Why Groom by-election presents Toowoomba with once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
The Groom by-election will be crucial for the Federal Government, Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio says. Here’s why.
Toowoomba
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With the state election now out of the way, attention is turning to the Groom by-election and what it means for Toowoomba.
The LNP has already selected mining engineer Garth Hamilton as its candidate, but the ALP is yet to announce its intentions for the seat.
Political parties and possible independent candidates have until Friday to nominate.
Groom is considered a safe LNP seat, but with just a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives, the government won’t be taking any chances.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the by-election presented a serious opportunity for the region to receive investment from the Federal Government.
“It’s a very crucial by-election for the Federal Government,” Cr Antonio said.
“The government needs to win this seat.
“If it falls to an independent, that could make life very difficult for the government.
“We can help them out if they’re prepared to help us.”
Cr Antonio said there were several projects he would like to see Scott Morrison’s government commit to as part of the by-election campaign.
“I think the Inland Rail (route review) announcement is the critical one for me,” Cr Antonio said.
“We have a couple of major projects in front of us too, such as upgrading some of our water mains which would cost about $50 million.
“The Cooby and Cressbrook Dams spillway upgrades would also cost close to $230 million.
“We also need that second connection road to Highfields, as anyone who drives on the New England Highway between 7.30am and 9am, and again in the afternoon, would realise why we need to get that road done.”
Cr Antonio said water security and securing future water sources were also top priorities.
“(The government) needs to fund a full blown study, an in-depth study into where our water should come from,” he said.
“We need to piece all the work already done together, to look at the bigger picture.
“While we’re in a safe position as far as water for the community, it’s industry that needs water to grow and there are opportunities there.”
The Federal Government is also yet to commit to the Wagner’s Entertainment Precinct at Wellcamp.
Wagner Corporation has called on the Federal Government to match the $40 million the State Government has invested in the project, so it could go ahead.
The project would see a 40,000 amphitheatre and motorsports track built near Wellcamp Airport.