Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has recommended to approve sponsorship for the 2025 Chronicle Garden Competition following a request of its new steward and organiser, the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
The item was discussed at this week's Environment and Community Services Committee Meeting with Councillors recommending to next week's Ordinary Meeting an amount of $54,006 in cash and in-kind support.
TRC Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson Cr James O'Shea the home garden competition had an incredibly rich history as a foundation event and a perennial favourite of green thumbs who visit the Toowoomba Region during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers each year.
"The Chronicle Garden Competition has been a popular attraction since the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' inaugural 1950 event to the present day," Cr O'Shea said.
"Council appreciates the enduring appeal of the garden competition, which is not a Council-run event, as a key part of our wider Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers celebrations and is supportive of the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation's commitment to build on the legacy of The Chronicle Garden Competition.
"That commitment was backed up this week when Councillors recommended sponsorship to the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation of $28,000 in cash and $26,006 of in-kind support.
"Funds granted by Council will assist the Hospital Foundation with support for the garden liaison officer as well as ensuring the safety of visitors and our community through appropriate traffic management.
"Traffic management has been a challenge with previous Chronicle Garden Competition events and the sponsorship provided will ensure the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation has complete autonomy and responsibility for traffic planning, signage, execution and onsite delivery to ensure appropriate traffic flow, risk mitigation and public safety is maintained at all times," he said.
"It was most encouraging to hear the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation outline how well equipped and resourced they are to deliver an exceptional experience to garden visitors over the next five years.
"We wish the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation every success in their role as the new steward of The Chronicle Garden Competition."
The sponsorship recommendation at this week's Environment and Community Services Committee Meeting will require further endorsement at next Tuesday's April Ordinary Meeting of Council.
