Get moving on major projects in the region

The Federal and State Government’s Coronavirus stimulus packages have been a welcome lifeline thrown to those who have recently lost their jobs. 

However, according to TSBE’s CEO Ali Davenport, the best stimulus the Government can now provide for other businesses to continue to operate is progressing with major infrastructure projects. 

“Large projects provide many jobs for those involved in the construction industry but also right through the supply chain and the entire economy.”

“Infrastructure projects such as road, rail and air can also generate new industries such as freight and logistics and provide other benefits including transport cost savings to businesses,” said Ms Davenport.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s 2020 Development Status Report for the Toowoomba region identifies a local investment pipeline of $13.1 billion in development projects. 

These projects include Inland Rail which will provide direct, high performance freight between Brisbane and Melbourne; Interlink SQ, creating the 200ha intermodal and bulk freight terminal development for Southern Queensland; the Avenues of Highfields, a master planned 534 lot residential subdivision; and Project AATLIS, a multi stage 29 hectare development.

Lance MacManus, TSBE Energy and Infrastructure General Manager commented that these projects will stimulate the local economy.

“Toowoomba has a promising development pipeline which is consistent with long-term sustainable growth,” said Mr MacManus.

“We need to ensure that all levels of Government support shovel-ready infrastructure projects and provide quick approvals to get our economy back on track.”

“Governments also need to apply stringent local content guidelines that will ensure local businesses can genuinely benefit from the economic injections these projects make.” 

“We have the opportunity to set the highest standards and expectations for local business and local workers on these projects,” said Mr MacManus.

Inland Rail, is a major infrastructure project which has already commenced construction in Victoria and NSW and is in the environmental impact stage in Queensland.

Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) Inland Rail Chief Executive Officer Richard Wankmuller said, “the ARTC is getting on with the job of delivering Inland Rail on behalf of the Australian Government and all Australians.”

“Inland Rail is already a once-in-a-generation opportunity for many communities to build resilience and take a new direction.”

“It is even more important now to Australia, as following the Coronavirus epidemic keeping Australians in work will lay the foundations for a quicker economic recovery,” said Mr Wankmuller.

Inland Rail is a great example of an opportunity for capable local Darling Downs companies. 

Our region is fortunate be a home to numerous skilled and experienced companies that have helped play their part in building world class infrastructure, such as the 800m long viaduct for the Toowoomba Bypass, Wellcamp Airport, world class retail and CBD infrastructure and local council roads, infrastructure and public buildings.  

These businesses need each level of Government to fast-track as many infrastructure projects as possible. 

Only then will we see our economy bounce-back after Coronavirus.