Published on 22 July 2026
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, its dedicated staff, the Region’s arts community and residents by endorsing the next stage of planning to secure the long-term future of one of Queensland’s most significant regional art galleries. The Gallery has remained closed since sustaining significant damage during the severe rainfall event of 14 November 2025. Since then, Council's priority has been the protection and preservation of the Region's valuable art collection while undertaking assessments to understand the damage sustained to the building and work required to restore the building. TRC Library and Cultural Services spokesperson Cr Melissa Taylor said Council recognised the strong community interest in the Gallery and its importance to the Region's cultural identity and visitor economy. “The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery is one of our Region's most important cultural assets and we understand the significance it holds for residents, artists, visitors and the wider community," Cr Taylor said. "While the Gallery building has remained closed, a significant amount of work has been taking place behind the scenes to protect the collection, assess the damage and carefully plan a sustainable path forward." Immediately following the storm event, Gallery staff acted swiftly to protect artworks and cultural assets within the facility and specialist conservators were engaged to assess affected works, provide expert advice and assist with stabilisation and recovery activities. "Thanks to the expertise and dedication of our Gallery staff and specialist advisors, artworks were carefully assessed and protected as a priority," Cr Taylor said. "Our collection belongs to the community, is irreplaceable and safeguarding it has been at the centre of every decision made since the closure." To ensure the ongoing protection of the collection, artworks have been carefully assessed and, where necessary, relocated to secure storage facilities that provide the specialised environmental controls conditions required for their long-term preservation. Council has continued to invest in the care and management of the collection while investigations into the Gallery's future have progressed. To inform future decision-making, Council commissioned a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) Study which identified a number of areas requiring remediation and confirmed that substantial works would be required before the Gallery can safely reopen to the public. It also outlined a range of potential restoration and redevelopment pathways for Council's consideration. Cr Taylor said Council's assessment process had been guided by a commitment to protecting both public safety and the collection itself. "Any future solution must provide the specialised environmental conditions, fire suppression systems and collection management standards required to safely store, protect and exhibit works of art," she said. "These requirements are critical considerations in Council's decision-making and will continue to inform the options being explored." Council has now endorsed progression to the next phase of planning and design work to further refine project scope, costs, risks and delivery options before any final construction decisions are made. The scale of remediation required means the Gallery will remain closed until 2028 while planning, design and future construction activities are progressed. While the building remains closed, Gallery staff will continue looking for opportunities to share the community’s collection with residents and visitors. Further information and updates will be provided on Council’s website as they become available. "Our goal is to keep people connected with the collection while we work towards the Gallery’s future," Cr Talyor said. The Toowoomba Region Art Galleries exhibition program continues through the Crows Nest Gallery and the Rosalie Gallery at Goombungee, ensuring residents, visitors and artists continue to benefit from arts and cultural experiences across the Region while planning for the future of the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Council has also maintained close engagement with Gallery staff artists and stakeholders throughout the assessment process, recognising the important role the Gallery plays in the Region’s cultural life.