Our own Magnificent 7

ELECTED representatives from all levels of government and all sides of politics last week had their first workshop on how to deliver two of the Council of Mayors (SEQ) ‘Magnificent 7' infrastructure projects – delivering the Toowoomba Bypass and fixing the intersection of the Warrego and Brisbane Valley Highways at Blacksoil.

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Deputy Chair John Brent said improving the efficiency, safety and carrying capacity of freight corridors that linked Brisbane to Melbourne and Brisbane to Darwin were ‘national priority' projects that should receive Commonwealth roads funding.

“If the Federal Government can recognise that expanding Australia's productive capacity and global competitiveness is key to growing the Australian economy, it should be investing more money to deliver the infrastructure capacity required to support the fastest growing region in Australia,” Cr Brent said.

“South East Queensland was responsible for about 20 per cent of this country's national economic growth just a few years ago – research shows the SEQ economy will continue to outpace the rest of Australia into the future.”

Cr Brent said Toowoomba was the economic and commercial hub for both the Darling Downs and the Surat Energy Resources Province, responsible for more than half the exports passing through the Port of Brisbane.

“SEQ Mayors have said from day one that the infrastructure catch-up task across our region is beyond that of any single level of government,” Cr Brent said.

“The Warrego Highway Alliance is about local government working with our Federal and State MPs to get a commitment to meet SEQ's infrastructure needs.

“Delivering the Toowoomba Bypass and fixing the Warrego Highway Blacksoil intersection is essential – it will provide travel time savings for residents and businesses, as well as improved safety and increased economic productivity for the region.”

Cr Brent said SEQ Mayors were calling on the people of SEQ to support the ‘Magnificent 7'.

“We need those people that use the Warrego Highway regularly and know how it needs to be fixed to register their support for the ‘Magnificent 7' – Google SEQ Mayors and sign the e-Petition.”

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) e-Petition is available at www.seqmayors.qld.gov.au