From humble beginnings in 1950, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has become our region's premier tourism event.  The event is an integral part of Toowoomba's cultural and economic identity and has proven a crucial element in the City's morale.   

Whilst the City has experienced unprecedented water shortages over the past few years, Council has continued its support of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and The Chronicle Garden Competition, mindful of the City's economic sustainability and the quality of life experienced by residents.  With improved security of our water supply and better rainfall so far this year, the 2010 Carnival of Flowers will once again highlight the liveability of our City and enhance its cultural and economic fabric. 

In maintaining its support of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba Regional Council intends to continue the promotion of best practice to minimise water use, raise awareness of WaterWise initiatives and to encourage innovative thinking regarding gardening and the mechanisms for effective water management.   

Key elements of this promotion include:

• The use of harvested and stored rainwater collected from Council park buildings to supplement low rainfall through the watering of the gardens and specimen trees within the city's premier parks, namely Queens Park, Picnic Point, Laurel Bank Park, and the Toowoomba Visitor Information Centre.
• These premier parks will be in full display for the Carnival, as well as the eastern entry to the city, at the top of the Range.
• All selected planted beds are maintained using best practice horticultural methods for drought conditions including a careful selection of hardy perennial and annual plant species appropriate for Toowoomba's climate.
• Other effective water management measures applied to Council gardens include use of topsoil impregnated with water crystals, drip irrigation, and application of 100mm of mulch that is continually topped up.
• Water supplied as a gesture of support to entrants in The Chronicle Home Garden Competition is provided by Toowoomba Regional Council from non-potable sources.
• All potted colour flowers used for the Carnival parade floats that are provided by Council’s nursery, uses best practice watering for all stock.
• WaterWise themes and displays within the Ergon Energy Flower, Food & Wine Festival are designed by our Council Landscape architects and set up by Council Parks and Recreation officers.