Councillor Tim McMahon puts environment, eco-tourism centre at Picnic Point on Toowoomba Regional Council agenda

A Toowoomba councillor pushing for the construction of an “environment and eco-tourism centre” at Picnic Point says the concept would drive education around conservation in the area.

Toowoomba Regional Council's Cr Tim McMahon.

Cr Tim McMahon successfully lobbied his colleagues this week to consider funding the new facility, which is outlined in the recent Picnic Point Master Plan, in the 2021-22 Toowoomba Regional Council budget.

Cr McMahon said the region was a great contributor to conserving and protecting Australia’s native wildlife, saying the centre would be an ideal chance to showcase it.

“I think there’s a real big need for it,” he said.

“It’s not a museum or a visitor centre, it’s about showcasing what we do for conservation.

“It’s really a celebration of what we’re doing across the region.

“I envision a place that has school groups through, where students learn about conservation and what (they) can do to reduce their impacts on the environment.”

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Cr McMahon said members of the community approached him with the idea of fast-tracking the project.

“This was birthed through actually community members who wanted to showcase what we’ve got,” he said.

“Just because something is on the master plan doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.

“They knew it was in the master plan and they said a lot of other southeast Queensland councils are doing something like this.”

Cr McMahon acknowledged the concept was in its early stages.

Residents can learn more about the Picnic Point master plan by going to www.yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/picnic-point-mp or by calling 131 872.