Toowoomba comparison gallery showcases growth over decades

Have you ever wondered how much the region has changed over the years? Do you remember Village Fair? What about the Acland? Take a look back with our blast from the past gallery.

The Toowoomba region has continued to grow and evolve over the years, with technological, social and economic advances throughout the decades resulting in a dramatic transformation.

The construction of the Toowoomba bypass, the Outer Circulating Road on Victoria Street, Wellcamp airport, the upgrades of the Picnic Point lookout and more have captivated residents and changed our daily routines.

The Chronicle has put together 20 comparisons of features across our region and how they have changed over the decades.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio fondly remembers riding a pony to school from his family farm, and in 2016, was on the first international passenger flight from Toowoomba to Shanghai, China.

“Our family felt a new degree of connectedness with a landline phone to the farm in my childhood,” Cr Antonio said.

“Earlier this year I watched Crows Nest State School students on a zoom call with students in our Japanese Sister City of Takatsuki.”

Transport infrastructures have been developed and updates across the district in the previous decade, both on land and in the air.

“Our leading agricultural produce and other goods can reach most parts of Australia in 24 hours or so and the airport offers a 12-hour flight to major Asian markets, with connecting flights to other continents,” Cr Antonio said.

“Plans are well advanced to integrate the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail though our Region with various intermodal hubs and links to upgraded rail lines to southern and south west Queensland, providing additional freight capacity and improved trade links for primary producers and businesses.”

Cr Antonio said Council has plans in place for the projected population and jobs growth over the coming 30 to 50 years.

“Our story continues to evolve with dreams for Bold Ambitions built on a healthy respect for our forebears, the original Indigenous inhabitants and our future generations,” he said.

“My wish is to see the Region build on its enviable reputation as a culturally rich, vibrant and inclusive community with a lifestyle unmatched by larger cities. Toowoomba is one of the most liveable cities in Australia, a tag that is reinforced by a peaceful and safe environment.”

Have we missed your favourite transformation comparison? Send an email to [e-mail] to see it added to the list.