New self-drive heritage tour boost for tourism

A NEW self-driving tour of the Toowoomba region’s most iconic locations and buildings has now been launched by the council.

Announcing the launch of the Toowoomba Regional Council's new Heritage Self-Drive Tour are (from left) Cr Megan O'Hara Sullivan, Cr Bill Cahill and Heritage Advisory Committee member Patrick Murphy.

A NEW self-driving tour booklet of the Toowoomba region's most iconic locations and buildings has now been launched by the council.

The Toowoomba Heritage Self-Drive Tour is a special book developed by the council in collaboration with its Heritage Advisory Committee.

Planning and development chair Cr Megan O'Hara Sullivan said the book featured a range of iconic locations throughout the region and discussed their history.

"This book is a wonderful compilation of the historical landmarks we have right here on our doorstep," she said.

"We often talk about our rich traditions and bold ambitions and this book perfectly encapsulates this.

"Work on this book first began in the 1990s when Toowoomba historians wrote 'Walking Tours' which was designed to raise heritage awareness of the most vulnerable places considered to be worthy of protection because of their cultural importance.

"The council later became involved, incorporating feedback provided to us by the council's Heritage Advisory Committee.

"Some of the places are entered in the Queensland Heritage Register, a number are locally listed, and others are considered to be of local cultural significance."

TRC planning and development portfolio lead Cr Bill Cahill said the book not only covered Toowoomba's current history but also embraced its indigenous history.

"The self-drive booklet is a shared history of our region which contains our indigenous beginnings," he said.

"For over 65,000 years, our First People, the Gaibul and Jarrowair occupied this area and it's important we recognise this in the booklet.

"The Gaibul occupied the area around the present Toowoomba while the Jarrowair hosted the Bunya Festival, usually held every three years.

"With Queensland border closures in place, now is the perfect time for us to explore our own backyard and this book provides our residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn more about our wonderful region."

The book will be available at all customer service officers and visitor information centres throughout the region.

For more information visit www.tr.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 131 872.