TSBE releases infrastructure priority list for region

Attracting investment, increasing connectivity and tourism development are among the top priorities for Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) following the release of their top 10 priority infrastructure projects for the region.

The list outlines a number of big-tickets items for the region including the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Project, the Toowoomba Enterprise Hub development and the Toowoomba Railways Parklands Priority Development Area.

TSBE chair Shane Charles said TSBE had been working on pulling together the list over the last couple of months with infrastructure continuing to be a key driver for the Toowoomba region.

“Infrastructure brings prosperity and jobs,” Mr Charles said.

“These critical infrastructure projects will attract investment and continue to drive ongoing prosperity and jobs benefits for our region.

“Of course Inland Rail, in line with Mayor Antonio priorities, is the number one project for the region.

“We have brand new world-class infrastructure with the Range Bypass and Wellcamp Airport.

“To get the trifecta of connectivity with a brand new and effective rail line will really make Toowoomba the premier destination in Australia for transport and logistics.”

Other priority projects outlined for the region included the Quarry Gardens project, a $25 million motor sports facility and a masterplan for further development of Picnic Point.

“One of Toowoomba’s great strengths is the diversity of our economy, however, one area where we feel we underperform in is Tourism,” Mr Charles said.

“We need more and better tourism infrastructure throughout the region and as such this area commands a number of positions in our list. Projects like Quarry Gardens have been spoken of for way too long. We need some action.”

“We have a new federal government, a relatively new council and a bi-election in the region. The projects contain a mixture of priorities that can be addressed by different levels of government. We do call on all levels of government to respond to what we see are pressing infrastructure issues in the region.”

The full list of projects are listed below:

• Inland Rail Project
• Convention Centre + 5 Star Hotel
• Overpass into Wellcamp Airport
• Toowoomba Railway Parklands PDA
• Quarry Gardens
• Toowoomba Enterprise Hub – transport and planning
• Nathan Dam
• Long-term Masterplan for further development of Picnic Point
• Motor Sports Facility
• Mountain Biking and Walking Trails