TRC embraces the region's cultural heart

 
It's been said that culture is the "widening of the mind and the spirit" and a cultured society is a progressive one.

The 2011/12 budget from Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has reflected that sentiment with extensive funding allocated to continue providing residents and visitors the very best in library and recreational facilities.

Cultural, Heritage and Facilities Services portfolio leader Cr Ros Scotney said the TRC area was blessed with a strong artistic community and council took pride in showcasing their works in the region's galleries, as well as bringing quality exhibitions to the area.

"Our operational budget for galleries and museums is $874,000 this year with a further $207,000 being spent on capital works that include acquisitions, upgrades and landscaping," she said.

Cr Scotney said the internationally acclaimed Empire Theatre would also be further enhanced with $179,000 to be spent on the replacement of audio equipment and lighting.

"Our libraries are at the very heart of the community and council will again look to educate, entertain and enlighten patrons of all ages with improved services and resources."

Cr Scotney said more than $4.1 million was set aside for library operational costs and a further $178,000 was earmarked for capital works.

"We'll be upgrading internet access for our district libraries and I'm very happy to announce that we will be investing $853,022 on new library books and materials," she said.

"As well as our libraries, the TRC region has a range of aquatic facilities and health centres which are very well utilised," Cr Scotney said.

"These facilities require regular maintenance and upgrades and council will ensure work continues around the districts with $758,000 allocated in this year's budget for capital works. This is on top of the $3.5 million operational budget that covers aquatic facilities and the aquatic facilities owners program."

Cr Scotney said cemeteries in the TRC region remained a strong focus of council.

"Our cemeteries are of vital importance, both for the service they provide and, just as importantly, for the surroundings they offer. A place of respect where families and friends can reflect and remember loved ones," she said.

"We want visitors coming to any of our sites to be met with a well-maintained and dignified setting that pays tribute to those who have passed.

"Council is confident our cemetery master plan continues to deliver these results with more than $377,000 (in capital works) being spent beautifying and improving our cemeteries and $902,000 assigned for their ongoing operational upkeep.

"As our figures reveal, there is a lot of money being spent right across the region improving facilities, upgrading pools and providing an even better experience for visitors to our theatres, galleries and libraries," Cr Scotney said.

"This budget offers an ongoing assurance that we will deliver a richer cultural and social experience for all members of the community."

Capital works budget

Indoor Sport/Rec Facilities:

Highfields Fitness and Recreation – gym equipment replacement               25,000

Millmerran Indoor Sports Centre – reline roof insulation                               50,000

Aquatic facilities

Oakey Pool rectification works (continuation of project)                               500,000

Millmerran Pool – replacement pool vacuum cleaner                                    15,000

Milne Bay Aquatic Centre – replace gym equipment                                     45,000

Milne Bay Aquatic Centre – repair and maintenance                                    98,860

Milne Bay Aquatic Centre – refurbishment and completion                          100,000

Milne Bay Aquatic Centre – replace the dehumidifier (Aquatic Centre Owners Program)                                                                                            350,000

Community facilities:

Goombungee Community/Cultural precinct Stage 2 improvements              8484

Showgrounds:

Clifton – Recreation Grounds – power upgrade to Jockey Club                     24, 272

Pittsworth Showgrounds – amenities block upgrade                                     11,134

Cemeteries:

Improvements (as per the Cemetery Master Plan):

Greenmount                                                                                                    8,777

Clifton                                                                                                             3,098

Crows Nest                                                                                                      21,683

Millmerran                                                                                                      4,182

Pittsworth                                                                                                        21,683

Goombungee/Yarraman                                                                                  1,033

Drayton and Toowoomba                                                                                62,983

Drayton and Toowoomba cemetery – Devine Memorial Gardens                 148,981

Drayton and Toowoomba cemetery – garage/workshop                               105,000

Library and Cultural Services:

New shelving and equipment                                                                         50,000

District libraries public internet upgrades                                                      97,200

Regional library furnishings replacement                                                      20,000

Library self checkout system                                                                          11,000

Library books and materials                                                                           853,022

Extend Mobile Library garage                                                                         25,000

Yarraman Library veranda enclosure                                                              15,000

Art galleries:

Art Gallery furniture and equipment                                                               24,419

Acquisition of art gallery collection items                                                      27,979

Gallery – rear landscaping                                                                              27,927

Review of art storage facilities                                                                      40,000

Disabled ramp and storage modifications (Crows Nest Art Gallery)             20,000

Museums:

Pioneer Village works (Pittsworth)                                                                 67,000

Theatre Services:

Empire theatre - replacement of audio equipment and lighting                    179,053

Operational budget

Aquatic Facilities                                                                                3,291,966

Aquatic Facilities Owners Program                                                    215,310

Community Facilities                                                                          1,017,058

Caravan Parks & Camping Grounds                                                    14,655

Childcare and Kindergartens                                                              39,727

Showgrounds                                                                                       166,119

Indoor Sport & Rec Facilities                                                              963,081

Cemeteries                                                                                          902,110

Art Galleries                                                                                        815,634

Cultural Development                                                                         231,778

Cultural Facilities                                                                                646,992

Theatre Serv Owners Program                                                            1,260,704

Library Services                                                                                   4,131,243

Museums                                                                                            59,023