Today, Queensland’s State Government released the 2023-24 State Budget, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) breaks down the core needs of our region for continued economic development, investment attraction, and regional growth.

The Toowoomba and the Surat Basin represents significant contribution to the state’s energy sector. The sector employs almost 10,000 locals in traditional and renewable energies and underpins the prosperity of many rural communities. Under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, our region needs continued support to sustainably secure the energy sector for the Future. The region has almost 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of committed renewable energy projects in the pipeline. This represents more than $3.8 billion of investment and is expected to create more than 2,000 additional jobs. With $18 billion in royalties' revenue received by the State government, our renewable and future energy projects need to continue to receive funding for job training, transition, and attraction.

Budget wins:

Kogan Creek Renewable Hydrogen Project $1.1 million.
This hydrogen demonstration plant and refuelling facility in the Western Downs is at the fore of exploring the role hydrogen can play in the production of clean energy. The work at this facility also provides valuable insight into skills transfer and training options for future energy.

Wambo Wind Farm (near Dalby) 192.5 million.
The project is set to deliver cheaper cleaner energy and will generate more than 200 construction jobs through the project and 20 ongoing operations jobs. Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million. The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million.
The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

The Toowoomba and the Surat Basin represents significant contribution to the state’s energy sector. The sector employs almost 10,000 locals in traditional and renewable energies and underpins the prosperity of many rural communities. Under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, our region needs continued support to sustainably secure the energy sector for the Future. The region has almost 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of committed renewable energy projects in the pipeline. This represents more than $3.8 billion of investment and is expected to create more than 2,000 additional jobs. With $18 billion in royalties' revenue received by the State government, our renewable and future energy projects need to continue to receive funding for job training, transition, and attraction.

Budget wins:

Kogan Creek Renewable Hydrogen Project $1.1 million.
This hydrogen demonstration plant and refuelling facility in the Western Downs is at the fore of exploring the role hydrogen can play in the production of clean energy. The work at this facility also provides valuable insight into skills transfer and training options for future energy.

Wambo Wind Farm (near Dalby) 192.5 million.
The project is set to deliver cheaper cleaner energy and will generate more than 200 construction jobs through the project and 20 ongoing operations jobs. Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million. The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million.
The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

The Toowoomba and the Surat Basin represents significant contribution to the state’s energy sector. The sector employs almost 10,000 locals in traditional and renewable energies and underpins the prosperity of many rural communities. Under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, our region needs continued support to sustainably secure the energy sector for the Future. The region has almost 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of committed renewable energy projects in the pipeline. This represents more than $3.8 billion of investment and is expected to create more than 2,000 additional jobs. With $18 billion in royalties' revenue received by the State government, our renewable and future energy projects need to continue to receive funding for job training, transition, and attraction.

Budget wins:

Kogan Creek Renewable Hydrogen Project $1.1 million.
This hydrogen demonstration plant and refuelling facility in the Western Downs is at the fore of exploring the role hydrogen can play in the production of clean energy. The work at this facility also provides valuable insight into skills transfer and training options for future energy.

Wambo Wind Farm (near Dalby) 192.5 million.
The project is set to deliver cheaper cleaner energy and will generate more than 200 construction jobs through the project and 20 ongoing operations jobs. Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million. The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million.
The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

1. Manufacturing and Infrastructure

   
   Manufacturing Hub for Toowoomba: 
   The manufacturing sector in our region contributes more than $1.35 billion annually and responsible for almost 7,000 jobs. While Toowoomba has missed funding towards a Manufacturing Hub in this budget, TSBE will continue to advocate for a hub and further funding of skilled workforce training. Further investment in a hub for Toowoomba will increase the amount of support available for the whole sector, providing a resource to existing manufacturers to help increase output and efficiencies and enable aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities in manufacturing.
   
   Infrastructure:
   The announcement of $1.1 billion in infrastructure spend for the Darling Downs which is estimated to create around 3,000 jobs. This spend is less that allocated for Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Townsville regions. Our region plays a vital role in connecting and supporting the state, especially in the run up to the Brisbane 2023 Olympics where committed funding for infrastructure projects is critical in continuing to drive economic growth and preparedness for the future. Preliminary funding of $16.1 million has been committed to Toowoomba’s InterlinkSQ Intermodal Terminal, a facility which will improve productivity in the transfer of road and rail freight.

2. Energy and Renewables

   The Toowoomba and the Surat Basin represents significant contribution to the state’s energy sector. The sector employs almost 10,000 locals in traditional and renewable energies and underpins the prosperity of many rural communities. Under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, our region needs continued support to sustainably secure the energy sector for the Future. The region has almost 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of committed renewable energy projects in the pipeline. This represents more than $3.8 billion of investment and is expected to create more than 2,000 additional jobs. With $18 billion in royalties' revenue received by the State government, our renewable and future energy projects need to continue to receive funding for job training, transition, and attraction.

   Budget wins:

   Kogan Creek Renewable Hydrogen Project $1.1 million.
   This hydrogen demonstration plant and refuelling facility in the Western Downs is at the fore of exploring the role hydrogen can play in the production of clean energy. The work at this facility also provides valuable insight into skills transfer and training options for future energy.

   
   Wambo Wind Farm (near Dalby) 192.5 million.
   The project is set to deliver cheaper cleaner energy and will generate more than 200 construction jobs through the project and 20 ongoing operations jobs. Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million. The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

   Chinchilla Battery $18.5 million.
   The Chinchilla battery storage facility will store energy generate by wind and solar operations and is a commitment under Queensland’s Energy and Jobs Plan.

3. Health and Education

   The health and education sectors serve as the foundation of regional economies, acting as the largest employers in our region and accounting for approximately 5,000 direct jobs. We need continued support and investment from the State to ensure our communities can access high-quality healthcare services, which will not only improve the well-being of our residents but also create an environment that attracts skilled professionals, researchers, and specialists. This, in turn, strengthens the local economy and enhances our reputation as an attractive place to live, work, and invest. Education industries and institutions serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation. Our region's educational institutions play a pivotal role in attracting both domestic and international students, educators, and researchers, injecting knowledge, and intellectual capital into our community. By fostering a knowledge-based economy, we cultivate a thriving environment that promotes entrepreneurship, drives job creation, and nurtures a highly skilled workforce to support our diverse range of industries.

   Budget wins:

   New Toowoomba Hospital $50 million. 
   Representing the first stages of the project which will deliver around 118 additional beds and is set to open in late 2027.

   Tara Hospital $9.4 million.
   Replacement of existing infrastructure will improve much needed health services in the community.

   Millmerran Multi-Purpose Health Service $17 million.
   Replacement of the existing Millmerran Multi-Purpose Health Service facility will comprise of an 8-bed inpatient unit, 5-bed residential aged care space.

4. Agriculture and Agriculture Technology

   Investing in agriculture and agricultural technology is of utmost importance for our region, considering our rich agricultural heritage. By providing support to farmers, advocating for sustainable practices, and exploring export opportunities, we can guarantee a secure food supply both domestically and globally. This, in turn, will ensure job stability and foster economic growth within our community. Given that the state's primary industry and commodities are projected to exceed a value of $20 billion, the lack of funding commitments for the Darling Downs in the agriculture sector and water infrastructure is a glaring omission in this state budget.

   As we unpack the budget detail TSBE will be looking for more opportunities to work with the State Government to ensure our manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, and water sectors continue to grow along with the rapid growth we are seeing on the ground provided by the private sector.

   We look forward to understanding the benefits this budget can deliver for our region. TSBE will continue to advocate for the region, as advocacy is critically important to ensuring we can be a region that can support our communities and attract investment, workforce, and projects to grow and be a thriving contributor to the state and national economy.