OUR SAY: PREACH, John McVeigh.

In an interview with Tara Miko today, Dr McVeigh, the federal Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, talked about Toowoomba "punching above its weight" and all the opportunities for people here.

"All the growth for Australia can't happen in Brisbane, Melbourne or the capital cities, it has got to ride on the shoulders of the regional centres," he said.

Dr McVeigh is quick to point out Toowoomba's enviable surging major projects (think the Second Range Crossing and Inland Rail).

And the schools, hospitals, university, parks and airport that make Toowoomba so liveable.

But he also acknowledges that Toowoomba suffers from a brain drain.

Yes, the city can entice clever upwardly mobile types to try the tree change, or lure those returning home after a stint away at university and working in cities, but are they staying?

Or eventually, does the lure of professional advancement that Toowoomba can't yet offer draw the best and brightest away again?

How is Toowoomba comparing with the Geelongs, Ballarats or Oranges of Australia?

Dr McVeigh is right. Our capital cities have shortcomings that regional centres are poised to capitalise on.

But Toowoomba is going to have to work hard and be progressive to make that happen.