Qld election 2024: No Toowoomba visits confirmed by Premier Steven Milers, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli as campaign kicks off

Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli have yet to reveal if, or when, they plan to campaign in Toowoomba, as fears grow about the city securing vital government funding.

Toowoomba is at risk of being ignored during the Queensland state election, with neither major leaders confirming if they will visit the regional powerhouse during the October campaign.

Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli have yet to reveal if or when they plan to campaign in the Garden City, despite repeated requests for comment or confirmation by News Corp.

Premier Steven Miles kicks off the election with a visit to Government House. Pics Adam Head

It comes as the city and wider region faces the reality of its three electorates — Toowoomba North, Toowoomba South and Condamine — becoming even safer for the LNP as polling predicts a bloodbath for Labor.

The ruling party announced its candidate (James Green) for the most gettable seat, the previously marginal Toowoomba North, on September 20 but it is unclear how much support he will get from Brisbane in his bid to stop Trevor Watts from achieving a fourth term.

It is understood Labor has instead focused on protecting seats closer to the capital.

A spokeswoman for Mr Miles would not confirm if he was visiting Toowoomba, noting the campaign was not revealing his movements too far in advance.

In more concerning news, there is no indication the current government has reached an agreement to help the one and only project on the Toowoomba Regional Council’s wishlist in the $270m Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades.

If no deal was secured prior to the government entering caretaker mode on Monday, it leaves ratepayers with the prospect of picking up the full tab for Cressbrook — leading to more rate hikes and delays to other region-building future projects.

While the LNP has pledged to honour any existing funding agreements, its leader David Crisafulli hasn’t stopped short of committing to any new deal with the council if he is elected premier.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli during a media conference at The Chambers, Cairns. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Mr Crisafulli said prior to the state budget he would honour the government’s commitments to maintain “stability” if he becomes premier, despite not know what was in it.

It prompted treasurer Cameron Dick to attack Mr Crisafulli’s “lack of announcements” and question what he would cut to reduce taxes.

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said discussions were continuing between the council and Queensland Treasury.

“While the premier has not committed funding, both he and the water minister (Glenn Butcher) have publicly demonstrated and communicated their desire to provide support,” he said.

“The latest media saw the premier confirming that the project is in the process of being assessed and the 24-25 budget will be the next time for consideration.

“The leader of the opposition is well aware of the project (and) although no financial commitment has been made, there is an understanding of the importance of funding to support our community.”

So far, nine candidates have been announced for the three Toowoomba electorates, with Mr Green joining Susan Krause (Toowoomba South) and Ben Whibley-Faulkner (Condamine) for Labor.

The Greens have announced Thom Roker for Toowoomba North and Ellisa Parker for Condamine so far.

One Nation has not revealed its candidates but has told News Corp it plans to run in all seats.

Family First is running Alex Todd against MP David Janetzki in Toowoomba South.