Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Mayor Paul Antonio has welcomed funding commitments that have been announced as part of the 2023/24 Queensland Budget.
“Health, education and infrastructure are the backbone of our economy and have all received funding which will ensure our Region remains a powerhouse in the coming years,” Mayor Antonio said.
“I’m particularly pleased to see $50 million in the budget to progress plans on a new Toowoomba Hospital as well as money for the Millmerran Multi-Purpose Health Service and Westhaven Aged Care Facility.
“In addition to this there has been funding set aside for delivery of a new road and rail intermodal facility to improve productivity in the transfer of freight between trucks and trains.”
TRC Finance and Business Strategy Committee Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said work would also progress this year on the Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline.
“This pipeline is set to provide water to our southern communities of Cambooya, Greenmount, Nobby and Clifton,” he said.
“There is also funding in the budget for the Drayton auxiliary fire and rescue station, Pittsworth State High School, Oakey State High School, Youth Co-responder programs and the Gore Highway.
“At a time when cost of living has skyrocketed I’m thankful there are measures in this budget to help residents such as the additional electricity bill support.”
While thankful for the funding commitments in the State Budget for the Toowoomba Region, Mayor Antonio said Council would continue to fight for more guaranteed funding from both the State and Federal Governments.
“Communities are getting less than their fair share of funding and it is ratepayers who will be left to pick up the tab if this trend continues,” he said.
“With projects like the dam safety upgrades on our books, Council is preparing for an unparalleled level of spending in the coming decade and requires our fair share of funding to achieve our community goals and ambitions.
“There also needs to be more money allocated to local government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and Works for Queensland program as these are essential streams of funding that allow Council to build and maintain critical infrastructure such as our parks, community facilities and roads.
“Local roads account for an estimated 39% of total local government infrastructure assets and comprise 77% of the national road network by length.
“We will continue to advocate for funding to ensure ratepayers do not pay the entire cost.”
