Tourism and Events Queensland secures Toowoomba flower festival for another five years

A deal between Tourism and Events Queensland and Toowoomba Regional Council has secured the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers festival for another five years thereby ensuring the future of Australia’s longest-running floral event. 

The $5.59 million project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions (BoR) program and Toowoomba Regional Council.

Now in its 71st year, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is described by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as “one of the most colourful and fragrant events on Queensland’s calendar and is a vital tourism drawcard for the Toowoomba region which in turn supports local jobs.

“Last year more than 160,000 people attended the event across 10 days, pumping more than $20 million into the local economy.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted economies and events around the world, we’ve been able to open up faster here in Queensland because Queenslanders have done such a great job responding to the health crisis.

“That means events like the Carnival of Flowers can go ahead, just differently and in a COVID safe way.”  

Premier Palaszczuk added “we’re doing everything we can to support our tourism industry through these challenging and unprecedented times and supporting this event for another five years will assist in our economic recovery.

“We’re also continuing our Good to Go campaign and I want to encourage everyone to come and see the Carnival, walk through the beautiful parks and support the local businesses.

“Through this continued funding deal and the support of fellow Queenslanders, the Carnival’s buds will keep blooming for many years to come.”

Queensland Assistant Minister of State Jennifer Howard represented Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the announcement and also helped to officially unveil the revitalisation project at Queens Park.   

Minister Howard added that the Queens Park Revitalisation Project includes an upgrade to the Margaret Street playground and construction of a new historical interpretation shelter.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio noted “Council is very proud to deliver Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers each year.  The local pride Carnival generates is magnificent and it showcases the natural beauty of our city and the colours of region perfectly to visitors.

“We greatly value this opportunity to partner with the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.”