Corporate idea for parklands

TOOWOOMBA Mayor Paul Antonio has backed private management style for the upcoming Railway Parklands precinct, similar to Brisbane’s South Bank Corporation.

Councillors endorsed changes and improvements to the parkland, which covers nearly five hectares of the overall precinct, at its committee meeting yesterday.

Elements of the parkland laid out included the re-alignment of the historic rail track to the Rail Goods Shed, an immersive water body and pop jet plaza, adventure playground and a landmark element.

Cr Antonio said the development of the overall precinct could benefit from being managed with, in the same way the South Bank parklands in Brisbane were turned over to an organisation outside the TRC.

“It’s something this community has dreamt about for a long time, and it’s going to become a reality in due course,” he said.

“Some of the suggestions that have been put forward about a South Bank-type corporation is a great way of involving other people, expertise and capital into the project.

“This centre part of Toowoomba could become an important part of this whole region in the not-too-distant future.”

Cr Geoff McDonald suggested the concept during the council meeting, arguing it could speed up the development.

“I’m looking at different models and South Bank Corporation comes to mind – they celebrate 30 years this year,” he said.

“Taking it out of the day-today operation of council is one way of fast-tracking it.”