Tourism, events & parks services

Council has continued its commitment to the attraction of visitation to Toowoomba from both business and recreation travellers with around $2.3 million allocated in the 2010/11 Budget.

Tourism, Events and Parks Services portfolio leader Cr Joe Ramia said initiatives included conference attraction, visitor information services, sports-tourism promotion, regional tourism promotion, and the Sister Cities Program.

“Our region is recognised nationally and internationally and the visitor attractions and events around the area will be promoted through participation in key trade, holiday and travel shows,” Cr Ramia said.

Events and Festivals have scored more than $1 million with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers understandably being seen as the big ticket item in that area. As well, the Events Support Scheme this year will provide $95,000 in funding to support applications from across the TRC area.

“Community groups will be encouraged to apply for funding and meet specific eligibility requirements,” Cr Ramia said. “The aim of the Events Support Scheme is to provide economic and social benefit to the region.”

Council's sports tourism pilot continues to bring significant investment into the region including the hosting of the second Queensland PGA Championships at City Golf Club and the second staging of the Tour of Toowoomba National Road Series Event.

“To have sporting competitions of this standard come to the region sends out the message that we are able to host major events through our superior facilities and wide selection of accommodation,” Cr Ramia said.

“Council owns some 86 hectares of public gardens,” Cr Ramia said. “And, with no less than 345 public parks and 64 bushland parks (with a total area of more than 8500 hectares to maintain), council is committed to preserving these wonderful attractions in difficult drought conditions.

“The region has a strong reputation for its garden image and our local parks give a great deal of enjoyment to locals and visitors alike. However, this beauty comes at a cost, and a significant amount of ratepayer funds ($15,721,474) needs to be allocated to make it happen.

Cr Ramia said there would also be upgrades to local recreation parks through installation of irrigation, park furniture, shade structures and play facilities as per the Regional Open Space Network Plan.

Budget allocations are:

• Greenmount – Local Park enhancement - $20,000
• Greenmount – District Park enhancement - $35,000
• Clifton – Local Park enhancement - $15,000
• Crows Nest – Beautify Bogon Crt Park, signpost and equipment - $20,000
• Millmerran – Replace Yarramalong Weir Toilets - $70,000
• Pittsworth – Local Park enhancement - $50,000
• Goombungee – Local Park enhancement - $20,000
• Goombungee – Skate Park Shade structures - $20,000
• Toowoomba – Firebreak construction (Escarpment parks) - $65,000
• Toowoomba – District Park Enhancement - $80,000
• Toowoomba – Bushland Parks infrastructure upgrades - $15,800
• Toowoomba - Signs and furniture (Escarpment) - $10,500
• Toowoomba – Replace playground softfall - $36,800
• Toowoomba – Local Park enhancement - $50,000

As well, council will utilise RLCIP project grants of $768,000 to deliver community programs including:

• Laurel Bank Park Electrical Upgrade
• Laurel Bank Park refurbishment of ponds
• Development of Westbrook Hall Park
• Development of Snapdragon St Park
• Development of Collingwood Park
• Webb Park Super Slide
• Upgrade Sister Kenny Park
• Upgrade Factory Dam Millmerran
• Upgrade Memorial Park and Drovers Rest (Cooyar)
• Upgrade Rotaract Park
• Waterbird Habitat Boardwalk
• Millmerran Recreation Reserve
• Upgrade Jacquelyn Court Park
• Upgrade Memorial Park (Cambooya)