9 August, 2023
Key Nobby area poised for redevelopment
Toowoomba Regional Council officers recently held a meeting with local interested parties to outline Council’s plans for the development of the recreational vehicle park and adjacent areas opposite Rudd’s Pub in Nobby.
Interested local groups who attended the meeting included Nobby Heritage and Development Association, Sister Kenny Craft Group, the Nobby Store owner, several invested local residents and Council officers, Chris Theodosis Property services and Aimee Hetherington Community Development Officer while Evan Jones from Rudd’s Hotel chaired the meeting.
Mayor McDonald sent his apologies to the meeting but expressed his support for the project to go ahead.
Mr Theodosis outlined Council’s acquisition of the ex-GrainCorp land and how this transfer is progressing with Council taking ownership on 30th June.
Toowoomba Regional Council Property Services portfolio leader Cr James O’Shea said the Council is negotiating with several other landholders to acquire surrounding land parcels.
“Council is in the early stages of these additional negotiations, which need to proceed before a closure of a road reserve in the vicinity.
“The acquisitions and road closure would confirm the future of, among other uses, parkland in this vicinity.
“The community will be advised when these dealings are finalised.
“The whole of the area, when acquired, will undergo a master-planning process.
“This will consider the current Nobby Recreational Vehicle park area as well as other recreational uses.
“Any community proposal for the possible relocation of the historic Nobby jail would be subject to a future report for Council’s consideration,” Cr O’Shea said.
Representatives from the Nobby Heritage and Development Association, the Sister Kenny Craft Group and other interested community members provided an update on their ideas for future uses on Council’s land.
Graham Berry, a member of the Vintage Caterpillar Club Australia, told the meeting his club was interested in acquiring the old grain shed and establishing a museum that would hold 100 vintage tractors.
Mr Jones said he thought the meeting was very successful and in fact very positive regarding the development plans of Council.
He was especially excited about the establishment of the tractor museum, something he had been encouraging for some time.
With Council taking acquisition of various land parcels, the problems associated with insurances for groups using the area may have been simplified.
