Funds for Quarry Gardens

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has pledged $250,000 for a Quarry Gardens feasibility study which she said would cement Toowoomba’s reputation as the Garden City.

“The Quarry Gardens were first proposed about 15 years ago, but were not progressed due to the severe drought and water restrictions placed on the city,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The former Labor State Government built a pipeline connecting Wivenhoe Dam to Cressbrook Dam to provide long-term water security for the Toowoomba region.

“In discussions with the mayor and the community, I believe it’s time to revisit the proposal.

“The potential benefits for the Toowoomba region and our State are very exciting.”

She said the proposal was modelled on the Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island in Canada, built on a former limestone quarry which drew in about a million visitors each year.

Labor’s Toowoomba North candidate Kerry Shine welcomed the funding, and he had spoken with the government about the project before State Cabinet met in the city on Monday.

“The feasibility study funding gets the ball rolling and I thank the Premier for making the commitment.”

Ms Palaszczuk said the government would work with the Toowoomba Regional Council on the study.

“More visitors will create more jobs and opportunities across the Toowoomba region,” she said.

“I know there is strong community and private sector interest in the Gardens.”