Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) recently held its 2025 Annual General Meeting, reporting another strong year of commercial activity and outcomes as we continue to position the region as one of Australia’s most connected, investable, and future-focused business ecosystems.

2024/25 Performance Highlights

To extract maximum value for members and our region from the $28 billion project pipeline across the Toowoomba and Western Downs regions, TSBE has:

• Issued 2,180+ tender opportunities, connecting local capability with major project
• Facilitated 100+ targeted introductions between industry and government
• Delivered 45 events, attracting 3,689 attendees across key growth sectors
• Supported a membership of 500+ organisations, strengthening regional representation and influence.

Regional Momentum and Advocacy

At the commencement of our 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, we recognised the importance of strengthening our advocacy focus. Under the leadership of Executive Director John McVeigh, TSBE has truly stepped up in this area - and while there is always more to do, 2024/25 marked a year of major advocacy and engagement achievements, including:

• Brisbane 2032 Olympics: Toowoomba’s selection as an equestrian host venue - a once-in-a-generation opportunity reflecting years of sustained advocacy and regional readiness.
• Manufacturing Hub: Realised a five-year advocacy goal with the announcement of the Toowoomba Manufacturing Hub, directly benefiting the region’s 600 manufacturing businesses through capability development, skills growth, and investment attraction.
• Industry Co-existence and Supply Chains: Delivery of the region’s first-ever Agriculture and Energy Co-existence Forum, and hosting of a strategic collaboration between the agriculture, energy, and Port of Brisbane sectors in Roma, enhancing supply-chain integration and export competitiveness.
• Infrastructure and Freight: Ongoing advocacy for Warrego Highway upgrades, bridge strengthening, and flood-mitigation works to support safer and more efficient transport and freight networks
• Energy and Resources: Delivery of the Surat Basin Energy Summit, attracting more than 300 leaders
• AgTech and Global Reach: Hosting of 70 international delegates through evokeAG 2025, showcasing the region’s innovation and technology leadership.
• Health and Innovation: A new strategic partnership with QIMR Berghofer to expand the regional health economy and research capability.

Board Renewal – Building for the Future

As part of our strategy - and guided by member feedback - the Board remains committed to ensuring TSBE continues to renew and is future-ready through next-generation talent, regional representation, and strong business-owner leadership.

At the AGM, we thanked and farewelled Directors:

• Amanda Kenafake – including her outstanding leadership as inaugural Chair of the Future Leaders Advisory Committee over the past five years
• Erika Brayshaw and Tim Miles – both of whom have made significant contributions since 2022, including as Finance Sub-Committee members.

Following a review of our skills matrix and regional representation, we were pleased to welcome three new Directors:

• Catherine (Cat) Ardi Brennan – Owner, Excavation Equipment, Helicopters Australia and The Know
• Diego Tarre Moser – Managing Director, AUSCOIL
• Louise McMahon – Owner, MFE (based in Chinchilla)

These appointments strengthen the Board’s diversity, depth, and regional engagement as we continue building for the future.

Looking Ahead

Following the AGM and as we reach the midpoint of our strategic plan, the Board convened to review our 2028 strategy and member feedback. We sincerely thank all members who provided input; your insights continue to guide our direction and ensure TSBE’s strategy remains grounded in the needs of the business community. The Executive team will provide an update on outcomes and next steps in due course.

Finally, the Board and I would like to thank the TSBE team for their efforts and achievements throughout the year. Your continued professionalism, collaboration, and commitment underpin everything we do in driving growth for the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.