Wellcamp Airport puts Toowoomba on the map

WELLCAMP Airport has put Toowoomba on the map and made it a key location for big business, according to Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Shane Charles.

THE Wellcamp Airport has put Toowoomba on the map and made it a key location for big business, according to Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise CEO Shane Charles.

"Connectivity is critical," he said.

"Suppliers and business people in the region now have access to capital cities.

"Toowoomba is about to grow up."

Mr Charles said Toowoomba had long been perceived as a small regional town without adequate services.

"Now that we have an international capable airport we'll be promoted around the world," he said.

"It's a great day for our region."

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Andrew Wielandt said the airport created confidence in investors and businesses.

Wellcamp Airport maiden flight

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"Toowoomba as a region has a great story. Between agriculture, education, health, and resources, we've got a good economic story to begin with," he said.

"What this does is help engender further confidence in what is frankly a fragile national economy."

Mr Wielandt said the airport would bring opportunities for new businesses.

"The multiplier effect is significant," he said.

"For every dollar that is spent there is around three times that going into the economy.

"That could easily go into the hundreds of millions of dollars."

Mr Wielandt said businesses were already seeing the benefits.

"A number of suppliers and contractors based in Sydney have already booked flights to Toowoomba.

"The Wagners have done their bit and the public have done their bit.

"Thousands of tickets have been sold.

"My call to businesses is that it's now up to them to support the airport."

He said infrastructure projects were giving people more reasons to come to Toowoomba.

"Both social and business tourism offers a huge opportunity for our region."

Mayor Paul Antonio said residents needed to work for the opportunities.

"They won't just fall into your lap," he said.

"There are amazing prospects in places like China for milk or meat producers but it will take some organising."

Originally published as Wellcamp Airport puts Toowoomba on the map