Former TRC councillor sees a bright future for the Garden City John Gouldson keeping the faith

We live here ‘cos we love it!

THERE are a lot of Toowoomba residents who have the city at heart but few have the passion for the city like businessman, former councillor and sports administrator John Gouldson. Mr Gouldson believes strongly in Toowoomba and the bright future of the city. “It’s my view that over the past six years we’ve been fortunate to attract more State and Federal Government money for a multiplicity of projects,” he said. “And that’s made a huge difference to the psyche of the town. “Both visitors and locals can see the development that’s going on. “However, I think we’ve got to work harder to get that flowon effect of development into business and community facilities. “But we’ve been blessed with people who have initiative, private individuals who, added to the government dollars, have made a great difference. “Now we’ve got to work on ramping it all up to bring more people to the city.” Mr Gouldson, who has been heavily involved in local and representative basketball for many years, sees the Mountaineers as more than just a Toowoomba basketball team. By playing throughout the state, the Mountaineers also help to keep the name of Toowoomba out there in the public.

“That’s why I’m so keen to see intercity basketball,” he said.

“It also develops pride in the city.

“It’s great to see the Thunder (football) out there too but it breaks my heart that the Clydesdales (rugby league) are no longer in the state league although the Mustangs are trying to address that.

“We’ve got so much going for us here in Toowoomba with sport, education, arts, music, entertainment and the rest.”

Mr Gouldson was also proud of a recent initiative of the basketball fraternity in working with schools to raise awareness of young people making positive choices.

‘‘ BOTH VISITORS AND LOCALS CAN SEE THE DEVELOPMENT THAT’S GOING ON. JOHN GOULDSON

“The John Armstrong Auto Group and the USQ are supporting the Mountaineers who are working in the schools promoting the Positive Choices program,” he said.

“We are also working with the Lamb Shanks for Lifeline promotion which is raising funds to help people in trouble.

“It’s all about implementing preventative measures so people don’t get into trouble by making poor choices.”

Photo: Bev Lacey CITY PROUD: Toowoombaite John Gouldson believes Toowoomba has so much to offer and has a bright future but “we have to work harder to get that flow-on effect of development”.