Paul Antonio has one track mind in Canberra

THE urgent need for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project is at the top of the agenda as Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio lobbies politicians in Canberra.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Mayor Antonio, Lord Mayor Quirk, Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan and Logan Mayor Luke Smith.

THE urgent need for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project is at the top of the agenda as Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio lobbies politicians in Canberra.

Cr Antonio arrived in the nation's capital yesterday and will continue meetings with leaders today as part a Council of Mayors (SEQ) delegation.

Deputy chair of the group, Cr Antonio said its lobbying power should not be underestimated as it represented one in seven Australians.

Coming off the back of the recent Toowoomba and Surat Basin-facilitated Transport and Logistics Symposium in Toowoomba, Cr Antonio said convincing federal politicians of the urgent need for inland rail through Toowoomba was his top priority.

Redland Mayor Karen Williams, Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Mayor Antonio, Lord Mayor Quirk, Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan and Logan Mayor Luke Smith.

He will also lobby for upgrades to the Ipswich motorway and for a Grantham interchange on the Warrego Hwy.

Citing the influence of the group, Cr Antonio said: "There was no doubt the efforts of COMSEQ helped considerably in the final discussions around the bypass (Toowoomba Second Range Crossing)."

The mayors will meet with key government and opposition representatives and infrastructure investment and delivery for south-east Queensland will be at the top of the agenda.

Lord Mayor of Brisbane Graham Quirk said the group would be looking for a solid commitment from the Commonwealth Government to work with the Queensland Government and councils to establish Australia's largest "city deal".

The agreement between tiers of government would prioritise and jointly invest in infrastructure based on its expected economic growth.

Originally published as Paul Antonio has one track mind in Canberra