Your say: Toowoomba residents react to council’s new $3m public transport levy
YOUR SAY: Readers have had their say on the Toowoomba council’s new $3m public transport levy. Read the reactions here:
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A new $3m public transport levy announced by the Toowoomba Regional Council has divided residents, with some criticising the lack of clarity around use for the money.
Ratepayers have started contributing to the new levy that was included in the latest rates notices, two months after it was announced in the 2024-25 council budget.
The fee, worth about $40 for most households, has led to a backlash from locals confused about its purpose.
A non-scientific Chronicle poll of nearly 300 people has revealed more than 90 per cent of respondents were not happy paying for it.
Here are some of the responses from readers, both online and on social media:
Doesn’t pass the pub test
Michael
When I paid my rates notice I was told it is to be able to increase the availability of public transport. Not much chance of getting public transport to work when starting at midnight is there.
Mick
At the public forums pre-election the councillors pushed all the blame onto the state govt over the region’s public transport saying it’s not a council issue but now they say give us $3 million and we will sort it. I’m confused.
Susieh
Note to councillors – doesn’t pass the pub test.
Wendy Schefe
Don’t use it, why should we have to pay for it.
Les Thaler
Is it not the state that should finance public transport? Is the 50 cent travel here or is it only in the State of southeast Queensland?
Concerns for regional townships
Dale
Smaller towns’ liveability have declined markedly since amalgamation, just like the state government and the south east, here it’s all about Toowoomba and blow the rest.
Loretta
This is all about the city – what about the country people, where are our bus services, or a lot of other services, why do we have to pay for something that will never even be considered for our country towns.
Kate Lodge
I’m in Gowrie Junction and (there is) no public transport near me and we (are) growing each day.
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