Concerns over lack of budget water projects

TOOWOOMBA’S political and business leaders have given a mixed reception to the latest state budget, with Mayor Paul Antonio leading concerns about a lack of funding for water projects.

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced $259 million in capital works for Toowoomba this week, which included funding for education, health and renewable energy.

Cr Antonio was measured in his assessment, praising the State Government’s support of the Karara wind farm near Warwick and funding for upgrades to public schools.

But he held deep concerns for water security, saying the budget was missing funds for the $200m needed to upgrade the region’s dam spillways.

“When it comes to our real goals here, we realise that health and education is good, (but) there hasn’t been anything specific (on water),” Cr Antonio said.

“There could be a need to build another dam or possibly a pipeline to Clifton in the future, (and) there is no clarity around what’s happening on the pipeline to Warwick.”

Cr Antonio said he would’ve liked to have seen more funding for social housing, considering the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport was more congratulatory in her assessment, praising the State Government’s creation of a prospectus for Toowoomba.

“We are thrilled with Invest Toowoomba that was recently put together by Trade and Investment Queensland with the support of TSBE,” she said.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl questioned how far the budget went to supporting regional small businesses.

While he praised the education support in the budget, Toowoomba South MP and new LNP deputy leader David Janetzki said the lack of infrastructure funding was disappointing.

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts was also highly critical of the budget.