1.1 A Creative , educated community
1.1.1 Identify and promote opportunities for arts , cultural expression and the development of creative industries .
1.1.2 Ensure cultural facilities and programming meets the needs of the community and regional development .
1.1.3 Provide contemporary library facilities and services across the region to meet the needs of the community .
1.1.4 Identify and promote public art opportunities that enhance the urban environment .
2014-15 84 % 94 %
85 %
76 %
83 %
2015-16 79 % 100 %
53 %
87 %
100 %
STATUS
The Toowoomba Region has cemented itself as a culturally rich , vibrant and inclusive community , with a lifestyle unmatched by larger cities . As the region continues to grow , Council is responsive with an increase in infrastructure and services to meet the future needs of our community . Council has a strong focus on maintaining the liveability of our region , through the upkeep and provision of cultural precincts including our galleries , urban spaces , libraries and theatres . It is this commitment that will see the continuation of these services and facilities with accessibility and affordability to visitors and residents . Grants , public art projects and annual programs that focus on developing this region will ensure that the Toowoomba Region continues to build on its reputation as one of the most culturally diverse cities in Australia .
Our challenges
• Delay of the new Regional Arts Development Fund ( RADF ) funding model due to additional compliance requirements
• Attracting and retaining clients for our function centres throughout the year
• Ensuring cultural and arts grants are relevant and inclusive to attract quality emerging artist applications
• Maintaining and upgrading aquatic and fitness centres to remain relevant in a growing , competitive fitness market
• Investigating options for future open space requirements and planning for the growth of our region
• Decontamination of over 6,000 library resources adversely affected at the old Local History Library location
• Continuation of library services to the community during the construction of the new Toowoomba City Library facility
• Maintaining access to literary and historical assets with the relocation to the new Toowoomba City Library .
Our achievements
• Completion of the new $ 24.5 million Toowoomba City Library community facility and Stage 1 of the Civic Square
• Commencement of Stage 1 works to restore the City Hall Theatre and construct a new Annexe Project
• Commencement of upgrades to the Yarraman Library
• Council ’ s financial support of the Empire Theatre ’ s Community Access Scheme
• Construction of the Millmerran Visitor Information Centre
• Commencement of upgrades to five regional war memorials
• 665 events held in Council-owned Cultural Centres
• First Coat Art and Music Festival 2016 saw further street art murals added to walls across the region , cementing the Toowoomba Region as one of the largest outdoor art galleries in Queensland
• Transitioned the application process for grants to an online form
• Completion of a digital literacy program encouraging residents to use emerging technologies .
New Toowoomba City Library
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016 Our goals CHAPTER 4 73