damienj

We followed ''the yellow brick road" in search of a better life, and arrived in Toowoomba over ten years ago. We discovered an emerging city with a beautiful highland climate and a quaint, country club vibe. Liberal-minded people here often laugh out loud at the conservative attitudes that still persist in certain sectors of the community. But I'm glad to say that a different generation of younger people are leading a social and cultural shift away from the old, provincial mindset.

In more recent years we've seen some positive changes such as: the growing food scene - new expresso coffee bars, vegan restaurants and farmers' markets. Young hipsters, artisans and other creatives taking local culture to the next level with cool street art, craft fairs and contemporary art galleries. The urban catchment of Toowoomba has expanded with new housing estates and suburbs, along with major infrastructure developments like the Toowoomba International Airport and the Mountain Pass Motorway - which is currently under construction.

Toowoomba is Queensland's largest inland city close to the state capital, yet there is no commuter train service for people who commute to work in Brisbane. A regular, high-speed passenger train connection to Brisbane would further boost population growth and the economic prosperity of the whole region. City officials need to make high speed rail a high priority, then negotiate with state and federal governments to make it happen. In spite of some public transport issues like this, "the garden city" is still a popular choice with first home buyers and others who are looking for an alternative to the unaffordable housing market in Brisbane.