Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise appoints Greg Bowden to CEO after working at Advance Rockhampton

Toowoomba’s top economic lobby group has appointed a new CEO, who has revealed his priorities for the region.

The man now tasked with lobbying government for the Darling Downs’ future economic development says connectivity and transport, energy and agriculture will be among his top priorities in the new role.

Veteran economic development specialist and former Brisbane City Council senior public servant Greg Bowden has been revealed as the new CEO of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise.

Mr Bowden, who comes from a coal mining family and even worked in the resource sector, was recruited from his previous role as head of Advance Rockhampton.

Replacing longstanding chief executive Ali Davenport, Mr Bowden said on Wednesday he would focus on fostering the region’s strengths while also addressing issues with connectivity.

Outgoing Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) chief executive officer Ali Davenport with new CEO Greg Bowden, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Connectivity is a huge challenge — there’s a reason why the Olympic infrastructure document that was developed about eight years ago said we’d need to be a 45-minute region,” he said.

“That means a fast train, we need that Inland Rail, we need that connectivity.

“If you are not connected to the outside world, whether that’s to South East Queensland or Australia, you can’t get people to see your region and get a feeling about why they should be living, working or investing in your region.”

Mr Bowden said the industries of note in the Darling Downs were energy, agriculture, health and education.

“(My experience) will place me well to ensure I can work well with the energy and agricultural industries at the start but also health and education are such important parts of our liveability,” he said.

Greg Bowden has commenced in his role as the new Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) chief executive officer, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Certainly the energy projects I’m excited about – it’s part of my life and my DNA, I come from a coal mining family, I worked on the coal mines myself.

“I’ve worked with renewable energies in recent years and I’m really excited to see where that is taking us.

“While the world moves in the direction and demands for different types of energy, we’re well-placed in Toowoomba to capitalise on that and remain an energy capital of Australia.”

Mr Bowden’s role will require significant lobbying between different levels of government, something he wasn’t afraid of doing.

“I’m just a nice bloke, if I could put it that way — really, I will advocate and I’m very passionate,” he said.

“I take ownership and will back my staff to ensure we get what our stakeholders need.

“I will work with anyone, but please work with me because I want to make sure this region grows sustainability.

“I think in an independent organisation, you tend to break down some of the rules – you’re allowed to become more of that conduit from stakeholders to government or between stakeholders, and work closely with them to be able to get those results faster.”

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) chairman Dr John McVeigh talks to media, Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Picture: Kevin Farmer

TSBE board chair John McVeigh said Mr Bowden was chosen after receiving a “large” number of applications.

“Greg comes with a set of experience that includes time in this very city, he comes from an energy background, he’s spent significant time with Brisbane City Council, including laying the groundwork with Graham Quirk for the successful Olympics bid,” he said.

“We’re tremendously excited to have Greg on board.”

Mr McVeigh also paid tribute to Ms Davenport, who will soon head on holiday in Europe with her husband.