TSBE Celebrates Advocacy Win: Premier Backs Inland Rail to Get to Gowrie

We are pleased to share a significant milestone in our Get It to Gowrie advocacy campaign. At our annual Parliament House Enterprise Evening on Monday evening, where Premier Steven Miles addressed the 300 strong crowd of members and guests, he announced the Queensland Governments support for the critical nation building Inland Rail project.

For some time, the fate of the Inland Rail project has remained uncertain, with doubts in region, affecting investment, about the Federal Government's commitment on whether this nation-building initiative would get to Queensland. Recently TSBE made the trip to Canberra to brief Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King and Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain on the importance of getting Inland Rail into Queensland, with the Border to Gowrie (Toowoomba) section. While Minister King did confirm government support during the meeting, TSBE were advised to align our industry and local efforts with Queensland Government authorities. Following this directive, we have been actively engaging in discussions with Queensland ministerial and department leaders, resulting in the pivotal commitment from the Premier to back our call for the Inland Rail to make it to Queensland.

"We are delighted that the Premier has recognised the immense benefits of getting the Inland Rail to Gowrie," said April Cavanagh, CEO of TSBE.

"This project is crucial for reducing freight costs, enhancing safety, and promoting sustainability."

Our region already represents a major freight thoroughfare. The Warrego Highway alone carries up to 6,000 heavy vehicles per day, highlighting the strategic importance of the project. We can’t continue to rely on one mode of transportation, which is already an issue with the Bremer River Bridge operating a reduced capacity, and the high cost of freight being a longstanding issue for our region. Currently, the cost of transporting a container of freight from Brisbane to China is cheaper that getting that same container for freight from Brisbane to Toowoomba. Without the Inland Rail, the entire state risks losing out to other states, as freight may be rerouted and shipped interstate from alternative ports. Meaning growth and investment opportunities will go with it.

"This support from the Premier ensures that Queensland will remain competitive in the future, safeguarding jobs and foster economic growth," added Ms Cavanagh.

"We are grateful to our members and all stakeholders who have supported this advocacy effort. Most notably FKG, Wagner Corporation, IOR, Interlink SQ and Toowoomba Regional Council who all travelled to Canberra with us to support our advocacy. Together, presenting a united front, we are driving positive change for our region and the state."

TSBE remains committed to advocating for the Inland Rail project and will continue to work closely with both state and federal governments to ensure its successful implementation.