McVeigh picked for TSBE chair

FORMER Toowoomba politician John McVeigh has earned a new appointment, with the ex-Groom MP to take the reins of the region’s top economic lobby group.

Mr McVeigh was endorsed this week as the incoming chair of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, following a council vote at Tuesday’s meeting.

The former state government minister and Toowoomba councillor, who retired from federal politics last year due to personal matters, was already on the board and will take over from outgoing chairman Shane Charles.

The appointment will be officially ratified at TSBE’s annual general meeting in October.

Mr McVeigh said he was honoured to have been approached for the role, calling the organisation a leader in regional economic development.

“I’ve been on the board of TSBE since late last year, and the board of TSBE approached me and asked whether I’d be interested in the position,” he said.

“TSBE has developed the reputation as being the nation’s foremost regional economic development group.

“It’s a great honour and I’m looking forward to the role.”

Mr McVeigh was on council when it founded TSBE to act as industry leaders, and the organisation will soon celebrate its 10th birthday.

Mayor Paul Antonio thanked Mr Charles for his work in the role, while also praising the appointment of Mr McVeigh.

“Shane had a number of roles in his time with TSBE and I, along with all of council, would like to thank him for his service,” he said.

“I’m sure John will be a huge asset to TSBE and look forward to working with him moving forward.”