An old treasure of Toowoomba gets facelift

The Palaszczuk Government is investing $100,000 to protect and conserve the 84-year-old, heritage-listed Toowoomba Trades Hall.

Speaking ahead of Governing from the Regions in Toowoomba next week, Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said this funding would help conserve the beautiful building so it could continue to be used by the community as a meeting and entertainment venue.

“The Toowoomba Trades Hall on Russell Street was built in 1934 and is believed to be Queensland’s oldest surviving purpose-built trades hall,” Ms Enoch said.

“Since this time, the hall has cemented its place in Toowoomba’s history and continues to play a vital role in the city’s cultural and architectural landscape.

“The building was traditionally used as a meeting place as well as a venue for various community groups.

“Over the years, the hall has played host to community groups as diverse as ballerinas and boxers.”

Ms Enoch said the funding was part of the Community Sustainability Action grant program, which is providing $12 million over three years for innovative projects that address climate change, conserve Queensland’s natural and built environment and protect our unique wildlife

“The project will restore and repair the ceiling, the hall’s stage, the roof and the external stairs and landing,” Ms Enoch said.

“Internal walls which have been added over the years will be removed, opening the hall up to its original size and allowing the community to once again have full access to the building.

“A much needed upgrade to the kitchen will also be completed once the repair work is done.

“I’m sure the local community will be quite impressed once the upgrade has been completed and I hope that the building will continue its use as a community facility for many years to come.”

More information about the Community Sustainability Action grants program is available here: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/pollution/funding/community-sustainability

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