19 March 2024 – Damming
Infrastructure spending will future proof the region. New catalytic infrastructure grows the economy, and an identified pipeline of projects ensures the continued flow of employment in the region.
Local governments have an important role to create confidence in the business community by committing to and working hard to secure major projects, planning now for the future, and having shovel ready projects ready to go that will benefit the region.
Without this, business confidence is lost, investment is inhibited, the region loses its competitive edge, and investors look elsewhere, subsequently risking prosperity and local jobs for the region.
Over the last six weeks, the infrastructure question we have most heard was directly related to the safety upgrade of Cressbrook Dam. Questions like: When did we know the safety upgrade was required? When did we know when the work had to be completed by? What budget measures and planning have been undertaken? Have you ever been approached to sell it?
At Toowoomba Decides, it was confirmed, that the requirement for the safety upgrade of Cressbrook Dam, a Council asset, was known since 2003. It was also confirmed that it was budgeted for, then not budgeted for and the business case has not yet been completed. It was made clear that the Toowoomba Regional Council have been advocating for years to seek funding from the Queensland and Australian Government to help pay for the safety upgrade of their asset. We understand, Council decided not to sell the asset several years ago.
The answer the business community and residents did not get, and one which still being asked is, “What budgeting and planning has taken place to complete the safety upgrade?”.
The Toowoomba business community and residents have a right to know. Why? Because $270 million today was $202 million in 2013, and $159 million in 2003.
This means, that if the Queensland Government or Australian Government does not commit to wholly or partly funded the upgrade of the Council asset, the bill, which is estimated to have doubled since 2003, will have to be paid by Toowoomba residents. From a business perspective the delays have the real potential to inhibit business growth, restrict the collective wealth of the community, impact on jobs, and create intergenerational debt.
Regardless of the damming infrastructure crisis in front of us, the Toowoomba Chamber will continue to advocate and work with all parties to secure major infrastructure like inland rail, fast rail to Brisbane, water security, a sporting stadium and sporting centre for excellence and public transport etc. We will work contribute and assist in creating significant shovel ready projects like Quarry Gardens, Jondaryan Woolshed, a convention centre, regional arts gallery, and bustling CBD.
These projects and others will leave a long-lasting legacy and are about future proofing the region with a strong, sustainable business community drives economic growth, prosperity and intergenerational wealth.
