CHRONICLE COLUMN – 29 JULY 2024 – REGIONAL ARTS FACILITY
The Toowoomba Chamber is a BIG supporter of a new world class Regional Arts Facility for the region.
This type of infrastructure plays an important role in local economic development and business growth. An investment in infrastructure, such as this, will enable businesses to grow, Toowoomba and the region to flourish and will improve the collective wealth and wellbeing of the community.
According to the Australian Government, the benefits derived from Australia’s creative and cultural industries and institutions is estimated to be more than 100 billion a year. And let’s not forget the important role it plays in social cohesion, breaking stereotypes, etcetera.
Toowoomba Regional Council have taken a significant first step in building confidence in the local arts and culture community and the broader business community by initiating the development of a business case for a Regional Arts Facility. A major step forward and a critically important first step to have it shovel ready to facilitate the acquisition of funds, from all levels of government and the private sector to secure its ultimate delivery.
Whilst some argue and have raised concerns with the Toowoomba Chamber about the proposed spending, in the context, of the ongoing voices of the need for budgetary restraint, the Regional Arts Facility was identified as an infrastructure pipe project in the Local Government Election Priorities and as such this critical first step is supported by the Toowoomba Chamber.
Where to put our Regional Arts Facility?
What is essential now, is site selection. Our research, as part of the CBD Revitalisation Committee, holds the strong view that this facility should be in the CBD. Why? Because the CBD of Toowoomba lacks a tourist drawcard, which our research showed was a common component of successful CBD in regions. Where do you think it should be located?
Like you, we look forward to playing an active role in the development and preparation of the business case and working collaboratively with Toowoomba Regional Council, the arts community and business community in general to secure this Regional Arts Facility for the region.
What do you really think? Tell us, be emailing admin@toowoombachamber.com.au
