Museum could be a winner
Ex-army pilot wants war annex
FORGET the Quarry Gardens – Toowoomba needs a war museum displaying some of Australia’s precious military artefacts to drive tourism.
That’s the idea put forward by businessman and ex-army pilot Bernie Baz, who said a military museum or annex would be a perfect project to propose for the Federal Government’s new $272 million Regional Growth Fund.
While the Toowoomba Regional Council has indicated it has several ideas ready to present for funding, Mr Baz said the Garden City could have a tourism winner in a military annex.
“Do not spend this money on a convention centre, there is too much competition,” he said.
“The Quarry Gardens would be lovely, but it’s not something that is a national drawcard to Toowoomba.
“But a war museum will bring people every day of the year.”
The former board member of the Australian Army Flying Museum in Oakey said the museum could act as a wing of the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, with unused items brought up for exhibits.
“If the museum and gallery are changed regularly, then you’ve got this steady stream of visitors,” he said.
“I think the Railway Precinct would be a good spot, and also next door to the Cobb and Co.
“The war memorial already sends exhibitions to the Cobb and Co, so they already have a relationship.”
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the idea held plenty of merit.
”Any move in that space will be well received,” he said.