Continued path of financial sustainability for Toowoomba Regional Council

Toowoomba Regional Council has continued to deliver on the vision it has set for the future of the Region which was highlighted earlier today as Council adopted its 2018/19 Annual Report.

Mayor Paul Antonio described the Toowoomba Region as a diverse and stable economy that was able to avoid the boom and bust cycles experienced by many other Regions.

“Last year the Gross Regional Product for the Toowoomba Region edged over $10.81 billion, up 4.5 per cent on the previous 12 months. Our average growth over the past 10 years is around 3.6 per cent each year, exceeding the state average of 2.1 per cent,” he said.

“This is evidence of the strength and confidence which continues to be shown in our Region.

“I’m pleased with the role Council plays in contributing to our liveability, through the provision of parks, barbecues and bikeways that promote healthy lifestyles, increase accessibility and enhance community connections.

“This year Council responded to challenging drought conditions by investing in infrastructure and innovation to ensure resilient water and sewerage services. Much more work is needed and Council will continue to have the necessary conversations to secure long-term water solutions for the entire Region.

“A highlight from the past year for me was the role we’ve played in diverting heavy traffic out of Toowoomba through the Boundary Street, Mort Street and Griffiths Street upgrades, which have provided links to the Toowoomba Bypass.

“I was also delighted to officially open the 120-year-old Heritage-listed Toowoomba Railway Goods Shed which will be an amazing community facility for many years to come.

“While I’m proud of the things we’ve achieved over the past year, it’s important to acknowledge that local government cannot be left to shoulder the full cost of providing essential infrastructure for our growing communities, while meeting residents’ increased expectations across other activities. We will continue to advocate for our fair share of funding to achieve community goals and ambitions.”

During the 2018/19 financial year, Finance and Business Strategy Portfolio Leader Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan said Council played a leading role in contributing to the local economy.

“Over the past financial year Council injected $475 million into the economy, including operational expenditure of $322 million and a capital program of $153 million,” she said.

“Our financial position is sound and we are working hard to ensure we continue to maintain the balance between delivering value-for-money services, while continuing to invest in infrastructure initiatives to secure our future.

“I am truly proud of our efforts over this past year and how we continue to adapt and respond to changing community needs and expectations.

“The Annual Report tells a story of our achievements and challenges and provides our organisation with an opportunity to demonstrate the value of local government and its contribution to the Region.”

Some of the major city and region shaping projects over the past 12 months highlighted by the Mayor included:

Adopted the 2019-2024 Corporate Plan Construction of an 8.2ML reservoir at Charlton Opening of the $28 million Highfields Sport and Recreation Park Opening of the 120-year-old Heritage-listed Toowoomba Railway Goods Shed Commenced a review of the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme Launch of Study Toowoomba, an education and training industry cluster that will support the growth of the education industry Delivered an $21 million road renewals program to upgrade and maintain sealed and unsealed roads.

Mayor Antonio thanked his fellow councillors and staff for their work over the 2018/19 year.

For more information and to view a copy of the Annual Report visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/annualreport or contact Council on 131 872.