Budget promotes strategic regional business, economic plans

Toowoomba Regional Council’s 2008-09 budget provides for a range of new programs covering community and business planning, integrated regional planning and economic development.

Strategic Services portfolio spokesperson Cr Noel Strohfeld said $4.26 million had been allocated to undertake a range of portfolio programs.

He said the funding was an important step towards completing a strategic planning framework for the new regional council area.  

“This framework will set the direction for future growth and development and influence council’s corporate planning aimed at improving service delivery to the community,” he said.

“The completion of the TOOWOOMBA 2050 project action planning phase will be complemented by the extension of the community planning process across the region.

“Carry-over funds of $180,000 will enable the ACTION 2050 project to be implemented across the region by the end of 2009.”

Cr Strohfeld said several hundred thousand dollars had been allocated on top of previous funding to undertake consultancy projects covering development of council’s climate change strategy, an ongoing infrastructure planning project in conjunction with USQ and other regional and strategic planning needs.

He said council had committed funds to promote and advance the business and economic opportunities available in the new regional government area.

Almost $170,000 will be spent on programs, studies and delegations promoting opportunities to business and industry groups.

Cr Strohfeld said council officers would attend the three-day Country Week jobs and business expo at the Brisbane Convention Centre from September 19 to 21 to promote the benefits of relocating or establishing business links with the region.  He said $28,000 had been set aside for the expo.

 “A $15,000 air services business survey will be conducted to determine the potential for attracting commercial flights to Toowoomba Aerodrome,” he said. 

He said the funds would allow for a comprehensive investigation into the commercial feasibility and the various markets for supporting more regular flights to and from the city.

Upgrade works planned for the runway would improve the chances of attracting air services.

Council allowed $18,000 for the Sunday Trading Survey and up to $15,000 for promotional material and presentations with regional schools, business and industry bodies and for migration support and work with the Defence Department.

Cr Strohfeld said up to $32,000 would be spent on producing and distributing replacement business guides for the new region.

He said other funds would be used for additional business surveys and business delegations.

“Council’s disaster management capacity will be improved with the appointment of a full time Disaster Management Co-ordinator/SES Local Controller who will co-ordinate disaster planning and response across the region,” he said.

“It is recognised that District Service Centre managers and staff will be the first people to respond to an emergency, but the new officer’s position has overall responsibility for response co-ordination and planning.

“Council has allocated $46,000 to fill this new position and $153,000 for the whole program to ensure a consistent and co-ordinated approach to dealing with disaster management.

“$35,000 will be spent to produce and develop a new customer service statement booklet that will be sent to all regional residents.

“This booklet lists the level of service our residents can expect when dealing with council officers or seeking a particular service.

“Other funds will allow for the development of business plans for all council branches.”