INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY + LIFESTYLE

INVESTMENTOPPORTUNITY + BUSINESS MAGAZINE [ SUMMER LIFESTYLE2014/2015 ]+ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S 1◆ GREATEST REGIONS OPENS UP TO THE WORLDTOOWOOMBA TAKES FLIGHT

◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E INVESTMENT, 05 OPPORTUNITY + 19 LIFESTYLE Toowoomba’s time to shine ..................................03 Opportunity abounds.............................................04 Queensland’s most family friendly city ................05 Toowoomba takes flight .................................06, 07 Destinations take off.............................................07 Under construction................................................08 A glowing forecast .................................................08 The missing link.....................................................09 Developing Toowoomba’s future ....................10,11 Rise in population sees boost in skills.........................................................11 Gateway to the resource boom......................12, 13 Working hand in hand............................................14 Harvesting potential..............................................15 Toowoomba university advances in agriculture ..........................................................15 Retail gets renovated .....................................16, 17 Local real estate levels soar ................................17 Embracing community...........................................18 Entertainment galore ............................................19 Learning for the future ...................................20, 21 Meet our experts .....................................22, 23 ◆ This publication is brought to you by the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE). For more information regarding investment opportunities in the Toowoomba region, please contact TSBE on (07) 4639 4600. 2◆

TOOWOOMBA’S IT’STIME TO SHINE BUSINESS TIME FORA BOOM IN TOOWOOMBADEVELOPMENTAND A FLOOD Ground-breaking newOF INVESTMENT developments aren’t theOPPORTUNITIES only thing to get excitedSEES THE about when it comes toREGION TAKE Toowoomba’sOFF opportunities.T here is a palpable sense ABOVE: Toowoomba Regional Council’s planning staff look over their plans for While it’s true the I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ of optimism in region has become a hot Toowoomba. the city. LEFT: One of the many prosperous crops in the region. RIGHT: Some spot for infrastructure And that is for good spending, expecting to reason, says Toowoomba of the area’s prime cattle. CONTRIBUTED top a whopping $2.8 and Surat Basin billion over the next three Enterprise’s (TSBE) chief executive investment to redevelop businesses are considering regional years thanks to the officer Shane Charles. Toowoomba’s Grand Central and areas, like Toowoomba, as attractive Toowoomba Range Gardentown shopping centres, locations,” Mr Charles said. bypass, the Grand Central “Over the next 10 years, resulting in a 30,000 square metre redevelopment and the Toowoomba will be the epicentre of retail, entertainment and leisure “The cost of land and labour alone Brisbane West Wellcamp infrastructure in Australia,” Mr destination. in regional centres is far less than in Airport, there is far more Charles said. CBD locations, and opportunities are to Toowoomba than these Toowoomba is Queensland’s less restrained given the greater land great investment With the increased connectivity number one agriculturally productive availability and lower living costs.” opportunities alone. that world class infrastructure brings, region and a national leader in this there is also plenty of opportunity. sector. Opportunities for business land As a region availability has significantly increased underpinned by four key While Toowoomba will see great “Agriculture has proven to be a key with the establishment of the industries — with the benefits associated with becoming economic driver for the region, with Toowoomba Enterprise Hub, a 2000 agriculture, health, the inland transport and logistics hub our premium food producing status hectare State Government priority education and resource for Australia, some specific both for domestic and international zoned development area. sectors providing the opportunities exist right now for: markets, particularly those in Asia, region with a glowing strengthened by food processing and Within the Toowoomba Enterprise reputation — the ◆ Freight and logistics companies growing manufacturing sectors,” Mr Hub, there are multiple developers population is set to swell, ◆ Food processing and Charles said. offering large industrial size land and businesses in the packages at competitive prices to area are thriving as a manufacturing Adding to the region’s comparative interested businesses. result. ◆ Exporting products to Asia and advantage in agricultural produce, is the University of Southern Heeding the Toowoomba and Surat There are more than the world Queensland’s $30 million investment Basin region as the ‘go-to’ area for 12,000 businesses in the ◆ Property and hotel development over five years in its agricultural economic and investment Toowoomba Regional ◆ Agri-business research program and the opportunity, TSBE remains a vital Council catchment area, ◆ Well drilling and servicing for establishment of an Institute for piece of the puzzle, supporting and they are among those Agriculture and the Environment. business viability in the region’s benefitting from the existing and emerging onshore increasingly successful economic increasing cash flow in basins in Australia, including The cost of doing business story. our economy. the Cooper, Surat and Galillee remains a key focal point for basins. companies, with lowering overhead “We are seeing big opportunities They’re also passing “Big things are happening,” Mr costs a high priority. for businesses and those wishing to the benefits along, with Charles said. relocate to the Toowoomba region — unemployment currently “Not only are we realising the “Toowoomba is already home to the time is now to get in at the one per cent below the potential of the region with increased the headquarters of a number of ground floor,” Mr Charles said. ◆ national average and connectivity, but we are seeing national firms, and more big employees earning above opportunities and developments in their national averages. agriculture, construction, resources – particularly in terms of coal seam gas But even better than and coal – and a strengthening food this, the increasing processing sector.” profits of local The development of coal seam gas businesses are enabling has certainly been a facilitator for them to get behind local investment and has proved a viable charities, with $1.2 asset contributing, along with the million raised during a resource sector, $2.1 billion to the luncheon recently for local economy. prostate cancer research. Construction alone produced $1.4 billion in gross revenue. It’s a promising time to Aiding in the region’s construction be operating in success story is QIC’s $460 million Toowoomba, and we expect business to remain strong into the future, based not only on the solid foundations we have in the region, but also thanks to all the exciting investments planned. Helen Jentz Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce 3◆

OPPORTUNITY ABOUNDS M AYOR PAUL AN TONIO OF T H E TOOWOOMBA R E G IONAL COU N C IL EXPLAINS WHY IT’S HIS CITY’S TIME TO SHINE◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E I believe there’s no more ‘‘THE gateway to greater south-western Our independent economic exciting place to be in Queensland, as well as a focal point development organisation, Toowoomba Australia at the moment than TOOWOOMBA for both interstate and intrastate and Surat Basin Enterprise is taking the region of Toowoomba in REGION IS SET freight movement. the lead in developing relationships southern Queensland. TO LEAD THE with Asian markets, particularly China, Situated a one and a half WAY I N The Toowoomba Range section of where reports indicate demand for hour drive from the state’s capital AUSTRALIA the Warrego Highway currently carries food is growing, driven by Asia’s strong Brisbane, Toowoomba is one of WITH GROWTH, 23,000 vehicles per day, of which economy, growing personal incomes, Australia’s largest inland and most DIVERSITY AND almost 21 per cent are heavy vehicles. demand for safe foods and tight diverse regional cities. OPPORTUNITY supplies. AND OUR Interestingly, close to 50 per cent of Established as a vibrant service MESSAGE IS the burgeoning Port of Brisbane’s trade This infrastructure boost is building centre to Australia's second most CLEAR – emanates from or travels to areas further confidence in a region already productive agricultural region, TOOWOOMBA IS west of Toowoomba. well known for its diverse and stable Toowoomba is rapidly transforming into OPEN FOR economy. one of the nation’s most robust BUSINESS. Recognising the role the Toowoomba economies. region is set to play in both the state Taking into account the airport and MAYOR PAUL and national economies, Queensland the bypass, the current total As new opportunities in agriculture ANTONIO and Australian Governments have development spend in the Toowoomba emerge, the region is also being recently announced the construction of region is more than $11 billion buoyed by its proximity to the Surat the Toowoomba Second Range including other transport network Basin, one of Australia's richest Crossing, a bypass route north of upgrades, development of industrial accessible resource reserves. Toowoomba. accommodation, mining investments and a major shopping complex With the broader regional population The $1.7 billion project, recently redevelopment in the centre of the city. now nearing 160,000, unprecedented dubbed by Minister for Infrastructure opportunity is changing the face of the and Regional Development Warren Further, we expect other industries Garden City. Truss MP as Australia’s biggest inland like agriculture, logistics, aviation, and road project, will commence corporate services to continue and Undergoing an infrastructure construction in mid-2015 and is set to prosper, and council continues to look injection on the grandest of scales, further cement Toowoomba’s vision of for new ways to expand business links Toowoomba is set to be an economic becoming an inter-modal transport both nationally and internationally. powerhouse in the years ahead. hub. While we work to harness and A jet-capable, privately-funded The third leg of the trifecta is also nurture economic development, airport on the outskirts of the city has within our reach, with the Federal council also recognises very clearly created a sense of expectation for Government’s renewed commitment to that this growth needs to complement locals and investors alike. the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail the quality of life we are well known for Project. here in the Toowoomba region. Connectivity, previously out of reach for our vibrant city, is set to change the Toowoomba Regional Council has Our laid-back lifestyle, rich economic and social landscape of the advocated for our place on the link and agricultural heritage, beautiful natural region. current planning indicates our scenery, and close-knit communities potential has been recognised. have long been a feature, and we are Expected to be catering for up to fully committed to preserving what 1.36 million passengers within five Indeed, a group of local investors makes us unique for future years, early estimates point toward a are developing an intermodal terminal generations. contribution of more than $225 million and industrial precinct in readiness for to gross regional product over the the extra connectivity this will bring. There is no doubt Toowoomba is on same period. the cusp of major growth and our The massive potential for the community is excited and ready to A lack of air-connectivity, that until increased export of fresh local meat seize the opportunities before us. now has held the region ransom to its and produce into Asia is being capital cousin Brisbane, was only part rigorously explored. The Toowoomba region is set to lead of a wider infrastructure deficit for the the way in Australia with growth, region. As Queensland’s top agricultural diversity and opportunity, and our region, the Toowoomba Regional message is clear – Toowoomba is open Set on the crest of the Great Council area generated more than for business. ◆ Dividing Range, some 700 metres $720 million in gross value agricultural above sea level, Toowoomba is the production in 2012. 4◆

QUEENSLAND’S MOSTFAMILY FRIENDLY CITY Murgon Goomeri GympieChinchilla Kingaroy Sunshine Nanango Coast Yarraman Dalby Crows Nest Esk Caboolture Ipswich Highfields Brisbane I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ Oakey Toowoomba Pittsworth Millmerran Gold Coast Coolangatta Tweed Heads Warwick ABOVE: Toowoomba’s parks provide the perfect place for families to relax and Inglewood have fun. LEFT: Toowoomba is in a prime position, situated a 90 minute Stanthorpe drive from Brisbane yet with access to the opportunity-rich Darling Downs. CONTRIBUTEDW hile Toowoomba being named two years cent, is almost two per cent lower 2 Australia’s second Toowoomba’s running in the top five most family than the state and national largest inland city economic friendly cities in Australia by average. credentials Suncorp Bank’s Family Friendly continue to Index, both in 2013 and 2014. A drive through the picturesque strengthen, the region will quickly reveal an lifestyle on offer has always been With a median house price below recognised as one of the city’s $340,000, a major university, more abundance of parks and open 3 Queensland’s third most most endearing features. than 80 schools, a maximum space, with council’s parks and affordable region to live in average of 27 degrees Celsius in gardens staff maintaining close to Offering residents the very best summer and an average low of 200 children’s playgrounds. of both city and country life, seven degrees Celsius in winter, it’s Toowoomba has traditionally been not hard to understand why the The renowned Empire Theatres known as the Garden City. rapidly expanding opportunities are precinct is the epicentre of the attracting an influx of new The title is a reflection of the rich businesses and residents keen to region’s cultural networks and 6 Queensland’s sixth soil, temperate climate, and strong be part of the region’s success. offers theatre goers experiences largest city community pride that exists in a expected only in larger centres. community steeped in tradition, yet Last year, Toowoomba created bold with ambition. employment twice as fast as the Toowoomba is also one of a rest of Queensland, with jobs handful of local government areas Strong levels of employment, growing at 0.71 per cent compared in Queensland to be declared a affordable housing, excellent health to 0.36 per cent for Queensland, facilities, exceptional educational and the region’s current 10‘refugee welcome zone’. Tenth largest opportunities, and a strong sense unemployment rate of 4.14 per On the doorstep of the Granite growing local of safety, have culminated in Belt’s premier wine region, and government area within a leisurely 90 minute drive to in Queensland Brisbane, Toowoomba is the perfect place to live, work and play. ◆ 5◆

TOOWOOMBA TAKES FLIGHT WITH THE OPENING OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST PRIVATELY-FUNDED PUBLIC AIRPORT IN TOOWOOMBA, THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR THE DARLING DOWNS◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E I t made headlines across the ‘‘OUR BUSINESS IS precincts for health, education and construction began in April 2013. country and has even received manufacturing — Brisbane West This is a record time-frame acknowledgement for its BASED HERE AND Wellcamp Airport has opened up ambitious vision around the W E N OT ONLY significant domestic and international previously unheard of in Australian world, and that was all before WAN T TO SEE export opportunities. aviation history that was made Brisbane West Wellcamp TOOWOOMBA possible by Wagners’ extensive Airport had even been built. PROSPER — WE Toowoomba’s key agricultural background in construction materials WAN T TO SEE T H E outputs, including chilled and live beef, and the innovativetechniques used on Now that the airport has officially REGION GROW dairy, pork, chicken, horticulture the project. opened, and with the lift-off of its first FOR THE BENEFIT products, fruit and vegetables, will now commercial flight on November 17, OF OUR CHILDREN be able to be transported in the cargo All heavy construction materials countless economic opportunities for AND holds of aircraft. used in the creation of the airfield the region have arrived. GRANDCHILDREN, pavements were able to be quarried AS WELL AS THE As a result of these opportunities, and processed on the site thanks to Australia’s newest public airport in WIDER the latest independent economic Wagners’ being a supplier of cement, 50 years was developed by local C OM M UNIT Y. studies have estimated that by 2019, flyash, lime and reinforcing steel, in Toowoomba family-owned company Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport will addition to their already impressive Wagners, and comes as part of the JOHN WAGNER generate nearly half a billion dollars repertoire. more than $11 billion being spent on worth of business per annum within development in the Toowoomba region. toowoombaenterprisehub.com.au the local Toowoomba economy. It’s an impressive feat that has earned global construction, logistics Its 2.87km runway and Wagners chairman John Wagner and infrastructure company Wagners state-of-the-art terminal has attracted says he’s excited by the prospects this much acclaim, with international attention from some of the nation’s project will bring to the region. identities now looking to Brisbane biggest travel providers, with West Wellcamp Airport as a template QantasLink the first to sign on and “We are developing a five-star for the construction of future airports, currently offering twice daily return business park and when we went to not only in other parts of Australia, but flights from Sydney with connections to talk to people about relocating to also around the world. Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Toowoomba, they indicated that it was beyond. too hard to get to so we felt it would “We weren’t surprised it made an make it easier for us to attract impression,” Mr Wagner said. The airport has also become a hub investment in the region by building for regional Queensland, with Regional this airport,” Mr Wagner said. Express Airlines also providing intrastate flights on routes between “Toowoomba’s been hamstrung by Toowoomba and Brisbane, St George, its lack of accessibility and Cunnamulla, Charleville, Birdsville and connectivity by air travel, therefore we Mount Isa from January 1, 2015. wanted to fix that. But while this ground-breaking “Our business is based here and we development has earned appreciation not only want to see Toowoomba from local residents as the first airport prosper — we want to see the region to cater for regular public jet services grow for the benefit of our children and for the Toowoomba and Surat Basin grandchildren, as well as the wider region, it’s the business and freight community.” opportunities the airport’s location offers that will provide the most benefit. The economic boost it has brought to the region isn’t the only aspect of Acting as a major freight gateway to Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport that Toowoomba and southern Queensland has made news. — one of Australia’s hot spots for investment and industry due to its The mammoth project was reputation as Australia’s second largest completed just 18 months after agricultural basin, a major resources hub, and one of Queensland’s major 6◆

FAR LEFT: Kathryn Barnett gets NEW FLIGHT I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ ready to fly from Brisbane West DESTINATIONS Wellcamp airport. ABOVE: Denis, TAKE OFF Joe, Henry, Mary, Neill and John Wagner celebrate the arrival of the A QantasLink first plane to land at Brisbane West spokesperson has Wellcamp Airport. LEFT: Aerial shots revealed the passenger show an impressive structure. carrier is delighted to be RIGHT: John Wagner and the first carrier to start QantasLink chief executive officer services from Australia’s John Gissing with one of the planes newest private airport. to fly out of the airport. “We’re offering 11 CONTRIBUTED services a week to Sydney, and the opening of the new “It’s a great airport and that we Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport has “In 2001 the State Government airport has unveiled newwere able to build it from start to brought to the Toowoomba region is and the local shire council were growth opportunities forfinish in just 18 months is a great the Wellcamp Business Park, which looking for areas for future large the wider region, so it’sachievement.” covers 500 hectares of the total site scale industrial development, and something that we are very of 2000 hectares. after much public consultation and excited to be part of. Toowoomba’s new airport is also exhaustive studies, the need wasgaining attention for its innovation in A five-star precinct designed to identified and Wellcamp was “We’re a lifeline toproducing a minimal environmental generate further investment in the rezoned as a major industry hub,” Mr millions of Australians whoimpact. area, the business park will become Wagner said. live sometimes thousands home to various companies looking of kilometres from a It’s the first airport ever to be to take advantage of the “Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport capital city and hundredsconstructed using Wagners’ development’s valuable proximity to will be a world-class business of kilometres from theaward-winning Earth Friendly the first privately-owned public precinct. nearest town.”Concrete — the lowest carbon, airport servicing Australia’s secondcement-free geopolymer concrete largest inland city. “It will generate employment As a major procurer ofcurrently available in the world. opportunities in Toowoomba and the local goods and services in The complex has land available for region, it will entice new industries the regions, from catering There has been more than 30,000 lease or sale for businesses looking to Toowoomba and the region, it will to accommodation, thecubic metres of Earth Friendly to capitalise on the region’s growth, help us broaden and develop our company will bring manyConcrete used in the airport’s and is suitable for a range of skill base for this region, and it will benefits to the region.terminal, aprons, runway, and companies and industries, from give us connectivity to the worldaccess bridges, reducing the carbon avionics, aviation support through convenient air travel.” The spokesperson saysemissions for construction by more industries, logistics and transport, the opportunity to helpthan 6600 tonnes and proving warehousing, manufacturing, food While forming only one part of a connect Toowoomba andBrisbane West Wellcamp Airport was processing and factory outlets. bigger plan for Toowoomba, other regional centres likecommunity and environmentally Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and it is important to theminded long before it was bolstering Wagners’ managing director Denis the adjoining Wellcamp Business carrier, adding that tourismthe local economy. Wagner says the business park has Park have created a strong is vital to the region and is been in the pipeline since 2001. foundation for future developments an aspect that should be Extending the opportunities to build on, and they are providing focussed on. benefits that will only strengthen the region in the years to come. ◆ “We carry tourists to resorts; farmers, social workers, teachers, medical staff and resource industry workers to the outback; and even politicians to and from the nation’s capital Canberra. “We also market and promote many local tourism and business opportunities in regional Australia and sponsor a wide range of regional sporting and cultural events across Australia, in addition to supporting the Qantas Group's broader contribution to domestic tourism promotion. “We hope to continue this trend in Toowoomba and work closely with many business and tourism operators in the region — in particular the Toowoomba Regional Council, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, Southern Queensland Country Tourism and other key stakeholders — to promote the new QantasLink services to the wider community.” 7◆

TOOWOOMBA LEFT: One of the GETS A new residential GLOWING land FORECAST FOR construction CONSTRUCTION sites, Sanctuary Rise. BELOW According to the latest LEFT: The latest figures from the ABS and edition to the positive sentiment from Empire Theatre the region’s builders, lights up. Toowoomba’s building and BELOW RIGHT: construction is booming The new with positive times on the Northpoint horizon. Shopping Centre is among the The latest building region’s latest approvals reveal that additions housing construction in the improving region is particularly lifestyle. buoyant, with total dwelling approvals up almost 25 per CONTRIBUTED cent compared to the◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E previous 12 months, with a UNDER positive outlook ahead. CONSTRUCTION Master Builders’ latest TOOWOOMBA’S REPUTATION AS A BOOM TOWN Survey of Industry CONTINUES AS THE BUILDING INDUSTRY THRIVES Conditions indicates confidence is also on the W ith a wealth of can take advantage of all the growth the Surat Basin, plus the local up, with feedback from employment markets in the area. subdivision and residential market members that trading opportunities, a have shown strong growth.” conditions in the industry thriving “We are very confident in the remain solid. reputation for continued growth of our region,” Mr But while industrial and residential its active Weymouth said. buildings are leading the charge, While not growing at the lifestyle and quality education, and there is plenty of work underway same pace, commercial a growing investment portfolio, it “There has been an increase in designed to improve the region’s construction remains should come as no surprise that the value of construction undertaken lifestyle and cater for its growing steady, with improving Toowoomba is in the midst of a in our region over the last three population. confidence in the market. construction boom. years. According to Master Builders Mr Weymouth says his company Toowoomba is well Queensland’s June 2014 regional ‘‘THERE HAS BEEN AN has completed three stages of work placed to continue this summary, the Darling Downs and upgrading local icon, the Empire growth with a range of new South West Queensland are leading INCREASE IN THE Theatre, and has recently been large scale projects in the VALUE O F engaged to design and build the new pipeline, including the the state’s employment, capital CONSTRUCTION $24.5 million Toowoomba City Toowoomba Range bypass expenditure, level of work and UNDERTAKEN IN Library. and development around average wage figures for the sector. OUR REGION OVER the new airport precinct. THE LAST THREE Covering an area of 2560m2, with These positive results are a YEARS. a further 1031m2 of additional These projects are reflection of Toowoomba’s growth; community facilities, this project will contributing to a boost of the increasing population and rising ROB WEYMOUTH add to the already impressive confidence in the local level of investment across a variety collection of cultural and civic economy, with all indicators of sectors providing proof that we “This has been linked to enriching facilities available to the suggesting Toowoomba is a can expect big things in the city’s development in the Surat Basin, plus public in Toowoomba. great place to invest. future. the strong business and agriculture foundations of our economy. As highlighted by Master Builders One of the main reasons Area manager for Hutchinson Queensland, this construction boom for Toowoomba’s strong Builders’ Toowoomba office Rob “We have obviously seen an has further benefitted the city by and relatively stable Weymouth has backed this increase in civil, accommodation and boosting jobs, and whether you’re a economic performance is sentiment, stating that his company services projects associated with worker in the trade or one of the its diverse economic base. has recently diversified to include thousands of future employees of construction, civil, modular, the businesses brought to town by Added to this, housing pipework and fire rating work so they this expansion of the city, the affordability relative to opportunities are hard to beat. ◆ many other regional centres is good, unemployment is low and Local and State Governments are committed to investing in public services and infrastructure. If you work in the core building trades, there are plenty of opportunities to either change career, start a new one or get ahead. Master Builders offers a range of training courses to help grow skills and careers in an industry that continues to prosper in the greater Toowoomba region. Grant Galvin, Master Builders Queensland 8◆

THEMISSINGLINKTHE CONSTRUCTION OF ANINLAND PORT IS SET TO OPENEXPORT OPPORTUNITIES BYCONNECTING TOOWOOMBATO SOME OF AUSTRALIA’SMAJOR CITIES BOLD VISION: The InterLinkSQ will provide something Toowoomba’s never seen. CONTRIBUTEDF or years Toowoomba has ‘‘RAIL IS THE of both imports and exports via road, freight onto and off of rail. I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ been lining up to become rail, air or sea. It will be an economic catalyst, the agricultural capital of FUTURE OF OUR Queensland, but has been FREIGHT AND John Dornbusch, chairman of the creating jobs and bringing business to inhibited by its lack of LOGISTICS company behind InterLinkSQ, says while the area, helping to support the accessibility. INDUSTRIES the impending Inland Rail construction infrastructure investment in the airport However, a recent spate of AND OUR linking the ports of Brisbane and and road network upgrades. developments is set to cultivate the PRECINCT IS IN Melbourne will boost the operation of region’s raw potential into an economic A PRIME the terminal, the region’s growing focus The rail precinct will include grain powerhouse. POSITION TO as a transport and logistics hub will be and commodities storage, processing SUPPORT BOTH the initial focus of the development. and loading facilities, rail maintenance There’s the announcement of the ROAD AND RAIL and provisioning, and a large container Toowoomba Second Range Crossing to FREIGHT Rail operations from the terminal are handling and storage area. be completed in 2018 — a MOVEMENTS. expected to commence on the current much-needed second road set to halve rail line and will only increase with the Large drive-through sites with the time it takes to travel through the JOHN DORNBUSCH advent of the upgraded line through to requisite ancillary services are also city, the pre-construction planning of the the Port of Brisbane. part of the master plan, as well as a highly-endorsed Inland Rail Project to toowoombaenterprisehub.com.au truck breakdown and reconfiguration begin this year, and the Brisbane West “This has been supported by the area with 24-hour secure parking, while Wellcamp Airport, which opened its current Federal Government focus on Australian Quarantine and Inspection doors in November. the Inland Rail planning and the Service clearing and customs bond introduction of the Implementation facilities will also be accessible on site InterLinkSQ has been designed to Group, chaired by John Anderson,” Mr to ensure the safe passage of capitalise on the region’s improved Dornbusch said. material. connectivity, strong economy and growing freight task by providing an Deputy Prime Minister, the General and cold-store housing, intermodal terminal and industrial Honourable Warren Truss MP also transport depots, food manufacturing precinct featuring a rail and container supports this. facilities and other support services terminal. ensure everything needed for the “This government knows Inland Rail smooth transportation of products is Located 13km from the Toowoomba is a project that we absolutely have to available all in the one place, and also CBD, InterLinkSQ will be positioned at get right and one that we need sooner provides an opportunity for businesses the northern end of the Toowoomba rather than later,” Mr Truss said. to consolidate operations to more Enterprise Hub — 2000 hectares of conveniently and efficiently address industrial land on the western outskirts Mr Dornbusch says the decision to domestic and international markets. of the city, that is set to become a forge ahead makes complete sense. catalyst for major economic growth in Fully serviced lots for InterLinkSQ the region and the state. “Rail is the future of our freight and will range from two to 25 hectares, with logistics industries, and our precinct is businesses who are looking to invest Its key strategic position alongside in a prime position to support both road having the option to buy or lease the current Western Rail line and at the and rail freight movements,” he said. property from design and construct, junction of the Warrego, New England and land-only options. and Gore Highways, as well as the InterLinkSQ will feature a railway Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, terminal with nearly three kilometres of As the centre of the industrial and currently offers both rail and road-train frontage to the West Morton Rail Line agricultural hub, and with investment accessibility and connectivity. and the Inland Rail alignment. opportunities for businesses looking to make the most of Toowoomba’s new With the development of a rail Port Its 200 hectare precinct will offer connectivity at the forefront of their Shuttle service to the Port of Brisbane more than 100 hectares of direct mind, it’s full steam ahead for Freight underway, and with its close proximity to private connection to the terminal, Terminals as they boost Toowoomba’s the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, it providing companies with a time and status as a freight and logistics ensures quick and easy transportation cost saving option in freight movement. epicentre with InterLinkSQ. ◆ InterLinkSQ will provide the missing link when it comes to rail transport in the Toowoomba region – a modern, efficient terminal for the transfer of 9◆

BOTTOM: An artist’s impression of the new DEMAND EXPANDS Quest Serviced Hotel. ABOVE: An aerial view of TOOWOOMBA REGION’S Witmack Industry Park. LEFT: The Vinidex DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY complex in the Witmack Industry Park. T oowoomba is undergoing RIGHT: The Iplex pipeline located in the Witmack unprecedented development, the scale of Industry Park. CONTRIBUTED which has not been seen before, thanks to the◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E recognition from Federal and State Governments of the role Toowoomba plays as a regional capital. And given the forecast local construction company the FKG Group’s group manager for property development, Dallas Hunter has given, it’s a sector that’s only going to grow. “A range of constructions taking place across the region, including QIC’s expansion of Grand Central shopping centre, the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and $100 million worth of industrial and business development for the FKG Group, highlights the growth in the region and that we will continue to see high demand for vacant land in Toowoomba,” Mr Hunter said. Such changes, he says, cover a broad range of areas, from expansion in the residential sector to major developments in industry, retail, education and health. The Toowoomba region is already under pressure to meet the growing demand to accommodate the influx of visitors attending events such as the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and the FKG Tour of Toowoomba. This attraction to the region is set to continue with the opening of the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport, placing further strain on an already underserviced hotel and motel industry. Construction companies across the region have been contracted to build a string of new buildings, including the new Laguna Service Apartments, and the new eight level, 74 room Quest Serviced Hotel due to open in June 2015, which will become a sight to behold, incorporating the church as the entry and reception in the modern new apartments. “The inclusion of a tower crane on the CBD skyline has been a welcome sight,” Mr Hunter said. Unit development in Toowoomba is also experiencing a string of activity driven by two factors — the first being the entry of Brisbane and interstate investors into the market. This in part has been driven by the positive property market outlook given 10 ◆

DEVELOPING RISE INTOOWOOMBA’S POPULATIONFUTURE SEES BOOST‘‘A NUMBER OF by industry experts such as Terry Ryder Iplex Pipelines, Vinidex, Boral, Savanna IN SKILLS I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ and Michael Matuzik. Energy and Saxon already established BUSINESSES ARE and operational. Toowoomba has recently ALREADY SEEING The second driver in the market, and seen a growth of new THE the catalyst for significant development, FKG Group were the company behind opportunities in the region SIGNIFICANT has been the Toowoomba Regional Witmack’s construction, and Mr Hunter and due to this, it is COMPETITIVE Council’s decision to offer an says they’re happy to see it thriving. expected that Toowoomba A DVANTAGE S infrastructure charges incentive for infill will see an influx of FOR THOSE WHO development, which has seen unit “A number of businesses are already jobseekers looking to ARE KEEN TO development approval jump from the seeing the significant competitive make the most of these ACCESS AND normal 400 to 500 back to pre-GFC levels advantages for those who are keen to ideal market trends. S E RVI C E T HE of more than 1200. access and service the coal and coal COAL AND COAL seam gas developments,” Mr Hunter Despite the fact the SEAM GAS In terms of residential land said. region is seeing a steady DEVELOPMENTS. development, Mr Hunter says Toowoomba number of hospitality, is experiencing strong development “We are currently adding a further 34 construction and DALLAS HUNTER supported by a strong market and sales hectares of adjoining greenfield land with engineering jobs, along activity. Warrego Highway frontage, and we’re with an abundance of civil toowoombaenterprisehub.com.au negotiating with a number of users who construction works Clive Berghofer Land Sales is need the direct highway access.” happening, there are continuing to develop their substantial limited apprenticeships land bank throughout Toowoomba, On top of the monumental and traineeships stemming Highfields and Westbrook, with three developments in the residential and from these new projects. estates currently being constructed and industrial sectors, there’s plenty of other sold in the popular areas of Middle Ridge, major projects shaping the future of This is where group Highfields and Nelson/Kearney St Estate. Toowoomba. training organisations are able to step in and provide However, Mr Hunter says the eastern From the redevelopment of Grand major projects with side of Toowoomba, and the Wilsonton Central and Gardentown shopping apprentices and trainees and Glenvale suburbs are the ones to centres, a new shopping centre in the for the required timeframe watch, with FKG currently working in neighbourhood of Northpoint and a major of the projects, without the these areas to meet demand. expansion of the Centrepoint bulk goods relevant companies centre — a development currently in the needing to continue “We’re developing some 101 lots on approval stage set to be undertaken by employment after the the eastern side of Toowoomba on the local rural producers DA Hall of the project is completed. Ruthven St near the KMart shopping Sunny Queen Eggs group — there’s much centre,” Mr Hunter said. to get excited about. The most buoyant employment market “The Sorrento Estate is under The impact of the growth of the currently appears to be the construction, with stages 1 and 2 sold Toowoomba region includes the labour hire sector, with out, proving just how popular the area is.” education sector, where school facilities labourers, drivers, and are expanding and upgrades are taking people from a variety of In the industrial sector, the Toowoomba place. professions looking to work Enterprise Hub is making waves as the on short term projects. largest greenfield industrial precinct in Toowoomba Grammar School is Australia, housing significant transport, undergoing an expansion of facilities, Toowoomba has great logistics and business hubs. which will accommodate boarding opportunities for young students and enable existing boarding people and The Strategically located just more than houses to be converted to art and drama Apprenticeship Company one hour from Brisbane and at the studios and an industrial design, has extended their scope intersection of four major highways — the technology and robotics centre. to provide pre-employment Warrego, New England, Gore and courses in construction Cunningham Highways — it brings Meanwhile, the FKG Group is just and hospitality, which have together air, road and rail connectivity. completing the construction of a new high proven to be very school at Highfields for the Queensland successful in their The hub revolves around three major Department of Education set to open to employment outcomes. stake-holders: Brisbane West Wellcamp new students in 2015, and Highfields will Airport and Wellcamp Business Park, have a second high school, with Catholic For those looking to InterLinkSQ, and Witmack Industry Park. Education planning a new school for the ensure they place 2016 school year. themselves in the best Witmack Industry Park was the first stead to get a job in the industrial estate in the Toowoomba Bringing Toowoomba forward as a Toowoomba workforce, Enterprise Hub, with construction service, infrastructure and residential there are some worthwhile beginning in 2011 due to an hub and with systematic economic steps to take. infrastructure agreement with the boosts, it’s clear the region is quickly Toowoomba Regional Council, where becoming a hot spot to watch – and with Networking with your FKG’s provision of required services and the innovative, entrepreneurial activity local group training funding was the catalyst for development Toowoomba’s industry is fostering, it’s organisation and to commence. set to become a barometer of growth for participating in Queensland, if not the country. ◆ employment programs can It has attracted global and national be a valuable exercise to business entities to the area, including undertake, and we offer a number of these opportunities. Training has been one of our main driving forces over the past year, as excelling in desired skill sets boosts your employability. Darren McDonell Downs Group Training 11 ◆

◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E GATEWAY TO THE RESOURCE BOOM WITH A ROARING TRADE DRIVING LOCAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, TOOWOOMBA IS THE PRIME LOCATION TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SURAT AND COOPER BASIN’S RESOURCES SECTOR C oal seam gas is an home-grown Toowoomba-based ‘‘WE EXPECT OUR the companies who are pouring their increasingly popular business, Easternwell is among the money and efforts into the region resource that many many groups invested in the region’s W ELL SERVIC ING either. companies are resources. AND CAMP investing in to help MANAGEMENT South-west Queensland’s economy power our nation — and Chief executive officer of their energy TO GROW is, of course, a major beneficiary of the the south-west Queensland region is business Warren Willmington says their SIGNIF ICANT LY resources boom. overflowing with it. decision to focus their efforts within AND T H AT TH E the region, like many of the companies EMERGENCE OF Mr Willmington says the company With a vast number of projects now in the area, was driven by the SHALE GAS WILL contributed $110 million to the located in the region dedicated to incredible prospects forecast for its PROVIDE LOTS Queensland and South Australian extracting this valuable resource, the future. OF economies in 2013 in equipment, local economy is benefitting in more OPPORTUNITIES. supply and service provider overheads, ways than one. “We expect our well servicing and and while this is an extraordinary camp management to grow WARREN boost, it’s just the tip of the proverbial While the resources boom may be significantly and that the emergence of WILLMINGTON iceberg. subsiding in other parts of the country, shale gas will provide lots of the sector continues to thrive in opportunities,” Mr Willmington said. In 2013, the State Government Toowoomba and its surrounding recorded more than $20 billion injected regions, contributing greatly not only to Such opportunities include major into Queenland’s economy from liquid the local economy through production contracts with key players within the natural gas alone, so when combined and expenditure, but also to local job sector such as QGC, with whom with the incredible prosperity of the creation and increased infrastructure. Easternwell has multiple contracts coal seam gas industry, the figures are worth in excess of $42 million each, astronomical. One of Australia’s leading drilling and Arrow Energy and Santos. well-servicing companies, and But it’s local job seekers and their The economic perks aren’t limited to communities who are really winning. 12 ◆

LEFT: The team at Easternwell in Surat Basin are looking I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ forward to working on new workover rigs. ABOVE: One of Easternwell’s latest advancements in drilling technology is the cyber chair control centre. CONTRIBUTED Mr Willmington says more than Through the sponsorships and construction conglomerate, high pressure and temperature ofa third of Easternwell’s 60-strong grant programs run by the Transfield Services, Easternwell shale gas drilling, beganrig fleet and in excess of 60 businesses in the sector, has had the backing to expand and operations in November this year.remote mobile camps are based in community organisations have explore innovative technology andthe Surat and Cooper Basins, and profited exponentially, meaning an develop workover rigs that are As the gateway to the resourceswith 65 per cent of their workforce investment in the local resources highly mobile through their boom taking place in and aroundlocated in rural Queensland, this industry is an investment in the versatile and modular design — the Darling Downs and Surat Basinis opening up significant future of Toowoomba. which means operators will be able regions, Toowoomba is the perfectemployment opportunities for the to move rigs 365 days a year with location for people wanting to takeregion. “We have provided more than no permits required. advantage of the exciting $115,000 to 110 community opportunities available. “We are one of the largest organisations through our This revolutionary design alsoemployers in Toowoomba and we Easternwell Community Grants means a conventional workover rig Brimming with the benefits ofemploy locally – focusing on program,” Mr Willmington said. package, including air packs, is being the largest inland city inproviding genuine training and reduced by 40 per cent, minimising Queensland, including access tocareer progression opportunities The constant development in the loads and reducing its excellent education options, afor our people,” Mr Willmington Darling Downs and south-west environmental footprint by booming real estate market, andsaid. Queensland’s resources sector is removing spill fluid and power facilities catering to all lifestyles also placing the region at the systems. while maintaining the relaxed “Investing in our people to take forefront of innovation. attitude and minimal traffic of aadvantage of future growth This use of the best technology regional town, Toowoomba makesopportunities is critical; including Easternwell’s newest drilling and in Australia has begun to be rolled the perfect home base forattracting people to the region to workover rigs represent a step out with QGC’s Tight Gas Sand employees of the resource industrywork for us.” change in the current rig project in the Bowen Basin. and their families. ◆ technology available in Australia. The benefits extend beyond the The introduction of Easternwell’sindustry and those within it too. As a subsidiary of Australian latest rig, built specifically for the operations, maintenance and 13 ◆

WORKING HAND IN HAND INNOVATION IN THE DARLING DOWNS MINING SECTOR SOWS THE SEEDS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E WORKING THE LAND: The team at New Hope Group work to rehabilitate their ‘‘MORE THAN 300 performance of cattle on rehabilitated land,” Mr Muirhead said. mined land for agricultural use. CONTRIBUTED H EC TARES H AVE BEEN “In the first year, the weight gains for T he Darling Downs region establishment of farming, grazing and REH ABILITATED the cattle on the mined areas were is renowned for its land management enterprise, the AND RETURNED slightly higher than the benchmark prosperity in mining; it’s a Acland Pastoral Company (APC), has TO CAT TLE data for the local area. driving force in the been vital in carrying out New Hope’s GRAZING LAND growing local economy, sustainability plan, and it continues to IN OUR LAND “It is expected that these results will and in addition to demonstrate the ability for mining and MANAGEMENT continue into the second phase of the producing much of the nation’s agriculture to co-exist by farming mine PROGRAM, trial. resources, also accounts for much of buffer zones and rehabilitating mine WHICH the state’s job creation. areas for the return to grazing. ENSURES T H AT “For this second round of cattle But behind the thriving local resources MINED LAND trials we have sourced the cattle from sector is a realm of impressive “APC oversees 10,000 hectares of CONVERTS the same supplier, which ensures we innovation that is not only advancing land, including grazing about 2000 BACK TO are comparing the same breed, the industry’s productivity, but also head of cattle and managing 2400 PRODUCTIVE genetics and age for all beasts in the paving the way for a more hectares of crops, which are primarily AGR ICULTURAL study.” environmentally responsible approach sold in the Darling Downs region,” Mr USES AS WELL that will see mining and agriculture Stephan said. AS Mr Stephan says while mining work hand-in-hand in what many will C ONSERVAT ION companies have social license to perceive as an unlikely partnership. “More than 300 hectares have been AREAS. operate and legislative obligations to rehabilitated and returned to cattle rehabilitate land successfully, it is also Leading the way in this promising grazing land in our land management SHANE imperative for New Hope to return field is the New Acland Coal Mine, the program, which ensures that mined STEPHAN mined land to productive use. largest project by New Hope Group, land converts back to productive which has been operating on the agricultural uses as well as “With only a small part of the total Darling Downs since 2002. conservation areas.” land area being actively mined at any one time, it makes good economic Located 35 kilometres north-west of APC’s manager Ben Muirhead says sense for New Hope and the Acland Toowoomba, New Acland currently the company is currently conducting its Pastoral Company to look at ways of produces approximately 4.8 million second year of scientific cattle grazing using the land as productively as tonnes of thermal coal per annum and trials on rehabilitated mined land, possible – not just for mining but for employs approximately 300 locals partnering with the University of agricultural uses as well,” he said. directly, with a further 160 full time Southern Queensland (USQ) and contractor jobs and thousands more independent agricultural consultants New Hope is currently awaiting the indirect jobs. Outcross, to refine the program. decision from the State Government regarding its revised New Acland Coal But what makes this project so USQ experts are investigating the Mine Stage 3 Project, which will ensure revolutionary isn’t just its production of soil chemistry, structure and microbial current employment and economic Tivoli brand coal — one of Australia’s activity, while Outcross is supervising benefits are not lost from the Darling cleanest burning coals — but its the latest round of cattle grazing trials. Downs. successful rehabilitation of mining areas into farmland. “This second stage of the five-year “If Stage 3 is given the go-ahead it program will be very important in will attract construction costs of about New Hope’s chief executive officer identifying any improvements we can $896 million, will employ up to 260 Shane Stephan says his company’s make in these cattle trials and any people in construction jobs and about other factors that may affect the 435 operational jobs at its peak, plus thousands of additional indirect jobs in manufacturing, services and supplies,” Mr Stephan said. “The total economic output for Stage 3 of the New Acland Mine is estimated to be about $19 billion.” With a clear vision for a harmonious relationship between mining and agriculture, the New Acland Coal Mine is paving the way for the future. ◆ 14 ◆

LEFT: Alexander TOOWOOMBA Stephens shows how UNIVERSITY Toowoomba ADVANCES IN contributes to AGRICULTURE Australia’s production of cotton. Few Australians are aware BELOW LEFT: Milton that a quiet revolution is Fowler shows off his taking place on our farms prize winning bull at and beyond. the 2013 Ag Show. RIGHT: Promo girls Nowhere is this more Katelyn Stockill and evident than on the Darling Shara Helmstedt Downs, one of Australia’s show off some of the prime agricultural areas products on offer at and hubs for national FarmFest. agribusiness. CONTRIBUTED Researchers at the University of SouthernHARVESTING Queenland’s Institute for I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆POTENTIAL Agriculture and the Environment are leadingA THRIVING AGRICULTURAL SECTOR CONTINUES the development of smartTO STEER TOOWOOMBA’S ECONOMY TO SUCCESS farming systems. This signals wide spreadW ith soil rich in Other thriving areas in This translates to six per cent of adoption of intelligent, minerals and Toowoomba’s agricultural sector are the Darling Downs’ total working automated agricultural rolling plains laying chickens, which account for population, making it the region’s production systems that accounting for $127.2 million, cotton, which brings fifth largest industry employer. crunch ‘big data’ and use 75 per cent of in $101.6 million, meat and dairy sophisticated sensing and the region, it’s cattle, which drew $69.3 million As the largest local sector in robotic technologies. easy to see why Toowoomba and its each, sorghum with $66.1 million, terms of its sheer number of surrounding area is an agricultural and pigs with $47.8 million. businesses, and a fierce competitor For more than 20 years, powerhouse, and with the many when it comes to total annual USQ has been quietly new export opportunities set to Thanks to these high revenues, industry turnover, agriculture has a undertaking ground arrive alongside some of the Toowoomba and the Darling Downs breaking agricultural region’s biggest developments, it’s is home to several national great influence on the local research that now an industry that’s only going to industry leaders, including lifestyle. contributes more than half grow. several major abattoirs, As a result, a number a billion dollars a year to two of Australia’s largest of events are held to Australia’s agricultural Encompassing an immensely cattle sale yards and promote and showcase productivity. diverse range of industries, from one of Australia’s the latest research, grain, cotton and horticulture to largest pork producers. products and Our practical, dairy and a variety of livestock, technology in the solution-focused research farmers and the local food But it is also where industry to aid is also helping industry to processors that turn their harvest many smaller scale businesses with their build superior agricultural into quality products are the farmers have chosen to set ‘value chains’, on-farm and backbone of Toowoomba’s economy. up base and make a living, and progression into the future. beyond. Toowoomba residents understand From the CRT FarmFest to the According to the Australian Bureau the importance of supporting and region’s most important field event It’s estimated Asia will of Statistics, the total agricultural buying local products. Ag Show, every facet of agribusiness account for 71 per cent of output of the 2010/2011 harvest and the primary industries is the world’s future growth in rose to an impressive $664 million, The sector is responsible for much addressed and embraced. food demand. with livestock slaughterings proving of the city’s employment; its work From the farm to our plates and the highest earning commodity, base made up of approximately even the export market, it’s a team Our work with regional accounting for 28.5 per cent. 3640 of the region’s residents in effort, but it’s one that benefits producers, 2011, according to ABS figures. Toowoomba and its people. ◆ agribusinesses, and the Queensland Departments of Food, Fisheries and Forestry (QDAFF), and Transport and Main Roads is geared to developing new export opportunities for horticulture and chilled beef to cater for Asia’s growing middle class. Tom Wiley, managing director of Wiley, a national food engineering firm sums up industry sentiment, “USQ’s integrated future farming research will help lead us and others inside the agribusiness value chain to new, innovative solutions to some of the big, global challenges that we all share\". Professor Steven Raine USQ Institute for Agriculture and the Environment 15 ◆

RETAIL GETS RENOVATED A MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT IN TOOWOOMBA’S CBD IS SET TO CHANGE THE FACE OF THE CITY WITH A FRESH AND IMPRESSIVE NEW SHOPPING PRECINCT◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E O nline shopping may increase the size of Toowoomba’s ‘‘ONCE COMPLETE, have dealt a blow to existing shopping options. local retailers over the THE projected growth of the mining years, but a new $460 “Once complete, the development DEVELOPMENT industry, excellent educational and million development in will increase the size of the two WILL INCREASE commercial facilities, and the success the heart of centres by approximately 30,000 THE SIZE OF THE of established tourism events such as Toowoomba’s CBD is set to prove a square metres, and will create one of TWO CENTRES BY Carnival of Flowers, all underpin the game changer when it comes to Toowoomba’s most progressive and APPROXIM AT ELY progression of the region to become a buyers shopping locally. exciting urban shopping, 30,000 SQUARE thriving mining, economic and entertainment and leisure METRES, AND education hub,” Mr Leigh said. One of Australia’s largest destinations,” Mr Leigh said. W ILL C REAT E institutional fund managers QIC has ONE OF “The development will provide more begun preparations on Grand Central’s “The development will blend modern TOOWOOMBA’S choice and variety for Toowoomba much anticipated $460 million-plus architecture and innovative design to MOST residents, as well as an enhanced development, which will transform the create a superior new urban address PROGRESSIVE shopping experience, contributing to centre into the Toowoomba region’s that will appeal to a thriving trade area AND EXCITING the revitalisation of the CBD, and unrivalled retail, entertainment and and draw people from across the URBAN offering customers more choice than lifestyle destination delivering a region. SHOPPING, anywhere else in the region.” world-class retail offer. ENT ERTAINM ENT “It will deliver a new dining precinct, AND LEISURE It’s not just the residents who will The development of Grand Central, new discount department stores, new D EST INATIONS. benefit from the plethora of new including a two-level retail link to the supermarkets and additional specialty options laid before them; the region’s former Gardentown Shopping Centre, retailers, and will offer entertainment, STEVEN LEIGH will maximise the prime location of the dining and community facilities that complex at the heart of a vibrant, are not currently available in the area.” diverse and thriving regional area. The new complex, due for The dominant shopping centre for completion in late 2016, comes as a the broader Toowoomba and Darling much needed boost to Toowoomba’s Downs region, Grand Central has been retail sector. wholly owned by QIC since its completion in 1996 and is currently With the population of Toowoomba comprised of approximately 140 and its surrounding areas predicted to specialty stores, including Myer, reach 332,000 in 2017, there has Target, Coles and Birch Carroll & Coyle been an obvious increase in the cinemas. development of the region’s infrastructure and resources to cope. But it’s also part of a greater vision, and when its 46,000 square metres of As a result, retail expenditure is also gross lettable area is combined with forecast to grow from $3.7 billion in neighbouring QIC complex Gardentown 2013 to an anticipated $4.2 billion in in what is promising to be a 2017, highlighting the region’s need monumental overhaul, Grand Central for an expanded retail sector. will become a 90,000 square metre shopping precinct like nothing the Mr Leigh explains that the decision region has seen before. to expand local retail choices is therefore a logical one when it comes QIC Global Real Estate’s managing to fulfilling the needs of Australia’s director Steven Leigh says this second largest inland city. development will do far more than just “There are several major infrastructure projects currently underway, and this alongside the 16 ◆

LEFT: The position and size of the LOCAL REAL I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ new Grand Central Shopping Centre ESTATE is highlighted. ABOVE AND RIGHT: LEVELS SOAR An artist gives their impression of what the revitalised complex will The \"crane indicator look like. index\", has Toowoomba business surging. CONTRIBUTED The index, first used byeconomy is also set to gain. offer will allow residents to shop and an estimated 1500 jobs created former premier of Despite dominating the trade area, spend locally for all their retail during the construction phase and Queensland Joh Bjielke needs. around 1000 local retail jobs created Petersen, judged “cranesresearch suggests as much as $886 upon completion. on the skyline as amillion of retail spend by residents in Local employment levels are also measure of the state’sGrand Central’s catchment is set to receive another boost, with the “Our vision is to create a magnetic prosperity”.currently being lost to other locations addition of 160 new specialty stores destination for the community thatsuch as Brisbane, the Sunshine and opening plenty of new job embodies the pride, tradition, culture The Garden City skylineGold Coasts, and online due to the opportunities. and opportunity of the Toowoomba is dotted with cranes.lack of variety and limited retail region,” Mr Leigh said.currently available, and this figure is Toowoomba is currently The visual indication isforecast to grow. experiencing stable growth within the The transformation of Grand supported by the factual economy, but the forecast increase Central is a significant development knowledge of the region’s But with the revival and expansion of vacant jobs comes as good news of a scale and quality to world-class leading authority onof Toowoomba’s shopping precinct, nonetheless, bolstering the city’s standards, delivering a new commercial andin line with Toowoomba Regional position of having one of the lowest generation centre with the residential real estate, LJCouncil’s City Centre Master Plan for unemployment rates of all experiences, the retailers, the Hooker principal and chiefenhancing the city, the region will Queensland regional centres. activities and the accessibility to executive officer, Mikecapture some of the retail spend draw people from across the Stewart.currently escaping as the expanded “The development will generate Toowoomba region. ◆ local employment opportunities, with “The availability of cheap debt over the second half of 2014 is seeing investor demand remain quite high, and all indication points towards that continuing to the end of the year as they take advantage of the current yields,” Mr Stewart said. “It certainly bodes very well for Toowoomba and the south-west moving into the start of 2015.” The Garden City is a prime example of the national market, which recorded $13.7 billion worth of commercial property sales from January to July this year. While demand for retail and industrial space has been strong, it’s the owner occupiers who have been leading the charge in the office space sector. “The national figures are quite extraordinary, and they’re actually being reflected in the local market, with very strong demand from owner occupiers for commercial office space – particularly in the CBD and fringes,” Mr Stewart said. But it’s just the start of the sort of investment the city can expect to enjoy over the coming months and years. The residential spotlight also remains on Toowoomba. “Toowoomba was recently named the most family friendly city in Queensland and the fourth in Australia for very good reasons,” Mr Stewart said. Mike Stewart LJ Hooker Toowoomba 17 ◆

LEFT: Heritage Bank employees and their families get into the carnival spirit. BELOW LEFT: RASQ chief executive officer Damon Phillips and Heritage Banks’ John Minz open the 2014 Ag Show. CONTRIBUTED EMBRACING COMMUNITY◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ‘‘COMMUNITY DESPITE ITS EXPONENTIAL GROWTH AS A CITY, EVENTS ARE TOOWOOMBA REMAINS A V I TAL F OR SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY WITH TOOWOOMBA IN PLENTY OF HEART A NUMBER OF A s a tight knit WAYS — TH EY activities that deliver entertainment, the Toowoomba community is always community, Toowoomba BRING PEOPLE enjoyment and a sense of community, willing to pull together and lend a is a city that truly TOGETHER IN and those elements contribute to a helping hand. embodies the value of SHARED richer lifestyle for everyone in the banding together in A C T I V IT IES T H AT region and help give Toowoomba its “Many of the major events in the support of one another, DELIVER identity,” Mr Minz said. region provide fundraising benefits or whether it be in celebration or times E N T ERTAINM ENT, assistance for charities and of difficulty. ENJOYMENT AND “Big events also make a huge not-for-profit organisations,” Mr Minz Toowoomba businesses and A SENSE OF contribution to the prosperity of the said. residents understand the benefits of C OMM UNIT Y, Toowoomba region, whether that’s holding community events and AND THOSE through the massive tourism influx that “These groups are the social glue sponsoring local initiatives, and this is ELEMENTS the Carnival of Flowers generates, or that helps keep this community reflected by the sheer number and CONTRIBUTE TO through the boost to the agricultural together, and provide invaluable quality of festivities held throughout A RICHER sector that the Ag Show provides.” assistance for less fortunate sectors the region each year. LIFESTYLE FOR of the community.” EVERYONE IN Mr Minz believes local businesses From the iconic Carnival of Flowers THE REGION AND play an important role in promoting an “Everyone benefits when we come — an event that places Toowoomba on HELP GIVE active community, an area in which together as a community to share our the global stage — to annual regional TOOWOOMBA ITS Toowoomba particularly thrives in. benefits and our burdens.” favourites including Ag Show and the I D E N T IT Y. Toowoomba Royal Show, to more “As a major Toowoomba-based This admirable approach is one that localised occasions such as the JOHN MINZ company we have a responsibility to is proudly echoed throughout the Toowoomba Business Excellence support the big events that drive added region, and it is something Mr Minz Awards and the Mayoral Carols by prosperity in the region, as well as the says every community around Australia Candlelight, there is something to activities that bring the community can learn from. satisfy every interest. together,” Mr Minz said. “The beauty of Toowoomba is that As the major sponsor of these and “That’s why we, and many other we do have a very strong and cohesive many more of Toowoomba’s premier prominent businesses in the region, sense of community, with a events, Heritage Bank’s chief executive actively seek out ways that we can friendliness and spirit that can often officer John Minz says his bank's aim make a positive difference to the be lacking in bigger cities. in providing this support is primarily overall well-being of the Toowoomba angled at achieving unity among community, through sponsoring local “Community involvement can be as Toowoomba residents. events, activities and organisations.” simple as getting to know your neighbours, or taking part in But he says drawing outside interest But the beauty of the city’s great community events, or could involve in the form of tourism is an aspect spirit goes far beyond just securing a volunteering to help a local charity. that’s also deeply important to them. better lifestyle for its residents. “There are plenty of organisations “Community events are vital for Whether it’s helping to keep local looking for new members and a helping Toowoomba in a number of ways — sporting groups up and running for hand. they bring people together in shared younger generations to enjoy or getting behind an event that helps support “We can achieve so much more as a others who can’t support themselves, community than we can as individuals, and our lives will be so much richer as a result.” ◆ 18 ◆

ENTERTAINMENT GALORE FROM ITS FAMOUS CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS TO A SWAG OF MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN TOOWOOMBAW hen it comes to Toowoomba, particularly for tennis ‘‘RUGBY LEAGUE spectators alike year after year. I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ entertainment in lovers, is the Hutchinson Builders Rob Weymouth from Hutchinson Toowoomba, Toowoomba International. IN OUR AREA colour, action and COVERS A WIDE Builders, who is one of the major plenty of fun are Beginning in 2012, this event was DEMOGRAPHIC sponsors of the event, says it’s a vital just some of the created as a way to showcase the AND IS VERY attraction for the city. things new comers and visitors to the Toowoomba Regional Tennis Centre MUCH THE Garden City can expect. built at the University of Southern STRONGEST “The PGA attracts the nation’s best Queensland by Hutchinson Builders, REGIONAL golfers to our city and really showcases The Carnival of Flowers is at the but the pro-tour tennis event was also S P O RT. the quality of the golf course,” Mr forefront of many peoples’ minds when designed to increase investment in Weymouth said. they think of Toowoomba, and if you get Toowoomba’s sports tourism. ROB WEYMOUTH the chance to experience this massive “It also helps open our region to golf annual celebration of spring first hand, Consisting of men’s and women’s tourism, which is growing throughout you’ll understand why. titles, as well as the corporate Australia.” challenge, which sees local The entire city truly comes to life over businesses play off against each other Toowoomba is also hugely into its the course of 10 days, overtaken by a for the corporate team title, the rugby league, and the TRL is a great riot of colour and events to entertain International now draws players from sporting event that draws attention the entire family — both young and old. all over the world and has won awards right across the Darling Downs. for best tournament in Queensland in From being serenaded by the hottest 2013 and the Newcombe Medal for Hutchinson Builders has also been acts in the Australian music industry most outanding tournament in sponsoring this event for the last four while experiencing the best produce Australia. years, and believe it’s a sport that is all the region has to offer at the Ergon about community. Energy Flower, Food and Wine Festival, The annual Coca-Cola Queensland to all the community excitement the PGA is another large scale event that “Rugby League in our area covers a Grand Central Floral Parade brings, and showcases how Toowoomba excels wide demographic and is very much the of course, the incredible displays of when it comes to the sporting arena. strongest regional sport,” Mr dedication and talent seen in The Weymouth said. Chronicle Garden Competition, it’s a Since its inception in 2009, non-stop party not to be missed. Toowoomba’s own City Golf Club has There is an immense level of hosted the event, and it’s one that opportunity for businesses to get on Another unmissable event in draws a fantastic crowd of players and board and support these kinds of events, and with a community spirit like no other, there is always potential for new comers to join in. ◆ 19 ◆

LEARNING FOR THE FUTURE A QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION SYSTEM IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A GREATER FUNCTIONING SOCIETY◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E G reat education is the to the University of Southern ‘‘COMPARED TO foundation for a Queensland (USQ) – an institute that brighter future, not only began in the Darling Downs and has THE SAME TIME for students, but for since branched out to include LAST YEAR, society as a whole; and campuses in Springfield and the Fraser Q TAC F IRST when it comes to Coast. PREFERENCE Toowoomba, schools and their A P P L I C AT I O N S students are successfully working With a 91 per cent rate of graduate ARE SHOWING together to live up to the ethos of a employment — number one in the STRONG great state, with great opportunity state — USQ continues as a leading GROWTH. and a plan for the future. provider of education programs in Australia. PROFESSOR JAN With a selection of the top THOMAS educational institutions in the Darling In less than 50 years, USQ has seen Downs and south-west Queensland more than 80,000 students graduate, In 2014 this figure jumped to 1150, region all available to Toowoomba and with enrolments increasing largely and it’s expected to increase once students, residents are giving their thanks to the city’s livability and the again in 2015, proving Toowoomba is children the best possible start in life. university’s active lifestyle and being put on the map as the perfect flexibility, that number is only growing. combination of quality education and But when it comes to choosing a lifestyle. quality tertiary education, for many USQ’s vice-chancellor Professor Jan high school graduates and mature age Thomas says there has been a spike in In addition to what’s already on offer, students, the choice can be extremely early applications for study next year. the university has enhanced its difficult. portfolio, providing a wide range of new “Compared to the same time last programs in 2015 to satisfy the It’s often a game of comparisons — year, QTAC first preference growing population’s diverse interests. of asking questions like which applications are showing strong university specialises in your chosen growth,” Professor Thomas said. Professor Thomas says these career path and which university will “We’re seeing this across all three of changes are necessary to ensure give you the greatest head start — but our current campuses.” prospective students in the the major question future tertiary Toowoomba catchment receive the students should be asking is, “what Professor Thomas says early can this university do for me?” numbers were strong, particularly in health and community, education, and The education universities provide, engineering and built environment. and the reputation that comes with them, are important factors for all “We’ve also seen increases in law universities, and there is a standard and justice, as well as humanities and they all must meet to retain their communication,” she said. position as an institution of learning. One of the benefits the increase in However, not all universities are enrolments has brought to Toowoomba equal when it comes to the lifestyle is an influx of international students, and flexibility they offer their students, adding rich cultural diversity to the and this is a factor that can have a region and showcasing it to the world. serious impact on the outcomes and overall experience of their alumni. In 2013 USQ’s Toowoomba campus hosted 1059 international students, Toowoomba is fortunate to be home bringing with them an injection to the local economy through tourism and local spending. 20 ◆

ABOVE: Mark McLean joins USQ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆ graduates Cameron and Emmeline McLean after they successfully complete their graduate studies in learning and teaching at USQ. FAR LEFT: USQ senior lecturer in soil science Dr John McLean Bennett checks the soil structure in rehabilitated mined land at New Acland coal mine. LEFT: Kate Murphy and Matthew Walsh in USQ’s Midsummer Night’s Dream at the 2014 Shakespeare in the Park Festival. CONTRIBUTEDbest start to put them on the right working with students to offer them education. talents and give back, USQ holds acareer path. a higher education that fits with their Their multi-disciplinary research variety of events, including its busy lives in one of Queensland’s annual Shakespeare in the Park She believes that students are biggest industrial and agricultural tackles national and global Festival and the USQ McGregorseeing the benefit of attending a hubs. challenges affecting agriculture, Schools, and also injects $411.7university dedicated to building a natural resource management, and million into the economy each year,successful region and nation “We continue to pursue the people living and doing business in with every six full time studentsthrough education and research. university’s vision of open and regional areas. generating at least one job in the flexible higher education, operating community. “We take pride in setting our locally, nationally and globally,” she USQ’s commitment to regionalstudents on a path to successful said. Australia has resulted in the This goes to prove that tertiarycareers through USQ's extensive establishment of the Institute for education is one of the mostrange of degrees and supportive As a university proudly Resilient Regions whose mission is important building blocks in society,learning environments,” she said. headquartered in regional Australia, researching issues facing our and when it comes to Toowoomba’s USQ is recognised for its leading regions. own institute, it’s one residents are Professor Thomas explains she research in agriculture, climate lucky to have access to. ◆and her staff also work hard to help science applications, engineering, Further enriching the localsecure USQ’s strong position for agribusiness, digital literacy and community and giving students thetheir students and the region, opportunity to showcase their 21 ◆

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES MEET THE EXPERTS INTRODUCING THE GROUP OF SKILLED PROFESSIONALS FROM TOOWOOMBA DEDICATED TO SHARING THE POTENTIAL OF THE DARLING DOWNS REGION WITH AUSTRALIA Helen Jentz Paul Antonio John Wagner Denis Wagner Rob Weymouth◆ I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E Helen Jentz has a strong Mayor Paul Antonio has John Wagner is the Denis Wagner is the Robert Weymouth is the professional history of held the region’s top job chairman and one of the managing director of Wagners area manager for working with state and since May 2012. A founders of Wagners. and founder alongside Hutchinson Builders in national member based passionate advocate for Wagners is based in brothers John, Neill and Joe, Toowoomba. Having spent organisations. Focussing the region, early in his term Toowoomba and has and father Henry Wagner. 27 years in the building on representation, policy as Mayor, Paul declared the operations in Australia, Beginning with three trading industry — 23 of which and advocacy, Helen has Toowoomba region ‘open Malaysia, Papua New divisions – concrete, quarries with Hutchinson Builders been responsible for for business’. The strength Guinea and Mongolia. The and transport – the company — Robert is an expert successfully representing of council’s commitment to company employs more grew to incorporate cement, when it comes to providing members’ interests in making this sentiment a than 1000 full time staff flyash and lime, composite quality construction local, state, federal and reality is widely plus subcontractors and is fibre technologies, pre-cast services. Robert is a international acknowledged by the behind Toowoomba’s concrete, reinforcing steel, member of the Australian environments. For more region’s strong business game-changing new airport. projects and global services Institute of Builders and a information about the community. With a wealth Wagners will be the owner in their range of capabilities. Fellow of the Urban Toowoomba Chamber of of opportunity currently and operator of this facility. Wagners is one of Development Institute of Commerce please contact unfolding, Paul strongly For information about Queensland’s largest Australia. For more believes there’s never been Wagners’ developments privately-owned construction information about Robert [email protected] a better time to be the and services call materials and mining services or the work undertaken by mayor of the Toowoomba (07) 4637 7777. companies operating globally. Hutchinson Builders, call or phone (07) 4638 0400. region. (07) 4632 5877. Shane Stephan Darren McDonell Warren Steven Raine Steven Leigh Willmington Darren McDonell has been Warren Willmington is the New Hope is ranked as one The Institute for Agriculture Steven Leigh joined QIC the chief executive officer of chief executive officer of of the 100 largest ASX and the Environment at the Global Real Estate in 1991 Downs Group Training/The Easternwell Energy and has listed companies by market University of Southern and was instrumental in Apprenticeship Company been an integral part of capitalisation, and is Queensland is led by the development of the since May 2013. During this Easternwell’s growth and among the top 10 ASX Professor Steven Raine. current portfolio of time Darren has lead the success over the last 12 listed companies based in properties. company — a not-for-profit years. Warren has Queensland. Professor Raine is community based extensive experience in the recognised as a key He has had significant organisation providing oil and gas industry Shane Stephan joined agricultural research leader experience in the quality training and spanning more than 26 New Hope as chief financial who has spent more than 25 wholesale funds employment services to years. Warren’s knowledge officer in September 2009, years building partnerships management business and industry — into diversified and remarkable career having formerly held and leading research a strong background in employment and training progression enables him to numerous executive projects, industry reform and retail, commercial and services. excel in his current role. positions. education programs. He has industrial property. Steven made significant left QIC in 2009 as the For more information on Find out more about He has more than 25 contributions to soils and deputy head of Global Real The Apprenticeship Warren and the team at years of coal mining irrigation research for the Estate and re-joined as Company or Downs Group Easternwell by contacting industry experience cotton, sugar, fruit and managing director in Training call (07) 4639 their Toowoomba office on including senior line vegetable industries and the 2012.To find out more 2099. (07) 4659 1555. management roles. coal seam gas and mining about QIC call (07) 3360 sectors. 3800. To contact the New Hope Group call 1800 882 142. 22 ◆

Grant Galvin John Dornbusch Dallas Hunter TSBE CHIEF EXECUTIVEGrant Galvin joined Master Chairman of Freight With more than 33 years in OFFICER I N V E S T M E N T, OP P O R T U N I T Y & LI F E S T Y L E ◆Builders in July 2013 as Terminals Pty Ltd, financial the property industry, SHANEexecutive director. Grant is services firm Dornbusch banking, private practice and CHARLESpassionate about drawing Partners, and chancellor of property development, FKupon the unique skills, the University of Southern Gardner & Sons’ group As a business andexperience and talent that Queensland, Mr Dornbusch manager for property membership driven,resides within the has considerable development Dallas Hunter regional economicorganisation’s staff. experience in corporate supervises FKG Group’s development organisationImplementing ongoing capital-raising, especially in developments and design TSBE has become one oforganisational the mining, resource and division. Dallas epitomises Queensland’s mostimprovements is absolutely infrastructure sectors. His the FKG Group’s commitment dynamic networkingcritical to ensuring ability to build relationships to delivering construction, groups, whose purpose isimproved value for has made him a key figure engineering and support to link business withmembers, and is a key in Toowoomba’s business services for the property, opportunity.focus for Grant and the landscape. resources, infrastructure andsenior leadership team of government sectors. TSBE is a strongMaster Builders. If you would like more organisation thanks in information on Freight To find out more about part to the support from For more information on Terminals’ developments, Dallas and FKG Group, call leading business peopleGrant or Master Builders call (07) 4690 2521. (07) 4620 0500. who are committed to theQueensland, call (07) 3225 region achieving its6444. John Minz Jan Thomas potential. Mike Stewart TSBE is particularly strong in investmentAs principal and chief John Minz has spent more Professor Jan Thomas is attraction, the resourcesexecutive officer of LJ than 20 years at Heritage the vice chancellor and and energy sector, and ofHooker Toowomba and LJ Bank, and has been chief president of the University course, the burgeoningHooker Commercial, Mike executive officer since of Southern Queensland. agribusiness and exportStewart has more than 25 2003. John has overseen industry.years experience in growth in products, She has receivedcommercial real estate. portfolios and the number numerous national and With 460 members and of branches. He has international awards for her counting, TSBE provides Mike is regarded as the sponsored the significant leadership in education. assistance tailored to suitpre-eminent auctioneer investment in infrastructure business needs. Targetedacross the Darling Downs at Heritage required to Professor Thomas networking, businessand Surat Basin area. operate a modern financial currently holds the position matching assistance, institution. John has also of deputy chair for the access to up-to-date Mike’s knowledge of the enshrined a ‘people first’ Managing Council of the information, andregion, the business culture at Heritage, Association of invitations to key industrycommunity and its dealings meeting the needs of staff, Commonwealth networking events, are allplaces him as an the customers and Universities and is the highly popular aspects ofauthority right across the communities. deputy chair for the the membership offer.TSBE area of operation. Regional Universities To find out more about Networkand. Shane Charles has To find out more about LJ Heritage Bank call (07) been chief executiveHooker Toowoomba, call 4694 9139. For more about USQ, call officer of TSBE since its(07) 4688 2222. (07) 4631 2168. inception and has remained at the forefront of advocating for and delivering infrastructure development in the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region for many years. Shane is a lawyer by profession and is well known within the Queensland business community, having sat on the board of a number of profit and not-for-profit companies. He also sits as a commissioner on the Queensland GasFields Commission. To learn more about TSBE or membership opportunities please call (07) 4639 4600 or visit www.tsbe.com.au. 23 ◆

TOOWOOMBA TAKES FLIGHT 24 ◆