Outpouring of support

Newspaper a ‘vital’ service to community

COMMUNITY and business leaders across Toowoomba have shown their support for The Chronicle, after it became one of just four regional News Corp papers across the state to continue with its printed edition.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said newspapers like The

Chronicle were the heart of the community.

“Regardless of what people say, they are a vital source of communication,” he said.

“I think it’s a badge of honour that our local newspaper The Chronicle has survived.

“It’s an indication of just how good The Chronicle’s going and also an indication of the potential that this community has here.

“I think there’s a measure of ownership around local newspapers and people feel that ownership. That’s why they’ve been successful.”

Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki said nothing heralded the new day “like the quiet thud of The Chronicle landing on our driveway”.

“Local stories about local events and characters written and photographed by local people (and locally administered too),” he said.

“Unlike so many other regional areas, Toowoomba will continue to enjoy that privilege in hard and soft copy.

“Local papers proudly show the community as it is – its diversity, interests and characters.

“They are the beating heart of our daily lives.”

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said the chamber was pleased to see The Chronicle remain.

“For members of the Toowoomba community, papers play an irreplaceable role in how they access news, which affects their daily lives.”