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Proposed Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment

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Proposed Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment

The proposed redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital, which would be located at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus, is a large greenfield site which would deliver new and expanded health care services for our region’s growing population, while preserving the rich history and unique heritage-listed buildings at the site.

Darling Downs Health and Building Queensland are currently working together on a detailed business case that will be presented to the Queensland Government in late 2020 to inform decisions about the hospital’s design, staging and funding.

Darling Downs Health Director of Projects, Property & Planning Phil Gregory said community consultation is an important step in preparing the detailed business case. “We have consulted with key stakeholder groups to develop a concept design for the proposed redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital that would bring world-class, innovative health care to the Darling Downs region, andwe are now seeking feedback on this from the community,” he said.

We specifically want to know what impact you think the proposed new and expanded services and facilities at the redeveloped hospital may have on you and your family’s health and access to care.”

Mr Gregory said a key benefit of the proposed Toowoomba Hospital redevelopment at the Baillie Henderson Hospital campus was the large size of the site, allowing for future expansion as the region’s population and health care needs grew.

We envisage a master planned health campus with the redeveloped hospital at its core, surrounded by a range of multi-disciplinary health services, and health research and education facilities,” he said.

We are also planning for the inclusion of community facilities including childcare, accommodation, aged care, allied health, biomedical research and training. Car parking would be provided across the site for patients, staff and visitors, and discussions for public transport options are ongoing.”

The proposed redeveloped hospital’s design includes a series of medium height buildings designed to complement the topography of the landscape, with views to the surrounding hills and physical access to the tree-lined natural surrounds for patients and staff.
[cleveryoutube video=”krVhlL6vKwY” vidstyle=”1″ pic=”” afterpic=”” width=”” quality=”inherit” starttime=”” endtime=”” caption=”” showexpander=”off” alignment=”left” newser=”” margin=”true”]The building design would integrate a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives including natural daylight and ventilation where possible, rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting, careful selection of construction materials, smart metering, recycling and solar energy generation.

The proposed redeveloped hospital would have more beds, treatment areas, Emergency Department spaces and operating theatres.

The proposed redevelopment would also provide an opportunity to more easily integrate new technologies, with artificial intelligence, genomics, data analytics, digital wearable devices, apps, robotics, virtual reality, drone technology and 3D printing all being considered.

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings and ongoing requirements for social distancing, Darling Downs Health is seeking feedback on the proposed redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital online, or by phone or post.

You can:
• Visit https://www.health.qld.gov.au/darlingdowns/our projects/toowoomba-hospital-redevelopment for project information, to complete the survey, or join us online at a community session
• Follow Darling Downs Health on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/darlingdownshealth) to stay
up-to-date with the redevelopment detailed business case
• Email your feedback to NewToowoombaHospital@health.qld.gov.au
• Send your thoughts via post to Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment Consultation, PMB 2,
Toowoomba Hospital, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland, 4350
• Phone (07) 4616 6000 to request a hard copy of the survey, ask questions and provide feedback between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

A newly redeveloped Toowoomba Hospital would be an investment in our future healthcare and we need our communities to help us shape it,” Mr Gregory said.
Submitted by:
Media, Communications & Engagement Team
Media and Communication, Executive Services
Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

Wear Maroon For Queensland’s Birthday

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Wear Maroon For Queensland’s Birthday

Toowoomba will glow maroon as the city landmarks light up to celebrate Queensland’s 161st Birthday on Saturday 6th June.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio is encouraging the community to wear maroon this week to show how much we love our State.

Toowoomba’s CBD will be awash with a maroon glow as the coloured lights on the Outer Circulating Road, The Annex and City Hall change to honour our state’s birthday,” Mayor Antonio said.

Queensland Day (6th June) celebrates the day 161 years ago when Queen Victoria gave her approval that we should separate from the colony of New South Wales. The State of Queensland was declared, and we haven’t looked back since.”

While Queensland Day celebrations won’t witness our usual flag-raising or lamington cakes this year, we can still revel in our good fortune of living in the most magnificent Region in the best State and the greatest nation in the world.”

2020 is the year to celebrate our State by buying local from a Queensland business or grab the ingredients for our Region’s most famous culinary concept, the lamington.”
[cleveryoutube video=”bSqvibKC0HQ” vidstyle=”5″ pic=”” afterpic=”” width=”” quality=”inherit” starttime=”” endtime=”” caption=”” showexpander=”off” alignment=”center” newser=”” margin=”true”]”This year we can still wear maroon, put up a flag or create a sign for our gate or importantly we could ring a fellow Queenslander to make sure they are alright.”

We have so much to celebrate on this 6th June as Queenslanders -together let’s support our mates as we celebrate our great State.”

Submitted by:
Michael Duff
Senior Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

A New Name For Kleinton Park?

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A New Name For Kleinton Park?


A new name has been proposed for a small remnant area of bushland at Charmaine Crescent, Kleinton, north of Toowoomba.

The bushland area is home to remnant endangered dry vine rainforest which was prevalent in the Highfields area before development.

The Friends of the Escarpment Parks volunteer group has requested if Council would consider formally naming an area of land at Charmaine Court, Kleinton as Leopard Ash Bushland Park.

Toowoomba Regional Council Parks and Recreation Services portfolio leader Cr Tim McMahon said the volunteer organisation had applied to Council requesting a permanent name for the 0.75ha parcel of land that has been known informally as Meringandan East Road Open space.

The Friends of the Escarpment Parks volunteer group undertakes some maintenance of the area,” Cr McMahon said.

The group wishes to see the park name reflect one of the important remnant tree species, the Leopard Ash tree (flindersia collina), that is native to the area.

This small but important bushland area also is home to a diversity of plants and wildlife.”

Residents who wish to provide any comments, support the proposed name change or have alternative name suggestions are encouraged to send responses to info@tr.qld.gov.au by June 19 or call 131 872.

Submitted by:
Angus Moffatt
Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Toowoomba Regional Council

Reconciliation Week – ‘In This Together 2020′

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Reconciliation Week – ‘In This Together 2020′

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio is urging the community to take time to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live on during National Reconciliation Week from Wednesday, 27th May to 3rd June 2020.

Mayor Antonio said during National Reconciliation Week; we acknowledge the Aboriginal parties whose song lines traverse the lands we are on today and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

This is a significant time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can join the national reconciliation effort,” Mayor Antonio said.

Reconciliation Week recognises two significant dates that all Australians can be proud of, the anniversaries of the 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo land rights decision.

These historically significant dates still matter today. They show us that Australians have come together in the past to stand up for what’s right so we can build a brighter future, together.
[cleveryoutube video=”npSe29UyarA” vidstyle=”1″ pic=”” afterpic=”” width=”” quality=”inherit” starttime=”” endtime=”” caption=”” showexpander=”off” alignment=”left” newser=”” margin=”true”]At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Reconciliation Week, 20 years on from when Australia came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation to show support for a more reconciled Australia.”

Deputy Mayor, Cr Geoff McDonald said that just over 12 months ago, in January 2019 Council formally appointed the first community representatives on the newly established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

The core functions of this committee’s formation is to develop and implement the Toowoomba Regional Council Reconciliation Action Plan and advise Council on strategy and planning with cultural input, and also to assist in growing Indigenous tourism,” Cr McDonald said.

We often talk about the various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander links we have in our region and the establishment of the Advisory Committee has formalised these connections throughout the Council.

This essential committee is guiding Council on the cultural needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community.

The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week is ‘In This Together 2020′, and who would have known during this challenging time, how fitting this message would be.

Despite our isolation, we celebrate our first peoples, and re-commit to working together as a nation towards reconciliation.”

For more information about National Reconciliation Week go to www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Annual Appeal Brings Warmth To Cold Winters

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Annual Appeal Brings Warmth To Cold Winters

For more than 10 years, the Civic Assist Winter Warmth Appeal has provided many households in our region with support.

This year, with the added impact of COVID-19, the need is greater than ever. At a time when many a closet may be almost bare, Civic Assist is asking the public to help make a difference by donating quality winter clothes and blankets for people doing it tough.

Civic Assist Operations Manager, Helen Muller said, The team at our Support Centre is reporting an increase in requests for winter clothing and bedding from our partner organisations, such as those who work with people who are particularly vulnerable or at-risk.

Donating to the Winter Warmth Appeal is one way we can all do something to help. I’ve seen firsthand the difference that receiving a bag of warm clothes has made to someone,” Mrs Muller said. It means so much to them to feel valued by someone else in the community who doesn’t know them, but wants to help them stay warm.”

Appeal volunteers are already busy sorting donations at the Civic Assist Support Centre, including blankets, jumpers, jackets and bedding,

Civic Assist is calling for donations of new or quality pre-loved items that can be used to help households in need. The appeal will run until the end of June. Those wanting to donate items can drop them off at:
• Civic Assist Support Centre, 258 Spring Street Toowoomba – open Monday and Friday between 9am and 3pm;
• Civic Assist Donation Bin on the main driveway at 258 Spring Street, Toowoomba or
• Email info@civicassist.org.au to arrange pick up.
Socially distancing and cannot come out to drop off a donation? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Head to civicassist.org.au to make a donation online. Every $ raised goes to purchase blankets and warm clothing. Also, vouchers are  supplied to community groups for their clients to redeem in exchange for donated items.
Exciting News – Our Support Centre (Shop) is reopening and is in a new venue. We have moved to the HUB behind Civic Church 258 Spring Street, and will be open on Mondays  and Fridays, 9am to 3pm.

Donations of Warm clothing and bedding can be dropped to the shop or placed in the collection bin on the main driveway. We urgently need quality new or pre-loved blankets all sizes and warm clothing, especially for boys size 3 to 14.

Submitted by:
Helen Muller / Operations Manager
Dip Counselling, Dip Community Services
Civic Assist, Toowoomba
07 4631 5822
helen.muller@civicassist.org.au

 

Staged Re-Opening Of Council Service Centres

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Staged Re-Opening Of Council Service Centres

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Customer Service Centres will re-open counter service at four locations from Monday 25th May, 2020.

The Toowoomba, Millmerran, Crow’s Nest and Pittsworth Customer Service Centres will re-open with no appointment necessary and new measures in place for the safety of staff and the community.
Mayor Paul Antonio said Customer Service was a critical  service for Toowoomba Regional Council. “State Government advisors have been working with Council to determine practical implications on what the easing of restrictions means for our customer service centres,” Mayor Antonio said.

To re-open any of our facilities, we have had to work through the practicalities of hygiene requirements, staffing arrangements and importantly the ways to allow  staff and the community to maintain social distancing requirements.”

The Toowoomba Branch will open from 8.30am-5pm Monday to Friday, while Millmerran, Crows Nest and Pittsworth counters will open from 1-4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As health restrictions ease, Council will re-open more of our Customer Service Centres, and hours will be extended, ” he said.

From Monday, Customer Service Centres will be trialling Point of Sale screens where appropriate, with additional cleaning and sanitiser product provided for customers and staff.”

Mayor Antonio went on to say Social distancing markings and signage will be added to all front customer areas/thoroughfares, entries and exits and furniture will be spaced to adhere to social distancing requirements.”

Cashless transactions will be encouraged, although cash will be accepted if no alternative is available. Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to staff when handling cash or in the course of their normal duties.

Council is committed to re-opening our facilities as soon as practical; however, we also need to ensure the health and wellbeing of staff and our community.”

Submitted by:
Brendan Steinhardt
Principal Media and Strategic Relations
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

Cressbrook Dam Re-Opens To The Public

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Cressbrook Dam Re-Opens To The Public

Cressbrook Dam has re-opened to the public for recreational purposes  after testing shows water meets recognised safety standards.

Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Portfolio Leader Cr Tim McMahon said Council has removed  closure signage.
The campground at Cressbrook Dam will remain closed in line with the Queensland Government’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 restrictions,” Cr McMahon said. Apart from the camping ground, residents can use other barbecue and public amenities during day opening hours at Cressbrook Dam.”

Users will still need to adhere to relevant Queensland Health requirements with a maximum gathering of ten persons permitted under Stage One easing of restrictions.

If residents are considering any recreational activities, social distancing measures must be maintained.

Council thanks all residents for their very responsible actions and sensible compliance with all State and Federal Government Covid-19 directions,” Cr McMahon said.

I remind everyone to refer to the information on updated restrictions, particularly guidelines on gatherings, provided by the State Government’s lead agency Queensland Health during the pandemic.”

For more information on updated Queensland Health Guidelines on the easing of restrictions go to www.health.qld.gov.au/coronavirus.

TRC Water and Waste Portfolio Leader, Cr Nancy Sommerfield said Council’s Dams are a valued recreational resource, and our outdoor spaces are highly prized and well used by residents and visitors.

Council monitors the three dams weekly for algae and numerous microbiological parameters including E.coli. We also test chemical parameters such as iron, manganese, alkalinity, hardness, ammonia, nitrate, colour, turbidity and phosphate.”

Submitted by:
Michael Duff
Senior Media Relations Officer
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

 

Local Suppliers Given A Major Boost

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Local Suppliers Given A Major Boost

Toowoomba Regional Council is adopting an amendment to its Procurement Policy giving extra price weighting to local suppliers when engaged by Council to supply goods or services.

TRC Finance and Business Strategy Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said supporting local businesses and regional areas remains a priority and the changes to the policy ensured local businesses were given the best chance possible to work with Council.

This is a great result for our entire community,  and stems from the work we did earlier this year when the Coronavirus pandemic first impacted our Region,” he said.

At that time Council made a decision to assist local suppliers wherever possible with its procurement and purchasing activities and adoption of the policy not only cements these changes, but extends on those principles, to provide further incentive for our local suppliers.

  • As part of the changes to the Procurement Policy, Council will:Seek quotes from only local suppliers for procurement under $200,000 (where possible);
    Give local suppliers an additional 10% price variance for purchases up to $50,000;
    Give local suppliers an additional 5% price variance for purchases greater than $50,000 but less than $200,000;
    Will continue to follow the public tender or contractual arrangement exceptions contained within Local Government Regulation 2012 (Regulation) s223 to s235 for procurement with an expected value greater than $200,000.

In addition to this, Council will give a further 2% price advantage to local suppliers in regional areas (all areas inside the Toowoomba Region boundary that are outside of the Toowoomba City, i.e. postcode 4350) for anything up to $200,000,” Cr McDonald said.

Effectively this means that if a local supplier provides a quote for $44,000 and we receive another quote from outside the Region for $40,000 then we’ll be able to go with the local supplier thanks to the changes in our policy.

Council already has a target for 60% of spending locally and these amendments will go a long way to not only help us achieve this goal, but possibly surpass it.

This will provide opportunities to upskill local businesses and ensure money spent stays within the Toowoomba Region which will benefit everyone in our community,” Cr Geoff McDonald said.

Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Todd Rohl supported the amendments, stating, Toowoomba Regional Council is to be congratulated on its changes to its procurement policies by increasing opportunities for local suppliers to secure work.”

The decision is a win for local small business and the local economy and demonstrates a real commitment by Council to buy and source locally.”

The changes to the policy were formally adopted at the Ordinary Meeting of Council with a review date of 31 December 2020. For further information visit www.tr.qld.gov.au or contact Council on 131 872.

Submitted by:
Brendan Steinhardt
Principal Media and Strategic Relations
Stakeholder Engagement and Communications
Toowoomba Regional Council

 

 

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