Job boosting announcement welcomed by TSBE

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s CEO, Ali Davenport, has welcomed State Government’s announcement of a $200 million Building Acceleration Fund.

Applications for the fund will soon open for projects that can deliver substantial economic flow-on effects and be ready to begin construction within 12 months of receiving funding approval.

Ms Davenport, said the new infrastructure fund will hopefully kickstart job-creating projects and unlock private-sector investment.

“TSBE has been advocating to all levels of Government to fast-track shovel-ready infrastructure projects to assist our region’s economic recovery post COVID-19.”

“We’re hoping this announcement will support the projects in the infrastructure pipeline that are ready to commence which will create jobs for our region. 
TSBE recently released both the Toowoomba and Western Downs Development Status Reports, which list all the developments within both regions. The reports are utilised to attract investment and provide a list of upcoming work for local construction firms.

“In our 2020 edition of the Development Status Reports, there is a combined total of $20 billion in development projects in Toowoomba and the Western Downs region.”

“There are projects that are approved and awaiting commencement and this funding could provide the confidence for these projects to commence,” said Ms Davenport.

With Treasurer Cameron Dick saying the Building Acceleration Fund will create jobs in the short term and unlock private investment in the long term, Ms Davenport said the State Government should look to the Darling Downs as a region that has an abundance of shovel ready projects and highly capable local construction companies.

“These large projects will not only provide jobs for those involved in the construction industry but also right through the supply chain and the entire economy.”

“We welcome the Building Acceleration Fund to help provide jobs and deliver economic growth,” said Ms Davenport.