‘Huge benefits’: Projects set to bring thousands of jobs to region

Here are just some of the region’s major development projects that will commence construction in the coming months.

Specialised Property Consulting director Gordon Grover is working on many new developments in Toowoomba. Picture: Nev Madsen.

It’s been a busy time for Darling Downs businesses with works set to start on many new development projects that are expected to deliver thousands of jobs.

Specialised Property Consulting director Gordon Grover said the business was working on the Interlink SQ – a $250 million intermodal rail terminal and industrial estate west of Toowoomba.

“To develop the entire project will take 10 or more years, but we’re looking to get some of the early stages under way this year,” Mr Grover said.

“We will also be looking at a major realignment of services which is funded by ARTC and Inland Rail with construction set to start by September.”

Mr Grover said this part of the project would include the relocation of many kilometres of fibre optic cables and water and sewer pipelines, as well as more than half a million cubic metres of earthworks.

Both stages are 12 month builds.

The business has also been appointed to manage a Bulky Goods Development project in Toowoomba South.

“Three major retailers and large format stores will be moving into that area, so it’s a reasonably significant development for Toowoomba,” Mr Grover said.

“The application has been lodged with Toowoomba Regional Council and once approved, construction will commence … we expect this to be completed by April next year.”

Mr Grover said the benefits of these local projects were huge for the region in terms of investment and job growth.

“The Interlink SQ project particularly will bring hundreds if not thousands of local jobs,” he said.

“Toowoomba consultants have been engaged, one of two final tenderers are local, and even if they aren’t selected, the majority of subcontractors delivering the works will be local, as well as engineers, lawyers, myself and Interlink SQ workers.”

SPC is also managing an industrial seed processing facility project and working alongside the council as part of its Escarpment Parks Upgrades project.

Works will include new amenities, shelters, footpaths and barbecue facilities for Table Top Mountain, Jubilee Park and J.E. Duggan Park with construction set to start in the coming months.

It comes after the completion of other projects including the $20 million emergency and radiology departments at St Vincent’s Hospital, a new 500 seat auditorium at Grand Central Shopping Centre and the Imagine Childcare centre across the road from the centre.