Joint media release with the Federal Member for Groom, The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP

Funding from the Morrison Government will see a Toowoomba export hub help small and medium businesses better access international markets.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) will receive almost $840,000 to support the Southern Queensland Innovation in Export Hub, centred in Toowoomba.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the funding will fuel the regional economy through promoting exports, and help create local jobs.

“The Morrison Government is helping Australian businesses to go global and grow by supporting export hubs which connect them with key international markets,” Minister Andrews said.

“This funding will boost the economy by giving more businesses access to new and bigger markets, to increase sales and create more jobs.

“The Coalition is supporting small and medium businesses through the SME Export Hubs Initiative, as well as our Entrepreneurs’ Programme and Industry Growth Centres initiative.”

Through the hub, TSBE will focus on the food and agribusiness, and oil, gas and energy resources sectors. The hub will promote a regional export culture and help local businesses build their skills and know-how to harness global opportunities.

Member for Groom John McVeigh said the funding was a big win for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs more broadly.

“With direct links to overseas markets now available via Wellcamp Airport, the Pulse Data Centre and the massive infrastructure developments in our region such as Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and Inland Rail – local businesses are better poised than ever to take advantage of opportunities in overseas markets.

“Funding towards this export hub is extremely important to the economic development of the region. It will help businesses grow and create local jobs,” Dr McVeigh said.

The export hubs are aligned with the six sectors under the Industry Growth Centres Initiative and will work closely with Growth Centres to help local SMEs build their capabilities and access foreign markets.

With 1.2 million jobs created since the Coalition was first elected in 2013, these hubs will help our goal of creating 1.25 million more jobs over the next five years.

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Dr McVeigh's office 02 6277 4277