Garth Hamilton (Groom, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The $50 million Trailblazer funding investment, made under the previous government, is the single largest amount of government funding that UniSQ has ever received. This investment opens a door to a whole new universe of opportunities for future generations of local kids who are interested in exploring the emerging field of space engineering. Who would have thought, even at the turn of the century, that Toowoomba, a city known for its agricultural strength, would emerge as the leader in our nation's space research, and yet this is the reality that we face.

Beyond research this means a whole new manufacturing industry for our region and strengthens ties to future defence capabilities. At the Oakey Army Aviation Centre at the Wellcamp airport, we've seen Boeing base its Loyal Wingman program, and we're growing our local defence industry in our region. The lessons, sadly, from Russia's war with Ukraine show that, more and more, our national defence will rely upon brilliant minds and new technologies supporting our brave boots on the ground, and I'm so proud to think that our region can continue to contribute in this way.

Chancellor John Dornbusch, Vice-Chancellor Geraldine Mackenzie and particularly Professor Peter Schubel are to be commended for their relentless advocacy for this funding. As Groom continues to broaden its economy, creating new opportunities for upcoming generations, this addition will be remembered not as a small step but as a giant leap. I thank all involved for their tremendous efforts, including the fantastic members for Wright and Toowoomba North.