FAST TRAIN

Todd Rohl the CEO of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s claim that there is a prima facie case for a fast rail connection to Brisbane can easily be disproved and rebutted.

Firstly there is no fast train example of the nature that he talks about in Australia, let alone one that a business case could be built around.

Secondly given the poor levels of public transport usage within Toowoomba suggests that locally there is not a real appetite for such a service.

Thirdly rather than always looking towards Brisbane and the Gold Coast why isn’t the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce looking towards the north, south and west.

The argument that only the Brisbane to Toowoomba corridor is the most likely legacy asset for the Darling Downs is nonsense.

Toowoomba offers great health services and education as well as job opportunities for the younger generations.

However our Mayor and Todd Rohl don’t promote a rail service between here and Stanthorpe, Goondiwindi, Dalby, Crows Nest and even Oakey.

For example If given a reliable train service between these centres and Toowoomba would mean that many may then consider studying at USQ.

How many people in Toowoomba would explore the Darling Downs and spend some time in each of these centres?

How much local tourism could be generated?

We need a change of view about public transport not a pie in the sky trajectory that the Council and the Chamber have us on.

John Friend, Toowoomba