Toowoomba Regional Council to form $12k expert panel to foster growth in Railway Parklands precinct
THE Toowoomba Regional Council has created a new $12,000-a-year expert advisory panel that will help grow business activity in the Railway Parklands precinct.
Council
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More than a year after acknowledging the slow take-up of development inside the priority CBD area, councillors today voted to establish the panel of outside consultants.
According to the report by TRC commercial development principal Andrew Quain, the body would help overcome challenges in the CBD with “commercial property vacancies, visitation and business confidence”.
“The expert advisory panel will enhance the council’s ability to further support the growth and
development of the Toowoomba CBD and Railway Parklands PDA, including through investment attraction, detailed urban and environmental design, heritage and place making and inner city living,” the report said.
“The formation of the panel will enable the council to seek the highest level of expertise and advise, enabling appropriate advice, direction and recommendations to be considered by the council supporting the future growth, investment and development of the Toowoomba CBD and Railway Parklands PDA.
“It will position the council to be proactive and responsive to both existing and emerging opportunities and issues.”
An amendment was made to include a non-executive council representative on the panel, with Cr Bill Cahill chosen as the planning and development portfolio leader.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the panel, which would meet quarterly and cost an estimated $12,000 in remuneration, would be made of the best minds available.
“We want the very best, so this might be a nationwide search,” he said.