and we must make sure that we work together with industry, government and the community for the betterment of our region.
“We must build our economy for all who are part of it, because a rising tide raises all boats.”
‘‘ WE MUST BUILD OUR ECONOMY FOR ALL WHO ARE PART OF IT, BECAUSE A RISING TIDE RAISES ALL BOATS.
MAYOR PAUL ANTONIO