The Toowoomba Region is preparing for take off with today's announcement that it will be home to a Qantas Pilot Academy.
Based at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, the academy was one of two regional centres named for a new academy along with the second region yet to be named.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio welcomed the news, with the academy expected to be up and running by July 2019.
"This is an incredible opportunity for our region and I'm delighted with the decision made today," he said.
"When fully set up, the academy will bring up to 250 students plus instructors and support staff a year to the region as well as their families.
"While the academy will be based in Toowoomba, a network of regional airports could be utilised as part of the training program.
"The flow-on effect from this will see a significant boost to our economy and underlines the faith currently being shown in the region.
"In November 2014 the Wagner family commenced operating passenger flights out of the airport and since then the region has gone from strength to strength.
"This important piece of infrastructure is much more than just an airport as it has built a sense of self belief throughout the community that has paved the way for further investment in the Toowoomba Region.
"I would like to congratulate the Wagner family on today's announcement.
"The business case put forward by the Wagners was obviously too good to pass on, with the family committing a significant amount of private investment to get the project off the ground, in addition to funding from the State Government.
"Along with the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing and the Inland Rail, this academy cements our region as a significant freight hub for road, rail and air."
The announcement was made this morning at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport by Qantas CEO, Alan Joyce.
In total more than 60 regional airports across Australia applied to be home to one of the new academies.
The academy is expected to create 100 direct jobs and 300 in the wider construction industry.
Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
