Toowoomba potentially loses $210m from SEQ City Deal as entertainment precinct faces axe

Toowoomba is facing losing more than $200m from the upcoming City Deal, despite a project being added to the list. And one high-profile entertainment precinct is facing the axe.

Toowoomba has potentially lost $210m in projects from the upcoming Southeast Queensland City Deal. Groom MP Garth Hamilton.

The future of a massive Toowoomba sport and entertainment precinct that could deliver $400m in economic development every year hangs in the balance, after the project was reportedly pulled from the upcoming Southeast Queensland City Deal by the Federal Government.

The Wagner Corporation’s planned $170m motorsport and tourism mecca at Wellcamp appears to be the victim of continued squabbling between the Commonwealth and the State Government, with both sides accusing the other of playing politics.

Toowoomba might only have one project in the upcoming funding arrangement, with leaked documents revealing both the initial projects proposed for good - the entertainment precinct and the $65m Agrifood Connect Hub - have been axed in the latest offer from Cities Minister Paul Fletcher.

The $30m first stage of the Railway Parklands project was a late inclusion at the request of Groom MP Garth Hamilton, putting the potential net loss for the region at $210m.

The final project list has not been finalised yet.

Mr Hamilton made his position clear in a statement, saying he barracked for the parklands project due to its central location.

“The Toowoomba Railway Parklands will revitalise our CBD, generate new business and housing opportunities, and create a fantastic public amenity for Toowoomba residents,” he said.

“This is my priority for funding as it is centrally located and will benefit everybody in Toowoomba, enabling us to grow our city.”

Flyover concept shots of the upcoming $60m Toowoomba Railway Parklands project in the CBD.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles on Monday demanded a meeting with Mr Fletcher over a reported $400m cut to projects in the updated City Deal offer.

“I urge the Morrison Government to join us in engaging meaningfully with community, civic leaders and industry to agree on the best deal possible for Queensland,” he said.

Mr Fletcher accused the State Government of dragging its feet over the funding.

“We have offered a package of projects for the City Deal to the state government and the Council of Mayors SEQ, based on requests after years of discussion,” he said.

“The Council of Mayors has replied with in-principle support, however the state government has not provided agreement on any project.

“The Morrison Government has been ready to deliver for the people of Queensland for more than two years.

“Now it is time for the state government to step up and deliver this deal.”

Artist impressions of the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct.

It comes just a few days after Labor’s candidate for Groom Gen Allpass publicly backed the entertainment precinct, saying it would deliver jobs.

“If we can situate our region as a tourism destination for more than one event in the year, then it’s something I’m interested in,” she said.

The project’s proposal includes an international-standard racing track, motorsport centre of excellence, 4WD and motocross facilities, go-karting, camping and caravaning sites, a 40,000-seat amphitheatre and potential spaces for Olympic infrastructure.

“I’m looking forward to discussions with my federal colleagues about this proposal.”

Wagner Corp chairman John Wagner declined to comment.