Cultural, Heritage and Facilities Services - Budget

The region’s residents will see ongoing improvements in cultural and heritage facilities as a result of council’s 2009/2010 budget allocations.

Council’s Cultural, Heritage and Facilities Services portfolio leader Cr Ros Scotney said the community facilities budget focused on cemeteries, libraries and showgrounds.

“One of the exciting announcements in this budget is an innovative cemetery digitisation project. Council staff have developed a prototype whereby residents and visitors can search an electronic system that contains personal details, photos of headstones and cemetery maps via an external touch screen.

“This system is considered best practice in Australia and, when launched later this year, will provide a common tool to search for information relating to some 55,000 interments across the region. This is a $55,000 project of which the State Government has contributed $33,000.

“A cemetery master planning project covering all 19 council controlled cemeteries will also begin this financial year.

“Shade structures and seating are being installed at five of the region’s public cemeteries – Drayton & Toowoomba, Pittsworth, Millmerran, Crows Nest and Cabarlah with Federal Government funding of $91,500.

“While on the subject of cemeteries, Goombungee will receive over $30,000 and Millmerran almost $12,000, Clifton $10,000 and Cabarlah $20,000 for other cemetery maintenance and improvements.

“This budget allocates almost $14,000 to transition advisory committees that managed community halls prior to amalgamation, to incorporated bodies.

“In addition, an upgrade of the Yarraman Memorial Hall and Community Centre will be completed at a total cost of $17,000. The $40,000 Cecil Plains Hall kitchen upgrade will be completed this financial year and the kitchen at Southbrook Hall will also undergo a $40,000 renovation this financial year.

“Pittsworth showgrounds are becoming a popular venue for caravan rallies attracting up to 350 caravans at peak times. Recognising the significant economic benefit of these rallies to the local economy, council has allocated $100,000 over two years to upgrade amenities and the power supply at the showgrounds as well as $30,000 for completion of disabled shower and toilet facilities.

“The catalogues of our 12 libraries have now been successfully united on one computer system. This allows customers with a library card to access materials from any of the 12 libraries within 48 hours and return borrowed items to their nearest library.

“Council has allocated $545,800 of State Government funding to the purchase of new library books and materials which will enhance people’s access to these materials. In addition, Toowoomba Library will benefit from $54,800 worth of equipment upgrades while $5,300 will go to the Local History Library for equipment repairs and upgrades.

“Pittsworth Pioneer Village has received $25,000 in this budget for storage facilities and ongoing refurbishment of buildings. Highfields Cultural Centre has been allocated $20,000 towards storage facilities.

“Council’s Heritage Advisory service has been rolled out across the region and a regional Heritage Advisory Committee will inform council on heritage issues.

“Our art galleries and theatres add an important dimension to our community. This year, $225,000 has been allocated for the replacement of audio, staging, lighting and office equipment at the Empire Theatre.

“The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery will continue acquisition of artwork, furniture and fittings, with an allocation of $47,300.

“The region’s nine pools will undergo energy and water saving measures this financial year under the $2.9million Sustainable Pools Project, $2.6million of which is funded by the Federal Government.

“By December 2010, the pools will have energy and water saving measures in place such as water recycling and reuse, rainwater harvesting, solar powered heating, pool blankets and energy efficient lighting which will have benefits for council and the community.

“In addition to this project, Crows Nest pool has been allocated $49,200 for shade and fencing upgrades and barbecue facilities.

“Council has again extended free access to Cobb and Co Museum for all residents across the region, at a cost to council of $65,000,” Cr Scotney concluded.