Major opportunities on the rise in Roma

More than 100 business leaders heard about how they can position themselves for upcoming developments and opportunities in the Maranoa region at the Roma Enterprise Evening last week.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) hosted the event on Thursday evening.

Attendees heard from Santos’ General Manager of Onshore Development Glenn Watt  on an overview of their next extension of their work programs in the Arcadia Valley and Roma Fields, and updated attendees on current activities in the Surat and Bowen Basins.

“Since 2016 more than $600 million has been spent directly in the Maranoa, with continued operations and development throughout COVID,” Mr Watt said.

He also gave the audience advice on submitting tenders so people can best position their business.

“Consider things like business goals, capabilities, capacity, visibility, and identifying gaps and seeking support if required,” he said.

With a large focus on the future, it was fitting that Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Tyson Golder also spoke on how Council is supporting new infrastructure and projects.

Prior to the Enterprise Evening, in honour of Indigenous Business Month, TSBE facilitated a Q&A session focussed on supporting Indigenous businesses working with major projects.

The session featured representatives from Easternwell, ARTC / Inland Rail and Origin Energy who discussed their experiences and ongoing ideas to continue outcomes and their role in major projects to support participation outcomes.

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said the Enterprise Evening was a ideal opportunity to highlight all the ongoing activity across the Maranoa.

“The region has a Gross Regional Product of more than $2 billion and it’s increasing every year, demonstrating just how important these major projects are.”

“It was also important to acknowledge the opening of Valmec's new Roma facility on Friday and hear about how the company is growing their footprint in the region.”

“It’s the ongoing development of energy projects that allows further investment like this into the region,” she said.  

Warrego MP Ann Leahy officially opened the new Valmec facility which also included an Indigenous smoking ceremony.