Budget: Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce says it’s disappointed

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce says the Queensland Government’s commitment to Toowoomba “appears lacking”, describing the region as the “Oliver Twist” of Queensland.

The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce says the Queensland Government’s commitment to Toowoomba “appears lacking”, describing the region as the “Oliver Twist” of Queensland.

The state budget was released on Tuesday, and included $763 million for productivity-enhancing infrastructure and capital works, estimated to support about 2500 jobs, $1.1 billion for the Darling Downs and South West Hospital and Health Services and $67.7 million to maintain, improve and upgrade schools on the Darling Downs.

Toowoomba Chamber CEO Todd Rohl said while there were some positives in the state budget and welcomed the commitment to infrastructure investment in education, health and aviation, there were a few glaring omissions.

“Commitment to infrastructure projects including water security, public transport, tourism facilities like a conference centre, sports stadium, Quarry Gardens, and the like, appear to be missing for another year,” he said.

“Investment in housing and homelessness is welcomed as is supporting skilled workforce programs and the business fund.

“Commitment to infrastructure investment in the areas of education, health and aviation is

acknowledged and no doubt will contribute to building better communities and create jobs.”

Mr Rohl said overall the budget failed to live up to expectations.

“At first glance, the budget appears not to deliver a great deal for Toowoomba,” he said.

“It seems like Toowoomba is the Oliver Twist of Queensland.

“Overall I am disappointed for the outcome for the Toowoomba community in an economy

described as growing faster than the rest of Australia.”

Originally published as Budget: Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce says it’s disappointed