The Queensland government has partnered up with Toowoomba Regional council to tackle a long-standing community issue – public transport.
With a growing population and a cost-of-living crisis on its hands, the two are seeking community input to best deliver the transport needed for Toowoomba, providing better access to healthcare, jobs and education for residents.
Transport minister Brent Mickelberg says it was time the Toowoomba region got the attention it deserved following “years of neglect”.
“The Crisafulli Government’s priority is to deliver and invest in the right services, at the right time and in the right location to increase access to health, jobs and education,” Mickelberg says.
“We are getting on with the job, working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to plan and deliver public transport improvements that meet the needs of the community.”
Cheaper and more accessible public transport has been a major topic of conversation over the past 12 months, particularly in the lead-up to the most recent federal election.
After introducing permanent 50 cent fares in February, public transport saw an increase in patronage, including a 27.6 per cent increase on urban bus networks in regional Queensland.
“From Highfields and Wilsonton to the new Toowoomba Hospital – we will target improvements that deliver the greatest benefit to the region balanced with value for money,” member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts says.
“This is a great example of the Crisafulli Government working in partnership with local councils to deliver better services and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”
Toowoomba Regional Council mayor Geoff McDonald says better, more accessible public transport would help make Toowoomba an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
“It’s exciting to start work with the Queensland Government to plan the improvements needed for our region’s public transport network,” McDonald says.
“Improvements will support our Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy, which is all about making sure our region is an attractive, healthy and affordable place to live.
“Creating better access to public transport means residents can leave the car at home, which will help shape sustainable travel choices into the future.”