Tina2

we live 20 minuets west of Toowoomba and find new things happening every time we go in t the CBD ! ha ha happening SO fast. Had cateracts done last month and was sent to Springfield Lakes Mater, OMG like a 5 star hotel, room service when ever you want a drink or something to eat. Wall paper and carpets, plastic trollies so no noise and $20,000 beds and that is there PUBLIC section. Where do you buy your dog food ? We get BARF from the pet cafe. That would be the park at Colleges Crossing, Lovely Park. I like Esk, real country village, go through that way a lot on the way to the north coast. Sad people still make fun of Toowoomba, bet they have not been there recently. SO much work available, out at the airport, the by pass, Pulse Data Centre, and Wagners are building a milk processing plant to fly milk product to China once a week direct from the Wellcamp airport, which now has a 747 cargo plane flying direct from Wellcamp to China on a weekly basis. There are now direct flights to Melbourne, Sydney, Townsville, cairns and out west. Toowoomba Grammar has just added a huge extention and Toowoomba Christian College is doing the same, even Downlands are now taking kids from Gr 5 even as boarders, and Toowoomba Prep are now Prep to Gr 12, all due to demand from parents.

Hi Pom Queen, the train will come. are you around Gatton area ? ? Gee wish I had spare money an acre and a 4 bed house for $300,000. Read somewhere that plainlands is about to become a major town with 29,000 people . It will be like Brisbane and the GC. 20 years ago there was nothing between the 2. Then a few houses went in half way between at Ormeau, now look at it. Plainlands is 1/2 way between Toowoomba and Brisbane. Aldi is moving in and a Bunnings I think it was Gatton or Laidley. Once that happens, you can bet the train will extend from Ipswich to Gatton, and then eventually to Toowoomba. Cant wait for the new Parklands to happen in Toowoomba, going to be a small southbank type area. Have to admit though Toowoomba desperately needs a new hospital, the current one is like something out of WW2.

Thanks Bob it really is and just 20 mins out of the CBD you can still get a house with 4 beds, 2 baths and 1/2 and acre for around $450,000 not many places that still offer that these days. Nice to see you still on Poms.

for those who still consider Toowoomba a hick country hole with nothing happening, I thought I would give you a little update. For those willing to look a little outside major capital cities this may be somewhere you would like to consider. . We have some of the best schools in Qld, and house prices much lower than the capital cities and grand central shopping centers 500 million dollar expansion is just about complete. INTERACTIVE MAP: 15 projects transforming Ruthven RUTHVEN St is undergoing a rapid transformation with millions of dollars being spent across a myriad of projects in different industries. From entertainment precincts at its northern end to lifestyle shopping and food destinations in the south, the Toowoomba street is being redeveloped and updated. Capping its northern end is the $43 million Bunnings project which will employ about 180 staff and transform the historic site. To the south there is The Intersection, a dedicated food precinct with 12 retailers where once stood the Marco Polo Chinese Restaurant. RELATED: In case you missed it: 72 things coming to Toowoomba It neighbours the Shell Express service station and complete the crossroads with Alderley St as a foodie haven. Plans are also progressing with major accommodation centres including the Burke and Wills Hotel at the corner of Herries St, while developers push ahead with a number of other apartment precincts on Ruthven St. The Chronicle has compiled a list of the projects, but let us know in the comments if we've missed any exciting developments. SCROLL DOWN FOR INTERACTIVE MAP 1. Ruthven St streetscape AFTER one year of works and construction, the northern end of Ruthven St has reopened which offers expanded parking and blends the business district in with the Toowoomba CBD. Works included an upgrade of the storm water system, added centre parking and curb-side angle parking, and the installation of new street art. 2. City Hall THE Toowoomba Regional Council's city amphitheatre upgrade is progressing, with further funds allocated in the 2017-18 budget this year. The amphitheatre, tucked behind City Hall on Ruthven St, is expected to be completed this year. The Intersection.Tom Gillespie 3. The Intersection THE old Margo Polo Chinese Restaurant on Ruthven St is being redeveloped into a foodie destination as works progress on The Intersection, set to open later this year. The major commercial project will host 12 big-name food outlets which will capture trade from the estimated 27,000 passing motorists each day. 4. The Shell AFTER its closure earlier this year, the Shell Coles Express service station is expected to reopen this year with a host of new food outlets and upgraded store fit-out. The $5 million precinct redevelopment will include Pump@123 when it opens in September. South Central. 5. South Central INITIAL works have started on the multi-level South Central precinct on Ruthven St as part of Toowoomba developer Barry Bernoth's ambition to offer something different to the city. The seven-storey South Central precinct, while separate to the Bernoth Centre, will transform two blocks fronting the busy road in Toowoomba South. 6. Bernoth Centre NEW and exciting retailers have joined the bulky goods retail complex at the Bernoth Centre which has undergone a modernised transformation. A total of 11 separate buildings exist on the site. 7. Mills Precinct PLANS for the wider Mills Precinct redevelopment herald one of the most ambitious transformation projects in Toowoomba. The multi-million dollar project is tipped to include a high-rise apartment complex, food retailers and bulk-goods outlets. 8. The Railway Parklands THE Toowoomba Regional Council is progressing with its plans to transform the Railway Goods Shed which shares partial frontage to Ruthven St. With funds allocated in the latest council budget, early works are set to start and will eventually feed through to a sprawling parklands and create a go-to destination in Toowoomba. 9. Bunnings WORKS are progressing on the $43 million Bunnings Warehouse in North Toowoomba, with the hardware behemoth hinting at an opening date later this year. About 180 staff will work in the new store which will be the second Bunnings outlet in Toowoomba. 10. Burke and Wills LOCAL construction firm McNab has secured the tender for the $10 million Burke and Wills Hotel redevelopment in a boon for Toowoomba sub-contractors. While the hotel's transformation will see it modernised the foundations will stay true to the historic architectural roots and is part of the Ruthven St upgrade in the CBD. 11. The Gladstone Hotel THE highly-anticipated multi-million dollar transformation of the Gladstone Hotel is yet to get under way but owner Kenneth Wagner has bold ambitions for the popular watering hole. Walton Stores.Contributed 12. Walton Stores THE popular food precinct tucked off Ruthven St is a boon for diners and pedestrians in Toowoomba since its grand opening in 2016. 13. The Bank SPOTTED Cow owner Phil Coorey knows a thing or two about what Toowoomba wants, and there's intense excitement around the future of his latest venture. Mr Coorey's plans to transform the historic Westpac Bank on the corner of Ruthven and Margaret Sts are progressing, and the city is keen to see it come to fruition. Blank Space.Kevin Farmer 14. Blank Space IT'S the newest venue to open on Ruthven St and already proven as popular with social outings with industry meetings. Enter Blank Space, the transformed Mills Precinct warehouse which has added a new venue to the Toowoomba CBD with the promise of big-name acts, and special occasions and functions. 15. Village Green TOOWOOMBA'S Village Green is set to be refurbished as part of works to upgrade the Civic Precinct. TOPICS: BUSINESS TOOWOOMBA

Agree restfamily. Lords at Ormeau has the same issue. It is staying a very small school so lacks facilities, but is a great school. Guess sometimes it is a choice between a massive school 2000 - 3000 students with a pool and gym etc or a smaller academically good school, with dedicated staff, but lacks the pool and gym etc. A very personal choice.

If working in New Farm it is a lovely suburb so have a look there, or West End another lovely suburb. Close by suburbs are places like Chaple Hill, Graceville, Corinda, Chelmer. Old Suburbs great cafes, public transport, but not cheap Oh and stay on the west side of Chelmer, Graceville, Corinda, Sherwood. The East side of the train line tends to flood. Samford again is a nice place so you could look at living out there. Springfield is massive, a fairly new area with a great new hospital. Redbank and Goodna are maybe not such a great place , Have a look on realestate.com you will find homes for sale and rent so it will give you an idea.https://www.realestate.com.au Another great web site is http://www.whereis.com If you put in a suburb and press search it gives you all the surounding area, if you click directions and then enter 2 suburbs it gives you a route and the distance and time between the two. If you just put in one suburb and search on the left is a scroll down box, it gives you a bit of info about the suburb, and below a list of things like schools , medical, etc. Click on any and they show up on your map.

Can I suggest parents look carefully at Upper Coomer State College Prep to 12, before enrolling, quite a few issues in the school. Can I add Lords Lutheran College in Ormeau. (Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School ) Ormeau Railway Station has a gate straight on to the school campus. Prep to 12, school is 5 years old but is a small school currently 500 students and has set a cap of 900 total. Most of the schools in the area are very large schools, Many have an enrolment close to 2000 Prep to 12 and 1000 Prep to 6. There is also RIvermount College 20 minuets up the road at Yatala, and Tamborine Mountain College.

Please be aware, that it is not just if one of you wants to return to the UK or move to a different country and one wants to take the children and the other parent objects, it is just the same if one of you wants to move with in Australia and take the children. With out both parents being in full agreement you can not move "anywhere" and take the children. The Family Courts attitude is very much - either parent can go anywhere they want to go but the children remain with the other parent. Family Court Law in Aus is close to barbaric. If you decide to fight it out in Family Court expect to be looking at thousends of dollars in costs, even hundreds of thousends in costs and the emotional effect on all concerned is extream. My strongest advise is IF the worst happens work it out between yourselves with the advise of a lawyer if you feel the need, but do not step foot inside Family Court because once you do you have handed FC your life and the lives of your children.

This should give you a lot of answers https://northlakescollege.eq.edu.au/Ourschool/Pages/Ourschool.aspx this is North Lakes State College. Prep to 12. You will need to pay for uniforms and these tend to be unique to the school, you will also have to pay for all stationary and text books. Most state schools ask for some sort of small fee but that depends on the school. You will need to look at the catchment area for state schools.The state schools are moving more towards a Prep to Gr 12 situation rather than what was previously, Primary and secondary as 2 schools, so schools can have a student enrollment often up to 2000 students seperated in to different areas but in the one school. You will need proof of an address with in the catchment to enrol. Another option is North Lakes College which is a private school so fees apply, but no catchment area just wether they have a place for your child. https://www.thelakescollege.com.au/contact you can apply for enrolment prior to arrival in Aus.

Have a look at Grace College in Rothwell. Lutheran school, very caring school with an amazing 4 week out doors camp program. http://www.glc.qld.edu.au/googa-campus/sample-four-week-program only a few minuets drive from Scarborough. http://www.glc.qld.edu.au Fees are very resonable.

If the road is dual carrage that is 2 lanes each side of the centre, do NOT sit in the right hand lane it is for overtaking ONLY, stay in the inside lane. Book motels ahead of arrival, dont get tired and then start looking for a place to stay the night, better motels can get booked out. Use Trip Advisor to find motels along the way. https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotels-g255071-Rockhampton_Queensland-Hotels.html

Thats fine , makes sense thank you

Hi Johndoe, I must have miss understood the post I thought it was saying your work in Aus would be taken into consideration for a UK pension. I guess if the Aus pensions tops up the UK pension that would be OK as well. Also have a small military pension from the UK as well so might be able to manage. We moved from Fleetwood when I was very young down to Whitfield , then due to family reasons I went to live in Wales, so no sorry dont know anyone in Fleetwood, in fact dont know any one in the UK these days.

Very interesting thak you. I was also born in 1948, started work around 15, moved here in 1970 on the 10 Pound scheme and retired 3 years ago so If I am understanding this correctly I would be entitled to a full pension if I want back.

Thanks Dell, your info on being able to claim the UK pension, this has sparked the first little bit of light that it may be worth looking into going back. I have major issues/commitments here but am now starting to look for ways around that. By the way I was born in Fleetwood. Small world.

Some of the better suburbs in Rockhampton are Rockyview, Glenlee, Alton Downs, and Gracemere. All around 15 minuets drive from the city. If you want to be near a beach and are willing to drive around 45 minuets each way then Lammermoor just outside Yeppoon is pretty good, bit cooler as well due to the ocean breeze, This might help you http://www.whereis.com/directions you can key in any place and any place you want to go to and it gives route , distance and travel time. Also realestate.com.au for houses rent or buy. Schools - do you want private or state schools ? I am sure you are aware you need to be living in the catchment for state schools and need to be able to access a place in private schools. The My School web site is a good place to get some basic information re schools. https://www.myschool.edu.au/Home/GenericSearch. Been a while since we have been up that way but hope this helps a little.

Thanks Melbpom, go back mate ! escape while you can ! Sorry to sound bitter but Aus is a back water in many things including health. All I will say is the family court here in Aus has destroyed our entire family, and left us in a hell of a mess, financially and emotionally from which there is no escape for the next 10 years . By then we will be close to 80 so the hope of going back then well it will be to late. At least my ashes will get sent back LOL

Have you talked to your Uni Student son about the possibility of you and your other son going back ? Would your Uni son consider joining you when he has finished his studies ? If not he can alway hop on a plane to visit you. If I were in your situation I would consider what will happen to your other son once you are no longer able to care for him. Where will he have the best life and the best care ? I think we both know where that will be.

Bristolman sadly yes, we have looked at it so many times from so many angles, we would be happy to sell our home and live in a tiny rented house to get back to the UK but there is one major obstacle that we can not get round. We could never live with the decision if we just ignored the issue and packed up and left. Awful really, you cant put into words how strong the longing is to go back it eats away at you, but if we went it would only be replaced by a dreadful feeling of guilt for leaving the reason for not being able to leave behind. Hope that makes sense.

Wish to God I could do it :sad:

Dave thanks for posting I too felt I was the only one who has realized I made a huge mistake in not going back when it was possible for me to do so. I really hope that those reading this thread will take from it, that they need to think about the future and the time they will retire, does Aus offer what they want in retirement which may well be quite different from what they wanted and may well have achieved when they were younger and first came out to Aus.

Other issue is transport, unless you live in a major capital city public transport is hard to find and very expencive, cars are not cheap to run and parking at any attraction be that city or country is seen as a pot of gold ready to be emptied by the local councils. In the UK in many country villages you can walk to the shops and if you want to go further well public transport is good compared to Aus and not as expencive. Age changes you Bunbury61 you really do see things differently. You are 100% correct of course there are places in the UK many would no longer want to live and trash is an issue in places but over all the UK is a great place to live. Absoluetly regret leaving.

If I had the financial means to go back I would go tomorrow. When you get older and reach retirement and dont have a job to fill your days that is when it really hits home how little there is to do in Aus, unless you can afford and are fit enough to travel many kms to visit a different state. Uk there are so many places to visit and all with in resonable traveling distance.

I am off to the snowflakes festival in Stanthorpe on July 1st, cant wait to feel the frost again. Cool up here in Toowoomba but more like a UK Autumn than a winter

I am sorry that sounds very difficult. I think a chat with a free community legal service would be a good way to go. I hope it all works out for you. Just one word of advise what ever you do dont go down the road of getting involved with the Aus Family Court system, it will destroy your life and take over your life and the life of your children. Worse case negotiate with your husband come to a resolution you can both live with. Good Luck