Job creation is key for the region

By TSBE CEO, Ali Davenport: As we lead up to the State Government election on October 31, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise are urging all political parties to focus on job creation and in particular infrastructure projects to help boost the economy. 

When infrastructure is built, construction jobs are created and the economic growth and opportunities are felt right throughout the supply chain. This means everyone benefits. 

A major project that will create unprecedented jobs growth is Inland Rail, which will provide up to 2,000 local construction jobs and ongoing opportunities as it will enable Toowoomba to become a major transport and logistics hub. 

The Federal Government needs to announce the findings of their route review and then the Queensland Government must ensure the timely release of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) so that this project can get underway. 

Once this occurs, the stimulus to the Toowoomba economy will be substantial, and there is no greater opportunity on the horizon for our region.

Another major job creator project is New Hope Group’s New Acland Coal Mine Stage 3 project, which will provide 487 new jobs.

TSBE is continuing to urge the Queensland Government to provide approvals to safeguard the 150 jobs that are currently under threat if approval is not given, and to pave the way for the new roles.

The New Acland project has been waiting 13 years for the government to act, and it’s now at a critical stage. 

The Baillie Henderson Hospital redevelopment project is another significant project, with the ability to not only create hundreds of construction jobs, but also expand Toowoomba’s health offerings to regional Australia, ensuring ongoing economic growth.

Health care and social assistance is the largest employer in the Toowoomba region, and while the State Government is currently looking at the business case, we’d like to see this project funded.

Renewable energy continues to be an integral part of our region’s future economy.

TSBE supports the Queensland Government’s plan to reach 50% renewable energy production by 2030 and our recently published Development Status Report highlighted that proposed renewable projects for the region totals over $5 billion. 

The Queensland Government’s announcement that the Darling Downs is classified as a Renewable Energy Zone was great news as it means infrastructure and policy will assist more renewable projects and mean more jobs and growth in this sector. 

Whoever wins the election on October 31, it’s certain that jobs are the key to prosperity for the Toowoomba region. 

Now more than ever we need our elected officials to put job creation first!

Ali Davenport, TSBE CEO