Mayor Paul Antonio secures inaugural Inland Rail Summit

The Toowoomba Mayor has shown his backing for a proposed project set to create economic opportunities for region, as inaugural summit set to pull into town. Details here.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio has backed the proposal of Inland Rail in the region.

Alongside the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE), Cr Antonio has requested for the project remain on track, as it was announced the inaugural Inland Rail Summit would be held in the Garden City this September.

“I see great benefit in bringing together all councils, as well as industry across the alignment, to share insights and opportunities. Inland Rail is a complex project and one that needs the combined effort of local, state and federal governments to be successful,” he said.

An artist's impression of how the Inland Rail multimodal freight hub at Wellcamp will look.

“I will also be approaching the new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King, to invite her to play a central role in the Inland Rail Summit, as I believe this summit is of national significance.

“I have held talks with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and they have given me a commitment that they will support the event to the hilt. They see the advantages of having such a large body of stakeholders in the same room to address the issues around Inland Rail.”

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said the summit was an important time to bring together as many representatives across the region to create economic opportunities across the district.

“There are 36 local government areas along the Inland Rail alignment and businesses and communities are looking for certainty so they can continue to plan and get on with delivering the jobs and economic growth this infrastructure will bring,” she said.

“We are shaping the event program over the next few weeks and are seeking input from councils this week at the General Assembly.”