Roads, hospitals and schools needed for Toowoomba in state budget

Toowoomba leaders have shared just what they hope to see in today’s state budget.

Local leaders have expressed just what they hope to see in the state budget today.

Treasurer Cameron Dick will hand down the much-anticipated budget today, just over four weeks after the Labor Government was re-elected at the state election.

Mr Dick has promised Queensland’s debt will be less than that of NSW and Victoria and there won’t be any changes to the state’s revenue streams.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the government needed to “continue the momentum” of building schools, roads and hospitals, but had to be careful on how it paid for those projects.

“I think I like many other Queenslanders have a concern about where the spiralling debt will take us … and the legacy that will be,” Cr Antonio said.

Treasurer Cameron Dick posing with Budget papers at his office at L38, 1 William St, Brisbane City, Brisbane, 29th of November 2020. (News Corp/Attila Csaszar)

Cr Antonio listed upgrades to several rural roads, as well as a second road to Highfields as local road priorities.

“We also need to see the Perseverance raw water main renewal, which will cost $78 million,” he said.

“That was built in 1968 and has been declining in performance. It needs significant repairs.

“Another important thing for us is spillway upgrades to Cressbrook Dam and Cooby Dam.

“That would cost $203m, but it’s all about the safety of those dams given new state government standards.”

TSBE CEO Ali Davenport said there were several things TSBE would like to see included in the budget, starting with payroll tax reform.

“Toowoomba is not eligible for the regional payroll tax discount which puts our businesses at a disadvantage in comparison to businesses in other regional areas,” Ms Davenport said.

“(We want to see) future funding allocated for fast rail as part of the SEQ City Deal, no change to royalties for resources, greater spending on infrastructure such as road upgrades to help increase regional connectivity and more funding for councils to upgrade ageing infrastructure.”