Budget announcements add to Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo

THE upcoming Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo, June 18 and 19 at the Towoomba Showgrounds, is set to be bigger than ever due to timely regional announcements in the 2014 Federal Budget, and the promise of new connectivity for the resources region.

The Budget made a commitment of $700 million for Toowoomba’s Second Range Crossing, which will relieve heavy transport bottlenecks, as well as $508 million for the Warrego Highway Upgrade between Toowoomba and Miles. There is also pre-construction funding of $300 million for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project, and $279 million towards the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade, all of which will assist the resources sector in the region.

Event director Bob Carroll said this news would add significance to the Surat Basin Energy and Mining Expo at the Toowoomba Showgrounds from June 18-19, as both delegates and exhibitors at the event can expect to get vital information about how the region will be impacted.

Mr Carroll said with new infrastructure offering increased connectivity, “prospects for the region are fantastic and it’s a good time for businesses to be capitalising on the opportunities to come”.

“We have several events over the two days of the expo that are designed to deliver essential information on the unfolding opportunities and developments in the Toowoomba region, including the third annual Underground Luncheon series,” Mr Carroll said.

Luncheon guests will hear from influential speakers including Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Paul Antonio, and Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Andrew Cripps, as well as University of Southern Queensland chancellor and chairman of Freight Terminals, John Dornbusch, plus Shaine Beverage from Queensland Investment Corporation Grand Central Redevelopment.

Mr Carroll said the two-day event would also provide networking and sales opportunities for industry players from a variety of sectors including transportation, trades, safety, careers, energy, and mining.

“The businesses and sponsors who are locked in for this year are the companies who have done their homework, sourced the world's best products, and have stepped up every area of their business to ensure that they can supply and sustain a high level of service,” Mr Carroll said.

“This will be a top shelf event and one that business and industry should not miss.”

The Underground Luncheon will be held from 12 noon on June 18 and 19 at Down Under Bar, Glenvale Room at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

www.suratbasinexpo.com.au

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