‘Do more’: Claims TRC not offering enough support for tourism operators

Calls for more support from the Toowoomba Council have been issued after the elected representatives failed to attend an event about enhancing the local tourism sector.

The Toowoomba Regional Council has come under fire after its elected representatives failed to attend an event aimed at boosting the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Known as one of the region’s leading wedding destination venues, Gabbinbar Homestead hosted a networking event on Monday afternoon, to enhance the growing industries.

“We invited anyone in Toowoomba who is involved in tourism and hospitality, with our main aim being to form partnerships and better promote Toowoomba as a region that people want to visit,” Gabbinbar Homestead sales and marketing manager Chloe Smith said.

“Toowoomba is a food bowl with great restaurants and unique dining experiences and it’s the perfect area for those looking to spend a weekend away, but we can do a better job of promoting what is here.”

(from left) Kim Donaldson, Chloe Smith and Craig Ansell. Toowoomba Conferences tourism event at Gabbinbar Homestead. Monday, May 30, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

More than 100 industry representatives attended the networking event, however the mayor and councillors were no where in sight.

Ms Smith said while the council had done a great job to promote the local street art and gardens, she believed “a lot more work” needed to be done.

“It’s a little disappointing to not have that support (from the council) we desperately need, after we’ve felt heavy blows like Covid-19,” she said.

“We have great support from Southern Queensland Country Tourism, but they have a bigger region to promote beyond just Toowoomba, so I feel the biggest thing we’re lacking at the moment is support from the council.

“I feel it doesn’t seem to be a massive priority for them and I’m not hearing a lot about how the council is supporting tourism and hospitality operators or promoting the region to the others.”

Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Services Committee Councillor James O'Shea and Mayor Paul Antonio. Picture: Kate McCormack

Councillor James O’Shea said while no elected representatives were able to attend the event, “key tourism personnel from within council were present”, including from the Visitor Information Centre.

“Toowoomba Regional Council supports and promotes the tourism sector with millions of dollars of investment each year to attract visitors to the region, including award-winning events such as our annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers,” he said.

“Just yesterday (Monday) mayor Paul Antonio, deputy mayor Geoff McDonald, councillor Tim McMahon and myself, met with representatives of Tourism and Events Queensland as well as the CEO of Southern Queensland Country Tourism for an industry update.

“(Monday) was a particularly busy day for council as we also had an all-day visit and briefing from Her Excellency The Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, Governor of Queensland, who is visiting the Toowoomba Region … elements of the Governor’s visit clashed with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce event.”

(from left) Chloe Smith, Kim Donaldson and Craig Ansell. Toowoomba Conferences tourism event at Gabbinbar Homestead. Monday, May 30, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

In addition to Ms Smith, Kim Donaldson from the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and Craig Ansell from Minor Hotels (The Oaks) delivered speeches at the event.

Gabbinbar Homestead will celebrate 10 years of business this year with the venue set to hold more weddings in 2022, than ever before.

Keen to continue its growth, Ms Smith said the business is now looking to target the NSW market and is currently working on several initiatives to showcase Toowoomba as an ultimate wedding destination.