In response to backlash from outside of Toowoomba, where residents do not have access to public transport yet alone use it, Toowoomba Regional Council has published responses to frequently asked questions regarding the Public Transport Levy on the most recent rates notice.

Part of the FAQ is as follows:

Why has TRC included a Public Transport Levy on my rates notice?

The introduction of the Public Transport Levy will allow TRC to progress and partner with the Queensland State Government to deliver key elements of the TRC Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023 which would not be able to be delivered in a business-as-usual approach.

Funds from the levy will allow Council to advocate to the State Government for support on additional Public Transport services that our growing region needs and deserves.

What is the Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023?

Council is committed to ensuring the sustainable development of transport in our Region.

Sustainable transport is about making the best use of our current systems (with a key focus on Active and Public Transport opportunities) ensuring we serve the needs of our community, making sure our Region is an attractive, healthy and affordable place to live.

The aim of the 2023 TRC Sustainable Transport Strategy is to reduce our reliance on the private vehicle, provide more travel and accessibility choices for our residents, improve regional connectivity and leverage technology to benefit integrated traffic management and the environment.

A copy of the strategy is available at tr.qld.gov.au.

Am I paying more in my rates because of this levy?

No. The Public Transport Levy comes at no net increase to ratepayers as it replaces the previous ‘Park and Open Space’ and ‘Biosecurity and Bushland Conversation’ levies, both of which have funds set aside to be used for the purposes of their previous collection.

How much is the Public Transport Levy?

The Public Transport Levy is $39.80 per year for each rateable property in the Toowoomba Regional Council area which was the total amount of the previous ‘Park and Open Space’ and ‘Biosecurity and Bushland Conversation’ levies combined.

I live in a rural part of the Toowoomba region, how can a Public Transport Levy benefit me?

Councillor deliberations for the introduction of a Public Transport Levy included ensuring that Toowoomba regional townships benefited through better public transport connectivity. The Toowoomba region covers 13,000 square kilometres and for townships to be connected through a coordinated public transport network is something we should aspire to. Without a financial commitment to making a start, we can’t expect anything to change. Council is well aware many of our rural townships and areas have limited access to public transport options now and that will be a consideration to the use of funds collected from the levy in the future.

Can I provide feedback on the types of public transport services I think my area needs?

Yes you can. TRC welcomes community feedback on the delivery of improved public transport services across the region. Email info@tr.qld.gov.au with your suggestions.

Isn’t public transport a matter for the Queensland State Government?

Yes it is. However, Council’s advocacy efforts to the Queensland State Government for improved public transport services for the Toowoomba region over many years has resulted in feedback from the State that, without matched funds from Council, improved services simply won’t be delivered. Council can now advocate to the State Government, with specific funds set aside, to improve services for the Toowoomba region.

If public transport is a State Government matter, what do they think about the introduction of this levy?

The introduction of the levy has the backing of the Queensland State Government Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish who recently commented:

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when councils work together with the State Government.

“This will mean improvements in public transport services for Toowoomba residents, as we look to take public transport to more and more Queenslanders.” 

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 29 August 2024.