Joint Statement – Western Downs Chambers (Miles, Chinchilla and Dalby Chambers) and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE)
Following a dinner in Chinchilla, representatives from the Miles, Chinchilla and Dalby Chambers and TSBE welcomed the opportunity to meet with Minister Chris Bowen and Commissioner Tony Mahar to discuss the future of energy development in the Western Downs.
We thank the Minister for taking the time to visit the region and listen to local perspectives. A clear message from the evening was the importance of ongoing engagement — ensuring the region has a seat at the table, not just a one-off conversation.
Our position is clear: we welcome investment — but it must be done with our communities, not around them.
Key priorities include:
- Local content first – real opportunities for local businesses and supply chains
- Proven social licence frameworks – align with the Communities Partnering Framework and Community Benefit Agreements
- Inform and educate – support communities and businesses to engage early and effectively
- Build local capacity – embed apprenticeships, training pathways and business capability, including training apprentices and trainees locally
- Invest back into the region – particularly roads, bridges, water and reliable telecommunications infrastructure
- Address regional pressures – including housing and accommodation challenges linked to energy growth
- Plan for full project lifecycle – including end-of-life rehabilitation and local recycling opportunities
- Use local networks – work through Chambers and TSBE, not city-based consultants
The Western Downs is proud to feed and power the nation. Across agriculture, gas, coal and renewables, these industries support jobs, families and resilient communities - including providing drought-proof income streams.
Get it right, and our region will continue to lead, delivering energy, economic growth and strong communities together.
