A year of achievements and challenges: TRC reflects on 2021

Rising to the challenges of COVID-19, seizing new opportunities for the Region and planning for the future – these are the hallmarks of 2021 for Toowoomba Regional Council. As the Region gets ready for a new year, Council reflects on the year that was and a long list of achievements. Prudent financial management ensured essential services continued to be delivered throughout the Region, while significant investment was made in infrastructure and community services. From hosting iconic events to celebrating our history, to spearheading new initiatives and completing major projects, here are some of the Toowoomba Region’s best moment of 2021. Carnival of Flowers in full bloom Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (TCOF) 2021 received a standing ovation in September. The first ever month-long program in the history of the event, a change from the traditional 10-days, reaped significant rewards for the Region. Data from Tourism and Events Queensland recorded an economic impact of $32.95 million for the Region, significantly up on the $12.7 million figure for 2020. Attendance topped 284,758, up from 214,217 in 2020, and on par with 2019 figures. NRL brings game to Toowoomba The National Rugby League (NRL) returned to Toowoomba in August with the Roosters taking on the Dragons, three years after the Garden City hosted its first NRL match. Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio welcomed the NRL’s decision to bring matches to regional areas of Queensland like Toowoomba. “Toowoomba is a heartland for rugby league and it’s fitting to see a match of this calibre in our Region,” he said. “This is one of the game’s greatest rivalries and as such, it’s exciting to think it could be played in front of 9000 people at Clive Berghofer Stadium.” 2032 Olympics bid brings sweet taste of victory For six years, 11 Mayors of South East Queensland aspired towards one dream. Finally, in July, the sweet taste of victory with Brisbane officially announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games creating a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Toowoomba Region to shine on the world stage. The announcement that Brisbane will officially host the Games was made from Tokyo, Japan, and welcomed with much excitement, following months of anticipation. Brisbane 2032 will be just the third time in history Australia has hosted the Summer Olympic Games. Toowoomba Region Mayor and Council of Mayors Deputy Chair (SEQ) Paul Antonio was in Brisbane for the announcement and said it was an historic moment. “The Council of Mayors has been very proud to be a part of the Brisbane 2032 journey,” he said. “The Olympic Games and the major infrastructure it will deliver to support the growing SEQ Region is one of the best legacies we can leave for our future generations.”  Vision for Region’s future brought to life In February, Council launched Toowoomba Region Futures, a major planning project that will build a community vision for the Region’s growth and development for the next 30 years. Informed by extensive community consultation, the five-year project will deliver a new Toowoomba Region Planning Scheme, a Growth Plan (to guide population and employment growth) and a Toowoomba Region Infrastructure Plan (TRIP). Council is working to ensure the new Planning Scheme meets community needs and expectations for the next 30 years and beyond given the projected population growth and expansion of the Toowoomba Region. Community takes to Russell Street to celebrate Residents and business owners had the chance to celebrate the completion of stage one of the Russell Street Refresh project at a special block party in November. The delivery of the project is a key outcome of the Toowoomba City Centre Master Plan and will help transform one of the city’s oldest and most iconic streets into a vibrant people-friendly destination. The upgrade will help boost future economic development in the CBD and provide a key connection to the emerging Railway Parklands precinct and Queens Park. Sod turned on new library for Highfields In October, the sod was turned on the new TRC library and community facility at Highfields, which will replace the existing library that welcomes over 50,000 visitors annually. The project is a pivotal part of the Highfields Master Plan and will be a catalyst for future investment. The major project will create local jobs during construction and encourage economic growth within the Highfields area for years to come. The $14.8 million project was partly funded through Council’s Pandemic Response Investment Program and is one of the projects being accelerated to stimulate economic activity across the Toowoomba Region. Support for small business, record local spend In 2021 Council was open to business – large and small. Six months after signing the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) Charter, Mayor Antonio said Council was meeting its SBFC Charter commitments. “Almost 98% of businesses registered in our Region are small businesses so it’s crucial we focus on how best we can support them,” he said. “When Council first signed up there was only one other local government organisation involved. There are now 18 Councils across Queensland who have signed which shows the support for this Charter across the State. “In addition to this, our local supplier spend has increased from 57% in the 2020 financial year to more than 64% so far this financial year.” A new water supply for Clifton Regional water security continued to be a key focus for Council in 2021. Design and construction of Clifton’s new reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment plant is now well underway with the purchase of equipment, building of water storage tanks and connection pipes. The bore and treatment plant is expected to be up and running by the end of February 2022. Once operational, the assets will be a valuable, long-term investment in delivering a quality water supply to Clifton residents. Council committed $800,000 this financial year to progress a containerised water treatment plant to mix and treat water from Clifton’s GAB and shallower bores. CAPTION: SEQ got a sweet taste of victory in July with Brisbane officially announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games creating a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Toowoomba Region to shine on the world stage.