How Toowoomba’s political, economic, businesses leaders reacted to latest Queensland Budget

Toowoomba’s political and business leaders have given a mixed reception to the latest state budget, with Mayor Paul Antonio leading concerns about funding for water projects.

(From left) Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio, Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki and TSBE CEO Ali Davenport.

Treasurer Cameron Dick announced more than $250 million in capital works for Toowoomba this week, which included funding for education, health and energy.

Cr Antonio was measured in his assessment, praising the State Government’s support of the Karara wind farm near Warwick and funding for upgrades to public schools.

But he held deep concerns for water security, saying the budget was missing funds for the $200m needed to upgrade the region’s dam spillways.

“When it comes to our real goals here, we realise that health and education is good, (but) there hasn’t been anything specific (on water),” Cr Antonio said.

“There could be a need to build another dam or possibly a pipeline to Clifton in the future, (and) there is no clarity around what’s happening on the pipeline to Warwick.”

Cr Antonio said he would’ve liked to have seen more funding for social housing, considering the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19.

Economic lobby group Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Ali Davenport was more congratulatory in her assessment, praising the State Government’s development of an investment prospectus for Toowoomba.

“There were some announcements that need more detail to determine the benefit to the region, and whether or not they are just confirmation of existing spending, such as the $723 million for productivity-enhancing infrastructure and the $62.8m to maintain, improve and upgrade schools,” she said.

“We are thrilled with Invest Toowoomba that was recently put together by Trade and Investment Queensland with the support of TSBE.

“It is an excellent document that really highlights why our region is such a hotspot for investment.”

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl questioned how far the budget went to supporting regional small businesses.

“The investments announced in skills and capability development, the commitment to the small business commissioner and reinvigorating the Small Business Advisory Council are all positives,” he said.

“But more detail is required to ensure the Toowoomba small business community gets its fair share.”

TOOWOOMBA MPS RESPOND TO BUDGET

While he praised the education support in the budget, Toowoomba South MP and new LNP deputy leader David Janetzki said the lack of infrastructure funding was disappointing.

“There have been some good announcements in the education space, including for Clifford Park Special School, but what the budget is missing is an overarching narrative,” he said.

“There is no state building infrastructure that’s been planned for the Toowoomba region, no hospital development funding, no second road from Highfields to Toowoomba.”

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts was highly critical of the budget, saying water security and the new hospital project were largely ignored considering the amount of borrowings.

“When the government borrows $28 billion, it’s disappointing they haven’t been able to find any money to give us water security in Toowoomba,” he said.

“This is a really important project, not just for domestic supply but also all our businesses and manufacturers in town.

“In addition to that, no real money for the redevelopment of the Toowoomba Hospital — the LNP has committed to building a day surgery so we can clear our waiting list.”

Originally published as How Toowoomba’s political, economic, businesses leaders reacted to latest Queensland Budget