A Darling Downs farmer has found a new purpose for their old shearing shed, recently renovating it to host weddings and functions, complete with a shearing display.
The landholder, EHW Holdings, lodged a development application with the Toowoomba Regional Council in December for the woolshed at Ellangowan, southwest of Toowoomba.
According to the planning report by nspire Planning and Design, the venue would cater for unique weddings and corporate functions.
"There is a tendency, particularly for weddings, to want a rural setting away from the hustle and bustle," it said.
"Given drink driving rules and out of town location, most guests will be bussed to the site for the event thus reducing the impact on the road and access network."
The report said the building still had three working shearing stands, could cater for up to 250 guests, and the intention was to put on a shearing display for most events.
However, the building requires the addition of a ramp for disability access.
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It also said the development would help supplement farm income.
"[It would provide] a pleasant facility and additional income to improve the viability of the rural enterprise."
Due to the intermittent use of the facility, the plan is to use mobile catering and amenities for each event.
While existing buildings are covered by water tank used for fire-fighting and worker amenities, adequate water for the events will be brought in.
Electricity is currently available to the site and mobile coverage is described as adequate.
The locality is characterised by various large parcels of land with a mix of grazing and agricultural farms consistent with the rural zoning.
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Brandon Long
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
