Retracom Sponsors Successful TSBE Event

Retracom Sponsor TSBE (Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise) Evening - Toowoomba February 2014

Port of Brisbane’s chief executive officer Russell Smith impressed the large crowd that turned out for TSBE’s first Enterprise Evening of the year last night, when he detailed the importance of making the Inland Rail Project a reality.

It was the first Enterprise Evening for the year and strongly supported, with nearly 300 guests turning out for the networking and information evening held at Toowoomba’s Middleridge Golf Club.

John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister and chair of the implementation group tasked to drive the Project forward, also spoke at the event.

Mr Russell outlined the benefits of a dedicated freight rail line which included efficient market access for agricultural industries and removing almost 4000 trucks off South East Queensland’s roads.

“The Port of Brisbane handles more than $50 billion worth of trade a year and up to 50 per cent of Port of Brisbane’s trade travels to or emanates from Toowoomba and the west,” Mr Smith said.

“Current rail constraints means almost all forward container freight growth will move by road. It means South-East Queensland must develop a long term freight logistics system to match this world class port.

TSBE CEO Shane Charles said he was enormously grateful that both Mr Smith and Mr Anderson travelled to Toowoomba, to update community members and potential stakeholders on the importance of getting the Project off the ground.

“Inland Rail is a must for Toowoomba and the region. With freight volumes set to double by 2020 and triple by 2050, an enhanced and complementary rail transport system is a must. It was a major coup for Toowoomba to host both Mr Smith and Mr Anderson, who together demonstrated the immense importance of the Project becoming a reality,” Mr Charles said.

Mr Charles also thanked Retracom, a TSBE silver member, for being the major sponsor of the evening.  Retracom General Manager, Shannon Porter, took the opportunity to showcase the extensive range of products and services offered by Retracom.  Before many existing and prospective customers Shannon’s presentation was very well received.

                

Shannon Porter - General Manager for Retracom Group of Companies