Leyburn shearing shed to be transformed into wedding, function venue

Imagine enjoying a wedding while watching live demonstrations of sheep shearing. That’s what has been proposed for a renovated wool shed southwest of Toowoomba.

A new wedding and function centre has been proposed for a recently-renovated shearing shed at Leyburn.

A newly renovated wool shed southwest of Toowoomba could be transformed into a new 250-person wedding and function space, complete with real shearing displays.

Applicant EHW Holdings Pty Ltd submitted a development application to the Toowoomba Regional Council in December for the historical building on Kyle Road at Leyburn.

According to the planning report by Ian Darnell, the structure needed to be fitted out to meet modern disability requirements, among other changes.

“The proposed development is based on using the recently moved and renovated woolshed as the function centre,” the report said.

“This building still has three working shearing stands.

“This building requires the addition of a ramp for disability access.

“The intention is to bring mobile catering and amenities to the site for each event.”

The report said live demonstrations of sheep shearing would be part of the venue’s offerings to guests.

“For most events a shearing display will be a feature of the event,” it said.

“The intention is to cater for unique weddings and corporate functions.

“There is a tendency, particularly for weddings to want a rural setting away from the hustle and bustle.

“Given drink driving rules and out of town location, most guests will be bussed to the site for the event thus reducing the impact on the road and access network.”

The application is impact-assessable, meaning the applicant will need to seek feedback from immediate neighbours and residents.