Bridge Street Quarry Development Advisory Committee members named

A community advisory committee that is charged with advising Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) on the future development of the Bridge Street Quarry, including funding options, is a step closer to starting work.

TRC’s Economic Development Committee this week (October 14) recommended that Council formalise the composition of the newly formed Bridge Street Quarry Development Advisory Committee.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the Economic Development Committee recommended the appointment of Sarah Delahunty (Friends of the Quarry Gardens), David Warner (Toowoomba Mountain Bike Club), Rob Brodribb (Friends of the Escarpment Parks) and Ian Ryan (Toowoomba Bushwalkers’ Club) as the advisory committee’s four community group representatives.

Mayor Antonio said Southern Queensland Country Tourism CEO Peter Homan, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl and Bridge Street resident (east of Mackenzie Street) Sue Collins also were recommended to serve as advisory committee members.

Mayor Antonio said a member from Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee would be appointed when the composition of that advisory committee was finalised (nominations close on October 31).

“These community members will serve on the advisory committee alongside nominated Councillors and Council staff as required by the meeting agenda and project focus,” Mayor Antonio, who also is the Economic Development Committee chair, said.

“The Bridge Street Quarry Development Advisory Committee will provide high-level leadership, advice and recommendations to Council, which owns the quarry.

“The advisory committee’s recommendations will be presented to Council for its consideration, in line with the work performed by all of Council’s voluntary advisory committees.

“The committee’s composition reflects the diversity of potential development options for the Bridge Street Quarry site.

“It is important to re-state that the site is a disused quarry that must first be properly and safely rehabilitated before any other development can proceed.”

Bridge Street Quarry Development Advisory Committee chair Cr Kerry Shine said Council in July this year established the Terms of Reference for the advisory committee and was keen for the group to start its work as soon as possible.

“I anticipate that the respective members will bring their particular expertise and passion to the table to progress work on developing a unique tourist precinct to the region,” Cr Shine said.

“The committee’s membership represents the integration of the quarry in the wider Toowoomba escarpment, which is a popular recreation area for walkers and cyclists.

“The Bridge Street Quarry site offers tremendous scope to develop tourist attractions in the medium and long term that incorporate the Toowoomba Escarpment as a magnificent natural backdrop.

“I’m positive that the members who have been recommended for the advisory committee will consider all avenues for alternative funding, including government grants, the private sector and philanthropic funds that will be required to realise the project’s vision.”

The committee recommendation will be considered for adoption at next Thursday’s (October 22) Ordinary Meeting of Council.