Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has completed a comprehensive review of community halls, Council and community owned, in the rural areas of the Region.
With 55 community halls in total, TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said it was important Council had a sound understanding of the condition and use of the halls.
“We all appreciate the value and benefit public halls and community facilities bring to our residents,” Cr O’Shea said.
“Community halls are much more than just a building. They’re a place for people to celebrate, socialise and come together. They can also be used in times of emergencies for purposes such as disaster evacuation centres.
“As such, Council is committed to ensuring the facilities are maintained and meeting the needs of our community.
“When conducting the review, Council staff spoke with community groups throughout the Toowoomba Region and users of the facilities to gain further knowledge.
“For Council, it’s about understanding where we have these halls and identifying opportunities and constraints for facility improvements.
“This will help guide future decision making on where upgrades are most needed and in the cases where the halls are underutilised we will look at strategies on how we can get the best use of the halls in those locations.
“In addition to this, the review will assist Council and the community with funding submissions for potential grants to develop and improve infrastructure and amenity within the network.”
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 13 December, Council voted to endorse the Rural Halls Review and the Review be used in the formulation of future Capital Work Plans, Operational Budgets, Asset Management Plans and Facility Planning for community halls across the Region.
