Jondaryan Woolshed: Council seeks more information over options as ratepayers’ $4.71m investment revealed

One of the region’s most famous historical and heritage sites has been a financial black hole for years. Now a new report has revealed what should happen moving forward.

The future of an embattled historical site west of Toowoomba remains unclear, with the council needing more information on its options as it wears nearly $5m in sunk costs over five years.

A new independent analysis into the operating model options, delivered to the councillors earlier this month, has recommended the troubled Jondaryan Woolshed be controlled by a not-for-profit entity again.

The woolshed has remained closed to the public since March 2021 due to extensive repairs being required, with council taking over the tourism facility three months later.

Previously the site, which includes the 19th-century woolshed, museum, historical village and caravan park, had been under a controlled entity model similar to the operating structure of the Empire Theatre.

Two different sets of board members for the entity resigned from the woolshed, once in 2017 and a second time last year, after which point the council took over operations directly.

This is despite the controlled entity receiving nearly $5m in funding from the council between 2016 and 2021 and questions were raised by councillors as to how effectively the money was spent.

The new report by TRC Tourism explored the major issues that have plagued the woolshed since it was gifted to the community back in 1972.

Its findings recommended the establishment of a “fully independent not for profit charitable entity” to run the facility, arguing it would offer a flexible management structure, incorporate the large number of volunteers and stakeholders in the Jondaryan community and encourage further support for it.

“Achieving clarity about role and purpose of the woolshed as a community and visitor asset is critical for success irrespective of the model eventually adopted and therefore there needs to be an investment in the strategic planning for Jondaryan Woolshed,” the report said.

It suggested the next steps should involved developing a constitution, look to sell the excess land and develop strategies for the facilities and tourism product.

Financial analysis also suggested the woolshed’s reopening would lead to economic benefits even if the facility itself ran at a loss or required subsidies

Environment and community chair Councillor James O’Shea said the organisation was committed to reopening the woolshed.

“This is a big part of our community and we want to make sure we get it right,” he said.

“We know the community has a connection with the facility and want to see it restored and open for use however there is a lot of work that needs to take place for this to happen and the cost to do this is quite significant.”

Councillor Melissa Taylor said she thought the facility and grounds could offer a lot to the wider community.

“I just want the best for the community, to spend millions and millions is an impost across the whole region,” she said.

“When you look at it, the historical value and that beautiful heritage, it’s all very dear to many residents within our region.

“For me, it’s asking what’s the best for our region.”