Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has thrown its support behind a new festival being proposed for the Region.
To be held in April 2024, TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said Autumn Feast had the potential to become an annual event on the Region’s calendar.
“The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is aiming to host an event which features food, art and music experiences across the entire Region during a time of year that is typically more quiet,” he said.
“Council is supportive of the concept and believes the festival would support our local business, bringing jobs and economic activity to the Region.
“With the full details of the event still being organised, Council will work with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce to ensure there are maximum benefits to the community.”
At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 27 June, Council endorsed the following recommendation.
- That the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce be advised that Council declines its offer for Council to provide a naming rights sponsorship of $150,000 relating to Autumn Feast 2024.
- That the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce be advised that Council in principle is willing to consider supporting a sponsorship for a sum of up to $100,000 for the Autumn Feast 2024, subject to the following:
- new sponsorship application being submitted to Council containing a variety of sponsorship levels up to $100,000, the Autumn Feast 2024 event budget and detailed event proposal;
- any future sponsorship agreement entered with the Chamber for Autumn Feast 2024 containing event deliverables and key performance indicators;
- any future sponsorship agreement clearly identifying that if the Autumn Feast 2024 does not proceed, the sponsorship provided by Council is refunded;
- sponsorship funds if approved to be paid in instalments under management delegation and the negotiated sponsorship agreement; and
- Council considering the revised sponsorship application pursuant to Council Sponsorship Policy.
