How the 2017 Federal Budget affects Toowoomba and Surat Basin: Shane Charles

The 2017 Federal Budget is now done and dusted and what a budget for our region.  Cast your mind back 5 years, and Toowoomba did not have a range bypass (despite calls for it for decades), no jet capable international airport (which again had been discussed for an eternity), and no effective national rail solution (with calls for this for over a century).

Whilst Toowoomba is the home to this infrastructure there is no doubt that the wider Darling Downs region will reap the rewards. With the bypass, travellers will be able to reach Brisbane within 2 hours, and with an airport and rail solution there are new market opportunities and potential productivity and efficiency gains in getting product to market.

When TSBE was created the Toowoomba range bypass was our No. 1 infrastructure priority, and as soon as that was announced Inland Rail rose to the top of our list.  To have such a significant budget announcement for our region is so exciting. I don't for one second suggest that TSBE was solely responsible for these great announcements. What we have learnt is that a united effort from local government, local members, business and industry groups and the business community creates a powerful and compelling message that's hard to resist.

At February’s Toowoomba Transport and Logistics Symposium a united push for Inland Rail was made from presenters and representatives from industry and our region.

I travelled to Canberra during budget week. We were able to meet with many ministers and their advisors on issues of importance to the region including telecommunications, roads, rail, resources, infrastructure, decentralisation of government departments, defence and of course agriculture and water. 

I particularly thank John McVeigh MP and David Littleproud MP for their help in arranging appointments and joining us to advocate for our great region. What is abundantly clear is that we are one of the leading regions in the country with growth, diversity and positivity. That positivity in infectious and all ministers are acutely aware of what our region is capable of and how we will be a powerhouse economy for decades to come.

Inland rail will take up to 10 years to deliver. Now comes the hard part - how will our communities take advantage of new road, rail and air connectivity.  What possibilities are there for us that we haven't yet thought of?  This infrastructure is a great legacy to leave for our children.