Already home to Australia's longest running floral event, Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is looking at taking a display to the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome in Singapore.
As Singapore's premier horticultural tourist attraction, TRC Mayor Paul Antonio said a display in the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome would likely result in substantial flow-on effects for the Toowoomba Region.
"This is the first time any Australian location has been offered this opportunity," Mayor Antonio said.
"The proposal provides a chance to showcase the Toowoomba Region on an international stage for the 75th Jubilee anniversary of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and to more broadly promote the tourism, regional produce, and cultural sectors in the Region.
"Council would partner with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and Southern Queensland Country Tourism and seek other partners to contribute to delivering the display and provide additional value-added activities to further capitalise on the display.
"Gardens by the Bay will show the estimated 500,000 to 700,000 visitors to the flower dome the best of the Toowoomba Region. This exposure will have a flow-on economic lift to our Region, bringing an estimated extra 64,500 visitors over the coming years.
"This would be a massive boost to our local economy and help grow an existing strategic international relationship."
In a decision approved at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 21 February, Council has authorised the CEO to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding for a Council display at the Gardens by the Bay display during 2024 or any deferred Gardens by the Bay event.
The cost for the Singapore display is expected to be up to $100,000 of cash and in-kind support, including the supply of design materials and the provision of plants, props, and produce.
In addition to this, Council will host a Singapore delegation in September 2024. There is also an opportunity for a Council staff exchange with Gardens by the Bay and a potential Council delegation to attend the Gardens by the Bay event.
