Community & Business
22 November, 2023
Council commits to the Jondaryan Woolshed for three more years
Toowoomba Regional Council has committed to continuing ownership of the Jondaryan Woolshed until 2026, with decision to be made then on its future.
At a recent meeting, Council committed to increasing annual operating expenditure from $372,000 to $570,000 over the next three years.
After that time, a decision will be made on whether to commit to the future of the Woolshed or not.
Cr Tim McMahon indicated his support for the proposal at the meeting.
“I’ll give you three more years,” he said.
“The wheels are turning, but as with all things in Council, they are turning slowly.”
Cr Bill Cahill said there hadn’t been any serious considerations given to selling the property.
“I don’t consider it core business of Council,” he said.
Cr Carol Taylor said from her experience it was obvious that some sheds needed to be removed.
“There’s one particular shed, which is a lean-to, with an emphasis on the lean,”she said.
Cr Megan O’Hara Sullivan emphasised that the Jondaryan Woolshed was an important part of the Toowoomba Region’s history.
Councillors discussed the interim operating model and referred back to an Operation Model Options Analysis Report into different ownership models.
“While the Jondaryan Woolshed has experienced a variety of different owners and operating models over its long history, it has remained an important destination and the heart of the regional community,” the executive summary says.
“The commitment to protect and preserve the history and integrity of the Woolshed for future generations has been unwavering.
“This project is the next step in securing the future of this unique country icon.
“A comparative financial analysis has also been prepared to look at the financial implication of the options on Council, and on the success of the Woolshed as a community and tourism resource.
“A regional economic impact assessment has also been prepared and this shows a positive return on investment by Council to underpin the success of site operations and assets irrespective of the management model chosen.
“While the analysis recognises several manage-ment models have been unsuccessful in the past, (this report) recommends an independent not for profit charitable entity as the model with the most factors which have the potential to contribute to success.”
