New Museum building on track to open in 2020

TRC Environment and Community Committee Chair Councillor Geoff McDonald said he was thrilled to see the project progressing to this stage following its closure in 2016.

"The Clifton Historical Museum is an important part of, not only Clifton's history, but the Toowoomba Regions," he said.

"In late 2016 the main museum building which was previously the old butter factory, was deemed to be unsafe to occupy and was closed on advice provided by structural engineers.

"As a result, we closed the building, ensuring we worked with experts to plan how to safely remove the artefacts prior to demolition.

"We then undertook extensive consultation with the community and investigated a number of options for the replacement of the museum.

"Following consultation with representatives from the Clifton Historical Museum, plans for a new building were completed and I'm pleased to see a local business has been awarded as the successful tenderer for the museum."

The tender for the museum has been awarded to Taddio Building Group who have begun the early stages of the project, including soil tests on the site.

It is anticipated that construction of the building will begin early 2020, with work expected to be completed within three months, weather permitting.

"Council acknowledges the important role community facilities such as museums play throughout the Region so it's great to see work beginning on this significant facility," Cr McDonald said.

"While we progress with this project we'll continue to meet with the Clifton Museum group in regards to the future operational model for the museum."

Toowoomba Regional Council, in conjunction with the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Drought Communities Programme - Extension Grant, have proudly funded the replacement of the Clifton Historical Museum.