Toowoomba Regional Council to continue woolshed funding as chair, board members resign

Three members of the Jondaryan Woolshed board have resigned, while the council has voted to continue funding the historic venue.

Jondaryan Woolshed in Queensland. Picture: TEQ

The Toowoomba Regional Council has recommitted to funding the wholly-owned entity behind a troubled historical venue, just weeks after three of its board members resigned.

Councillors voted at Wednesday’s committee meeting to commit another $300,000 to the Jondaryan Woolshed as part of the second budget review of the financial year.

The council also received reports from the Queensland Audit Office into the financials of the woolshed, which found while there were issues with how clearly its budgets were being communicated, there were no outstanding audit concerns.

It comes a month after the TRC voted to shut the woolshed and carry out safety assessments.

It’s now understood chair Mike Williams and two other board members have chosen to resign from their roles.

Mayor Paul Antonio said he was disappointed Mr Williams, a former councillor, had chosen to resign.

“I have confidence in those who are on the board of Jondaryan Woolshed, but I’m saddened to see the resignation of Mike,” he said.

Cr Antonio also indicated he would start discussions with Groom MP Garth Hamilton to help secure external funding for the woolshed.

Deputy Mayor Geoff McDonald said the funding commitment was a positive step forward.

“While the facility is currently closed for general admission, we’ve worked with the board to make sure private functions can continue to take place and that the variety of volunteer organisations have access to their restricted area to continue their fine work,” he said.

“The council thanks the Jondaryan Woolshed Board for its ongoing contributions to the woolshed and appreciates all of the work that the board and volunteers undertake to provide that active link between the past and the present.”

Jondaryan Woolshed board director and liaison to the volunteers Anthony McWatters said the board welcomed the funding commitment from the council.

“From recent meetings it’s clear that all stakeholders of the woolshed want to see the facility returned to its former glory, open and welcoming to the community, our guests and visitors to the region,” he said.

“Ultimately, our volunteers want to be hosting heritage festivals and special events that honour the legacy of our pastoral and farming pioneers on the Darling Downs.

“It’s pleasing that we’re making progress towards these ambitions and that volunteer organisations will again have access to their respective areas to continue the outstanding work they do at the woolshed.”