Antonio talks up the region’s resilient side
TOOWOOMBA’S decadelong run of unprecedented growth will be challenged by the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19, Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said.
Cr Antonio’s remarks formed part of his 2020 State of the Region address, delivered at a recent Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise event to an audience of the region’s business, industry, government and community leaders.
Cr Antonio said it is nearly impossible to know where the economy stood, with the world turned upside down because of COVID-19.
“Research by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research shows that our economy will suffer,” he said.
“However, it will generally suffer less than the economies of regional Queensland, Queensland and our national economy.
“There is no doubt that job losses and lost productivity due to the coronavirus lockdown will affect regional, state and national economies.
“I am determined that the challenges of COVID-19 will not ultimately define this term of council and our region.”
Cr Antonio said the council remained open for business, and would continue to engage with the community about the legacy being left for future generations.
We have seen disasters before
Cr Antonio said the Toowoomba region had seen its fair share of natural disasters.
“In the past 12 months, we have faced drought, bushfire, minor floods and a global pandemic,” Cr Antonio said.
“We are a resilient region, and now more than ever is a time for our community to come together to rebuild, once the ills of the global pandemic have passed.
“I’m optimistic that our region has the resolve and the broad base from which we will see a strong rebound and a return to more normal activity with the right support measures.”
Cr Antonio said the breadth of our regional economy was one of our greatest strengths – listing off a diverse range of industries, from the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, to intensive horticulture, FKG’s Pulse Data Centre, Agtech investments, and more.
He also made mention of New Acland Coal Mine.
“I hope that very soon, we will have a clear State Government decision for the New Hope Group on the expansion of the New Acland Coal Mine near Oakey,” he said.
He also pointed to the construction of the $10b Inland Rail project, which is due to begin during this council term, and which, alongside private investment, he said would generate thousands of jobs.
Cr Antonio said the pandemic is not the only challenge we would face during this term.
He listed the council’s collective goals including water security, a renewed planning scheme, investments in roads, and creating an environment that encouraged people from all over the world to live, work, play and study.
Other focuses included community infrastructure, increasing tourist visitation and building on the Carnival of Flowers and council’s
Waste Management Strategy, all delivered in a financially sustainable way.
In summing up, Cr Antonio said the council was determined to overcome the effects of the global pandemic.
“We cannot do this alone. It will require the assistance of higher levels of government as well as partner organisations, such as TSBE, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry and their regional counterparts,” Cr Antonio said.
“Our best years are ahead of us.
“By working together we can rebuild our region.”