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REGIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY

covid19.qld.gov.au A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Our vision for ’s recovery The Darling Downs has some of from this pandemic is threefold – we are Queensland’s most productive and working to protect the health of every resource-rich terrain, with prime Queenslander, we are creating jobs, and agricultural land in the east stretching we are working together to create the to the cattle farms of the conditions for future success. in the west. Our are the key to building Our continued investment in transport Queensland’s economic recovery. It has infrastructure in the Darling Downs will taken a collaborative effort from every help cement its role as a major transport to shape our plan for the future. and logistics hub for the state. There We will continue to partner – with are also opportunities for the region to governments, industries, businesses harness new technology and renewable and communities – to navigate this energy to build a prosperous future. for future growth.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely and operate. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging. MESSAGE FROM MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER THE TREASURER

The Honourable MP The Honourable MP

This year has tested Queenslanders like no other. The Darling Downs has long been known as the food bowl of The COVID-19 pandemic has touched everyone and communities Queensland, with the livestock and agriculture industries driving in the Darling Downs have not been immune to its effects. the region’s economy, and producing food for people across Queensland, the nation and the world. Our response to COVID-19 has kept Queenslanders safe and allowed our economic recovery to begin. COVID-19 has placed an added layer of pressure on local jobs and the economy. This is on the back of years of drought and other My Government’s Economic Recovery Plan is all about protecting natural disasters hitting the region. Queenslanders’ health, creating jobs and working together. We know people have been doing it tough in the Darling Downs Importantly, this plan also recognises that growing our regions is a region. Even as restrictions have lifted and business have re- key priority for Queensland and vital to our State’s future success. opened, the demand for produce and export logistics have meant Our immediate commitment is to keep the region moving through primary producers can’t rely on their existing markets. extra support for businesses, workers and households – from To this end, we will partner with stakeholders in the region, to payroll tax relief to cost of living support. harness the potential of this unique agricultural powerhouse to Our recovery approach recognises that local industries such as drive recovery, create much needed jobs and kick start the regional agribusiness and tourism will continue to play a central role in the economy. region’s economy. It also seeks to harness emerging opportunities We are investing in existing industries and new technologies. for future growth to create long-term sustainable local jobs into This includes an agricultural technology and logistics hub the future. in , new feedlot facilities in Allora and a digital Together we will support those industries that have been the connectivity program across the Darling Downs. backbone of the Darling Downs economy. We will also invest in The which opened in September 2019, is more industries, more infrastructure and more businesses. expected to contribute more than $2.4 billion to the Toowoomba This is all about more local jobs. economy, improving freight effi ciency for Queensland’s primary I am so proud of the way the Darling Downs community has producers and industry. stepped up in these tough times. Our aim as a Government is unequivocal: to protect the health From the frontline health workers in Toowoomba Hospital to Steve and lifestyle of Queenslanders, create and sustain jobs, and work and Debbie Burns who accessed a Jobs Support Loan to ensure the together on our recovery. iconic Nindigully Pub could be open for business when COVID-19 We will be feeling the effects of the pandemic for some time, restrictions were lifted in July. but our steadfast commitment to the Darling Downs and all My Government remains committed to not only supporting the Queenslanders is to continue to manage the health crisis well, Darling Downs on the road to recovery but also making sure which will in turn allow us to drive economic growth. we position the region for future growth and job generating opportunities.

SEPTEMBER 2020 3 SUPPORTING ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN QUEENSLAND In February 2020, Queensland implemented a swift and decisive response to the growing crisis, announcing measures to assist business and industry with resilience and recovery strategies, targeted financial support and counselling. Over in recovery $8 billionmeasures

Queensland Future Fund to unlock surplus in the Defined Benefit Fund $5 billion and pay down debt

Up $3 billion to $280M $500M savings plan unlocked by councils Backing Queensland for public works by over 4 years refinancing loans at Business Investment lower rates Fund

$145M $249M $500M 3 Renewable extension to $400M tax relief for small and Renewable Energy Zones medium businesses Energy Fund 4 SEPTEMBER 2020 OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE IN DARLING DOWNS

THE HAS COMMITTED MORE THAN $8 BILLION TO SUPPORT COVID-19 HEALTH AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY INITIATIVES ACROSS THE STATE. KEY STATEWIDE INITIATIVES IN THE DARLING DOWNS REGION INCLUDE: M M M for jobs and skills, including building boost to support in electricity and water bill funding for the Back to Work, home owners, ‘tradies’ and relief for households and small Skilling Queenslanders for Work the construction industry, businesses, including a $200 and Reef Assist programs including a $5,000 regional rebate for households, and a home building grant $500 rebate for eligible small business and sole traders

Up to M M .M in payroll tax relief statewide, land tax relief for property to freeze water including refunds and deferrals for owners which must be passed prices for 2020-21 and subsidise eligible businesses and tax exemption onto tenants in the form of $42 million worth of dam safety for JobKeeper payments, supporting rent relief upgrades over four years to lower 34,000 jobs on the Darling Downs costs for Queensland farmers

Initiatives in the Darling Downs region include:

SMALL BUSINESS ACCELERATED ROADWORKS WORKS FOR TRADIES ADAPTION GRANTS $88.4 million boost for roadworks in SOCIAL HOUSING Supporting Darling Downs small the Darling Downs region supported $8.4 million to boost construction businesses with 838 grants of up to by state and federal funding, in the Darling Downs region, and $10,000 totaling $7.4 million. including: deliver more safe, secure and • $13.9 million to widen and affordable homes for vulnerable JOBS SUPPORT LOANS strengthen sections of the New Queenslanders. 321 loans of up to $250,000 have England Highway between been approved for Darling Downs Yarraman and Toowoomba, DARLING DOWNS HEALTH supporting 23 jobs businesses, totalling $44.4 million. SERVICES • $11 million to replace the Rocky $130 million in extra funding for WORKS FOR QUEENSLAND Creek Bridge on Murphy’s Creek Darling Downs health services $14.2 million to Darling Downs Road, supporting 18 jobs to ramp up their COVID-19 councils for 31 maintenance and • $6.3 million to widen the Barwon preparations. minor infrastructure projects, Highway between Talwood and supporting 466 jobs. Nindigully, supporting 10 jobs.

SEPTEMBER 2020 5 CASE STUDY WHAT IS THE LOCAL NEW DISTRIBUTION IMPACT OF CENTRE GIVES COVID-19? QUEENSLAND

EXPORTS A LIFT WHILE OUR RECOVERY IS UNDERWAY, THE IMPACTS IN DARLING DOWNS The construction of a new regional trade distribution centre in Toowoomba will help to create local jobs and HAVE BEEN FELT ACROSS deliver Queensland produce and products to the world. MAJOR INDUSTRIES. Major property and infrastructure company, the Wagner Corporation, has fi nalised details ahead of construction starting on the centre at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Agriculture, forestry and gas production The project is made possible by a Queensland have remained steadier than many other Government investment of up to $10 million to support industries, however, travel restrictions the regional trade hub, focusing on exports, as part have impacted availability of the $175 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund to of seasonal and contract workers. create jobs and stimulate the economy. The hub will allow Darling Downs primary producers and A downturn in international commodity exporters to re-enter international marketplaces eager to prices has impacted primary producers access Queensland's high-quality products. and energy suppliers. The expansion will comprise state-of-the-art large cold and freezer rooms and both temperature-controlled and A reduction in airfreight services and ambient large transit areas. border closures have disrupted supply Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner said as a chains for both imports and exports. proud Toowoomba-based company they were delighted to be working with the Queensland Government on such Event cancellations have impacted many a fi rst-class export facility. small businesses in hospitality, tourism “We offer a very effi cient cargo service and it’s about and retail. quick access and quick turnarounds,” Mr Wagner said. “The growth includes major defence support and a focus There was a 3.6 per cent downturn in on perishable products to and the Middle East, employee jobs in Toowoomba and a which we expect to return to normal post-COVID-19.” 5.1 per cent downturn in Darling Downs— Maranoa between 14 March and 11 July 2020.

6 SEPTEMBER 2020 NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR DARLING DOWNS

TARGETED INVESTMENTS WILL ADDRESS THE SPECIFIC RECOVERY NEEDS OF THE DARLING DOWNS REGION. WE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER NEW JOBS, NEW INFRASTRUCTURE AND REALISE NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES.

State backs world-class entertainment Toowoomba Investment Prospectus precinct Toowoomba has signifi cant potential to attract new investment to The Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct (WEP) is a $175 million drive growth and create jobs. The Queensland Government has jointly funded project which will include a world-class motorsport launched a new investment guide to help attract this investment and driver training facility, catering for amateur through to from both international and domestic sources. professional drivers. Invest Toowoomba – your regional gateway to business growth The Queensland Government is providing conditional funding promotes the unique benefi ts of Toowoomba highlighting the support of up to $40 million for the project. The Toowoomba- domestic investment opportunities in the city and surrounding based Wagner Corporation is committing at least $95 million and region. funding is also being sought from the Commonwealth Government The city had a $12.2 billion economy in 2018-19 based on solid for the project. economic growth over the last decade to 2019. The Precinct will include a 40,000 person venue, 5,000 on-site Other strengths are 2,000 hectares of industrial land and being a camping accommodation, sporting fi elds, and business tourism transport and logistics hub at the centre of road, rail and air freight and event facilities. routes with capacity to deliver goods to 85% of within 24 The Wagner Corporation estimates the project will create 130 new hours. full-time jobs during construction and at least 10 direct jobs during Toowoomba is also the gateway to the Darling Downs, including operation. Casual employment would be signifi cant with up to major agricultural production areas and resources projects, and 2,500 casual workforce needed for major events. boasts direct supply chain connections to South East Asia through It is expected that interest from international automotive Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. manufacturers will open up a whole new industry for Queensland. The investment prospectus will be an important tool in creating The fl ow-on benefi ts will extend to accommodation providers, more jobs as part of the city’s recovery from COVID-19 and has restaurants, cafes and many small businesses. been developed in conjunction with a range of stakeholders Apart from signifi cant economic benefi ts and job opportunities, such as Toowoomba Enterprise, and key Queensland it will create a timely and welcome tourism attraction to the state. government economic agencies and the private sector. The Precinct would be used to attract major events right across the performing arts, business, tourism, sport and events sectors.

SEPTEMBER 2020 7 INVESTING IN LOCAL CAPACITY BOOSTING PROJECTS

PLANNING UNDERWAY

Queensland Renewable Energy Zones Expanding beef processing in Warwick (QREZ) The Jobs and Regional Growth Fund is supporting John Dee’s The Queensland Government will establish a $500 million $16.7 million expansion of its meat processing facility at Warwick, Renewable Energy Fund for Government investments in which is transforming the business into a leading processor of commercial renewable energy projects and supporting infrastructure, to be undertaken through the Government-owned premium beef creating more than 155 long-term jobs. energy corporations. The Fund will complement the Government’s $145 million commitment to establish three renewable energy zones across northern, central and southern Queensland, and continue the UNDERWAY pace of Queensland’s transition to 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030. Since 2015, 41 large-scale renewable energy projects have commenced operations, are under construction or are fi nancially committed, representing around 7.8 billion in investment and 6,500 construction jobs.

UNDERWAY

Toowoomba TAFE Toowoomba agtech and logistics hub A further $1.68 million for ongoing campus revitalisation for the A $3.3 million Advance Queensland investment to deliver an agtech Toowoomba TAFE to ensure students have access to modern, and logistics hub in Toowoomba to foster innovation, revolutionise state-of-the-art training facilities. farming practices and improve supply chains.

8 SEPTEMBER 2020 PLANNING PLANNING Image Getty Image New QCN Fibre partnership Qualipac QCN Fibre has signed an agreement with Toowoomba’s Pulse Funding provided through the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund will Data Centre and Queensland internet service provider Over the support a new centre that will turn fresh produce into retail-ready Wire to provide better internet for thousands of businesses in products. the Darling Downs. QCN Fibre is a Queensland Government telecommunications company jointly owned by and Energy Queensland with a mission to improve regional connectivity through leveraging spare telecommunication PLANNING capacity in government owned fi bre networks.

UNDERWAY

Karara wind farm Queenslanders now own their fi rst new renewable energy Western Downs Green Power Hub generation in 20 years, with publicly owned generator CleanCo Construction has started on Australia’s largest solar farm creating building a new wind farm near Warwick as part of a precinct that up to 400 jobs and 400 megawatts of renewable energy. will create 400 jobs and supply up to 700,000 homes.

SEPTEMBER 2020 9 14 Emu Swamp dam 8 Toowoomba Hospital Wyreema State School 20 redevelopment business case $4 million in 2020-21 $13.6 million with $3.1 million in 2020-21 out of out of a $6.1 million total advanced release of $6 a $10 million total spend for the spend to construct a new million for pre-construction GOVERNMENT detailed business case for the building with fi ve general activities, including proposed redevelopment. Includes learning spaces and detailed planning, contracts INVESTMENT IN Baillie Henderson Hospital administration. for water purchases, Campus master planning and the and negotiations with 15 DARLING potential for a new hospital. landholders. (Ipswich - Warwick) DOWNS 9 Wilsonton Neighbourhood Allora feedlot $6 million in 2020-21 21 Centre out of a $22 million total A new sheep feedlot $2.5 million in 2020-21 out of a spend to upgrade the Eight will be built near Allora 1 5 Roma Hospital Student Kogan Creek Mine $1.8 $3.8 million total spend to design Mile intersection of the with assistance from a Accommodation million in 2020-21 out of a and construct a neighbourhood Cunningham Highway and Queensland Government $5.2 million in 2020-21 out $15.1 million total spend centre to support the Wilsonton , $250,000 Rural Economic of a $6 million total spend for for mine enhancements and community. to the north of Warwick. Development grant, the Roma Hospital student refurbishments. 10 Toowoomba State High School Delivered in partnership supporting almost 150 accommodation precinct. regional jobs in construction $6.4 million in 2020-21 out with the Commonwealth Part of the Growth Area Government. and operation. and Regional Infrastructure of a $10 million total spend to Investment Fund. construct a new performing arts 16 South West Digital 22 centre and refurbishments to Connectivity project 2 Roma Hospital improvement project multiple learning spaces. $1.56 million contributed Redevelopment $1.7 million in 2020-21 Part of the Renewing Our from the Building our $11.6 million in out of a $6.4 million 1 2 Schools program. Regions program for 2020-21 out of a total spend to continue a collaborative digital $112.6 million total spend for 4 5 planning works for Roma connectivity program in expanded outpatient capacity, Mitchell enhancements to meet 3 Darling Downs integration of primary, future extreme weather Brigalow 6 events. community and telehealth Toowoomba bypass 23 services and the demolition of Toowoomba 17 Arts and Cultural The jointly-funded $1.6 the existing facility. Part of the Recovery Package billion Toowoomba Bypass, 7 8 9 10 16 Enhancing Regional Hospitals 21 $15.4 million in 2020-21 opened in September Program. 12 13 14 19 15 Bollon St George out of a $22.5 million total 2019, supported 1,800 16 Warwick jobs during construction, 3 Yarraman replacement spend to reactivate cultural auxiliary fire and rescue Dirranbandi 20 and creative spaces and with an 80% local station provide jobs for local workforce. $888,000 in 2020-21 out artists and arts workers of a $1.6 million total spend bringing communities to complete replacement of together and boosting 11 Darling Downs - Health the Yarraman auxiliary fi re and cultural tourism. Please note: Not all Government Technology Equipment expenditure for the region is shown. rescue station. 6 New England Highway Dollar amounts may include capital and $4.4 million in 2020-21 18 Warrego and Carnarvon operating expenditure, though may not (Yarraman - Toowoomba) represent the entire funding allocated. 4 Kogan Creek Power Station as part of ongoing funding highways upgrades $13.9 million to widen and SEPTEMBER 2020 enhancements strengthen key sections of for the Health Technology $5.63 million to resurface $11.1 million in 2020-21 the New England Highway Equipment replacement the 17 KEY out of a $151 million total between Yarraman and program. kilometres east of Roma, spend for enhancement and Community wellbeing Toowoomba, adding to 12 Darling Downs - integrated and new culverts at three refurbishment to ensure the the $9.26 million Emu electronic Medical Record sections on the Carnarvon Utilities plant’s long-term reliability and Creek bridge replacement, (ieMR) - Toowoomba Highway between Roma safety. Health which is now complete and Hospital and Surat. SUNSHINE supported 15 jobs during $5.6 million in 2020-21 out 19 Education COAST AND Upgrade of Toowoomba MORETON construction. of a $5.9 million total spend BAY aged care facilities Transport and roads 7 Charlton new permanent to support the integrated FAR NORTH $3.8 million in 2020-21 electronic Medical Records QUEENSLAND IPSWICH fire and rescue station out of a $15.7 million Justice and safety and hospital digitalisation at GOLD $13 million in 2020-21 out total spend for upgrades LOGAN COAST the Toowoomba Hospital. of a $17 million total spend and refurbishments Government services to completely replace the 13 Drayton New Ambulance of Toowoomba aged Recreation and culture MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY regional Queensland Fire Station facilities, which will CENTRAL OUTBACK QUEENSLAND and Emergency Services $1.6 million in 2020-21 out enhance service delivery QUEENSLAND Statewide/region-wide WIDE BAY headquarters and the new of a $3.5 million total spend and improve operational DARLING SOUTH EAST permanent fi re and rescue for the construction of a new effi ciencies. Election commitment DOWNS QUEENSLAND station at Charlton. ambulance station at Drayton.

10 in Queensland Government capital investment in Darling M Downs, supporting an estimated 1,900 jobs in 2020-21 14 Emu Swamp dam 8 Toowoomba Hospital Wyreema State School 20 redevelopment business case $4 million in 2020-21 $13.6 million with $3.1 million in 2020-21 out of out of a $6.1 million total advanced release of $6 a $10 million total spend for the spend to construct a new million for pre-construction CASE STUDY detailed business case for the building with fi ve general activities, including proposed redevelopment. Includes learning spaces and detailed planning, contracts Baillie Henderson Hospital administration. for water purchases, Campus master planning and the and negotiations with QUEENSLAND’S OLDEST 15 potential for a new hospital. Cunningham Highway landholders. (Ipswich - Warwick) 9 Wilsonton Neighbourhood Allora feedlot $6 million in 2020-21 21 PUB SURVIVES COVID-19 Centre out of a $22 million total A new sheep feedlot $2.5 million in 2020-21 out of a spend to upgrade the Eight will be built near Allora 1 5 Roma Hospital Student Kogan Creek Mine $1.8 $3.8 million total spend to design Mile intersection of the with assistance from a RESTRICTIONS Accommodation million in 2020-21 out of a and construct a neighbourhood Cunningham Highway and Queensland Government $5.2 million in 2020-21 out $15.1 million total spend centre to support the Wilsonton New England Highway, $250,000 Rural Economic of a $6 million total spend for for mine enhancements and community. to the north of Warwick. Development grant, the Roma Hospital student refurbishments. It was a moment to remember for publicans Steve and Debbie Burns when the fi rst 10 Toowoomba State High School Delivered in partnership supporting almost 150 accommodation precinct. regional jobs in construction drinks and meals were served at Queensland’s oldest watering when COVID-19 $6.4 million in 2020-21 out with the Commonwealth Part of the Growth Area Government. and operation. restrictions were lifted in July. and Regional Infrastructure of a $10 million total spend to Investment Fund. construct a new performing arts 16 South West Digital Like all Queensland licensed venues, the Nindigully Pub south of Saint George in Coolmunda Dam 22 centre and refurbishments to Connectivity project Balonne Shire was closed during the height of the pandemic. 2 Roma Hospital improvement project multiple learning spaces. $1.56 million contributed Redevelopment $1.7 million in 2020-21 Thanks to a COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan from the Queensland Government, the Part of the Renewing Our from the Building our $11.6 million in out of a $6.4 million Burns’ were able prepare for the re-opening and continue to support local jobs. Steve 1 2 Schools program. Regions program for 2020-21 out of a total spend to continue said the loan allowed them to meet carry-on costs and maintain the pub for when a collaborative digital $112.6 million total spend for 4 5 planning works for they were able to serve the fi rst drinks. Roma connectivity program in expanded outpatient capacity, Mitchell enhancements to meet 3 Darling Downs “We still had to pay bills and maintenance so the loan has allowed us to keep going,” integration of primary, future extreme weather Brigalow 6 events. he said. community and telehealth Toowoomba bypass 23 services and the demolition of Toowoomba “It has taken the weight off our shoulders and given us so much more breathing 17 Arts and Cultural The jointly-funded $1.6 the existing facility. Part of the Recovery Package billion Toowoomba Bypass, space. The loan enabled us to do what we needed to do to re-open.” Enhancing Regional Hospitals 7 8 9 10 1621 $15.4 million in 2020-21 opened in September Like many outback hotels, the Nindigully Pub is a vital meeting place for the region’s Program. 12 13 14 19 15 Bollon St George out of a $22.5 million total 2019, supported 1,800 farming community and source of support during the drought. 3 Yarraman replacement 16 Warwick spend to reactivate cultural jobs during construction, Steve said the jobs support loan helped them to foresee a future when the farming auxiliary fire and rescue Dirranbandi 20 and creative spaces and with an 80% local station provide jobs for local workforce. community would be back at the pub. $888,000 in 2020-21 out artists and arts workers “We are here for the long haul, we love the place,” he said. of a $1.6 million total spend bringing communities to complete replacement of together and boosting 11 Darling Downs - Health the Yarraman auxiliary fi re and cultural tourism. Please note: Not all Government Technology Equipment expenditure for the region is shown. rescue station. 6 New England Highway Dollar amounts may include capital and $4.4 million in 2020-21 18 Warrego and Carnarvon operating expenditure, though may not (Yarraman - Toowoomba) represent the entire funding allocated. 4 Kogan Creek Power Station as part of ongoing funding highways upgrades $13.9 million to widen and SEPTEMBER 2020 enhancements strengthen key sections of for the Health Technology $5.63 million to resurface $11.1 million in 2020-21 the New England Highway Equipment replacement the Warrego Highway 17 KEY out of a $151 million total between Yarraman and program. kilometres east of Roma, spend for enhancement and Community wellbeing Toowoomba, adding to 12 Darling Downs - integrated and new culverts at three refurbishment to ensure the the $9.26 million Emu electronic Medical Record sections on the Carnarvon Utilities plant’s long-term reliability and Creek bridge replacement, (ieMR) - Toowoomba Highway between Roma safety. Health which is now complete and Hospital and Surat. SUNSHINE supported 15 jobs during $5.6 million in 2020-21 out 19 Education COAST AND Upgrade of Toowoomba MORETON construction. of a $5.9 million total spend BAY aged care facilities Transport and roads 7 Charlton new permanent to support the integrated FAR NORTH $3.8 million in 2020-21 BRISBANE electronic Medical Records QUEENSLAND IPSWICH fire and rescue station out of a $15.7 million Justice and safety and hospital digitalisation at GOLD $13 million in 2020-21 out total spend for upgrades LOGAN COAST the Toowoomba Hospital. of a $17 million total spend and refurbishments Government services TOWNSVILLE to completely replace the 13 Drayton New Ambulance of Toowoomba aged Recreation and culture MACKAY-WHITSUNDAY regional Queensland Fire Station facilities, which will CENTRAL OUTBACK QUEENSLAND and Emergency Services $1.6 million in 2020-21 out enhance service delivery QUEENSLAND Statewide/region-wide WIDE BAY headquarters and the new of a $3.5 million total spend and improve operational DARLING SOUTH EAST permanent fi re and rescue for the construction of a new effi ciencies. Election commitment DOWNS QUEENSLAND station at Charlton. ambulance station at Drayton.

in Queensland Government capital investment in Darling 11 Downs, supporting an estimated 1,900 jobs in 2020-21 "Connected transport infrastructure will help primary producers, small and big businesses alike." Participant, Regional Recovery Workshop, June 2020

12 SEPTEMBER 2020 POSITIONING THE DARLING DOWNS FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

IMPACTS OF THE GLOBAL COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAVE BEEN FELT BY WORKERS, BUSINESSES, HOUSEHOLDS AND THE COMMUNITY IN THE DARLING DOWNS REGION, JUST AS IN OTHER PARTS OF OUR STATE AND BEYOND.

The region has experienced jobs losses but help has been available Regional recovery initiatives will strengthen traditional and grow to support the Darling Downs economy and community. Around emerging industries, and can leverage opportunities arising from $44.4 million in Jobs Support Loans have been accessed by more already announced initiatives such as the Melbourne to Brisbane than 320 regional businesses to help keep Queenslanders in jobs. Inland Rail, the $145 million Queensland Renewable Energy Zones Small businesses in the region have also benefi ted from a total of commitment, and the $3.3 million investment in an agtech and $7.4 million in Small Business Adaption Grants. logistics hub in Toowoomba. With an economy underpinned by the mining and agricultural The Queensland Government is supporting a proposed $175 industries, both of which have been comparatively less affected by million Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct (WEP), as Queensland’s the pandemic response, the Darling Downs is well positioned for largest world-class entertainment precinct with car, bike and economic recovery. The longer-term outlook will be infl uenced by Kart racing and training facilities, a 40,000-person venue for global market impacts for agricultural commodities and natural gas, music festivals and major events, accommodation for 5,000, and and it will be important to grow emerging industries as well as build sporting fi elds. The Government’s conditional funding support of on traditional strengths. up to $40 million will add to a commitment of at least $95 million Government has worked with a wide range of regional stakeholders from the Toowoomba-based Wagner Corporation. The project is to identify strategic recovery priorities for the region. Throughout expected to create 130 direct jobs during construction, at least the regional forums and workshops, stakeholders articulated a 10 direct jobs during operations, and a casual workforce of up to vision for a strong and vibrant regional community that is resilient, 2,500 for major events. inclusive and a great place to study, work, live and visit. Toowoomba had a $12.2 billion economy in 2018-19, based on Identifi ed priorities for the region include a focus on increasing solid economic growth over the last decade to 2019. Trade and its capability as a strategic and economic hub for the agricultural, Investment Queensland has launched a new investment guide transport and industrial sectors. Emerging opportunities in to Toowoomba, Toowoomba – your regional gateway to business tourism, renewable energy and resources will deliver future jobs, growth, that promotes the unique benefits of Toowoomba and while investment in skills, training and education can provide the highlights the international investment opportunities in the city required workforce. Transport and energy infrastructure and digital and region. Developed with a range of stakeholders such as connectivity will increase productivity and economic opportunity. Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, various government The Darling Downs South West Community Forum highlighted the agencies and the private sector, it will be an important tool in importance of water security to support agribusiness diversifi cation. creating more jobs as part of the city’s recovery from COVID-19. Infrastructure in the region has already been boosted through $14.2 For the Darling Downs region to recover we need to continue to million Works for Queensland funding provided to Darling Downs work in partnership. The Queensland Government will continue councils for 31 maintenance projects and an $88.4 million road to work with regional leaders to refl ect stakeholder ambitions for works boost. the region. Recovery requires a long-term commitment from all partners and working together will play a key role in securing a With renewable energy investment a key driver of Queensland’s strong recovery in the months and years ahead. This will ensure post-pandemic recovery, the Government-owned CleanCo will soon that Darling Downs builds back better. commence the build, own and operation of the Karara Wind Farm, and enter power purchase agreements with the MacIntyre Wind Farm near Warwick and the Western Downs Green Power Hub near Chinchilla. With CS Energy supporting the Columboola Solar Farm between Chinchilla and Miles, publicly owned generators will create up to 1,200 construction jobs around the Darling Downs area.

SEPTEMBER 2020 13 CASE STUDY

QUEENSLAND EXPORTS KEEP FLYING DESPITE COVID-19

Queensland’s lucrative agriculture and seafood industries are on the fl ight path to economic recovery thanks to the support of the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport has secured two new weekly International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) fl ights thanks to the coordinated efforts of the Airport and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise. Under the initiative, a network of nine airlines and six freight forwarders have accelerated the delivery of live coral trout, lobster tails, prime beef and fresh vegetable exports from Queensland into key overseas markets. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport also secured two new Trade and Investment Queensland, the Queensland weekly IFAM fl ights through the initiative, thanks to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Austrade coordinated efforts of the Airport and Toowoomba Surat championed the need to secure IFAM support for fl ights Basin Enterprise. from Queensland to key markets including New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, the United States and the These freight options for Queensland exporters mean United Arab Emirates. their produce can be picked from the fi eld one day and delivered into an international market within 24 hours.

14 SEPTEMBER 2020 © The State of Queensland 2020 Attribution Content from Darling Downs Regional Economic Recovery should be Copyright attributed to: © The State of Queensland, Darling Downs Regional This publication is protected by the Copyright Act 1968 Economic Recovery.

Licence Translating and interpreting assistance This document is licensed by the State of Queensland under a The Queensland Government is committed to providing accessible Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) International licence. services to Queenslanders from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. If you have difficulty in understanding this publication, you can contact us on telephone (07) 3035 3503 and we will arrange an interpreter to effectively communicate the report to you.

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QT 20-067