2014-15
2015-16
2.1 Green spaces, natural areas and natural resources are protected and
well managed.
93%
93%
2.1.1 Develop and implement an environmental policy for the region that protects
and enhances natural and agricultural assets.
100%
100%
2.1.2 Build community awareness and participation in natural and agricultural
land conservation.
100%
98%
2.1.3 Plan and manage open space, parkland and natural areas to eradicate
pests and noxious weeds and promote biodiversity, water quality and
community use.
100%
96%
2.1.4 Protect, enhance and manage air, land and water quality.
76%
100%
2.1.5 Implement water sensitive urban design and stormwater management
approaches that enhance natural systems and reduce risk of flooding.
100%
30%
When people think about the Toowoomba Region,
they think of fresh country air, wide open spaces,
a wide array of unique fauna and flora and our
parks and gardens. As a region, we have a joint
responsibility to ensure the protection of our
unique flora and fauna for future generations. The
Toowoomba Region is home to some of the highest
value agricultural land in Australia and, with the future
growth of our community, we aim to work together to
maintain sustainable farming, ensuring the quality of
our waterways and protecting our natural environment
for the future.
Our challenges
STATUS
quality open space that achieves the integration of
multiple functions
• Development of a Framework for Natural Area
Purchases to provide a consistent and transparent
process for assessing opportunities to purchase
land for its natural values and associated
recreational potential
• Development of a framework for ecologically
sensitive development of natural areas in the
Toowoomba Region to achieve development of
Bushland Parks that preserves the environmental
values while integrating passive recreation
opportunities
• Completion of the draft Toowoomba Region Trails
Network Strategy
• Managing our diverse environmental corridors
balanced with a surge in infrastructure and
population growth
• Completion of Jubilee Park trails audit
• Building community awareness and participation in
natural and agricultural land conservation
• Installation of Queens Park way-finding signage
• Maintaining the Toowoomba Region’s biodiversity
and identifying risks including pests and noxious
weeds
• Maintaining compliance and review of
documentation in accordance with the
Toowoomba Regional Council Drinking Water
Quality Management Plan
• Preserving a balance of green space and natural
assets with urban design and an increase in
population.
Our achievements
• Completion of a draft Natural Areas and Values
Policy and Strategy
• Completion of Queens Park amenity buildings,
park furniture and additional tree planting
• Completion of training for the implementation
of the Toowoomba Regional Council Aboriginal
Cultural Heritage Assessment Guide
• Stage 1 completion of car park works at
Peacehaven Park in Highfields
• Commencement of community engagement for
Clifton Open Spaces Concept Master Plan
• Maintained Third Party Certification for ISO AS/NZS
9001 for Water and Waste Quality Management
Systems.
• Endorsement of the Toowoomba Region Open
Space Strategy
Community outcomes
• Endorsement of the Oakey Creek Linear Corridor
Master Plan
Protect, enhance and manage air,
land and water quality
• Supplied 13,041 megalitres (ML) of water across the
region
This year, following extensive community
engagement, Council has prepared a draft Oakey
Creek Linear Corridor Master Plan that will guide
future projects along the creek line. The plan aims
to improve access to the creek corridor for recreation
purposes and identifies key parklands along its
length. Early consultation with the Oakey community
indicated that the creek is highly valued by residents
for a range of recreational activities including walking
• Continuing to maintain over 700 parks across the
region
• Draft Desired Standard of Service framework for
Bushland Parks completed
• Development of a Framework for Multi-function
Open Space to facilitate the delivery of high-
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016
Our goals CHAPTER 4
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