Queens Park Master Plan
and cycling , bird watching and fishing . The Oakey Creek Linear Corridor Master Plan analyses and identifies possible ways to improve connectivity along the creek line , increasing accessibility to the corridor and ways to better link the township to the creek . It investigates opportunities for possible crossing points over the creek , improving linkages from the eastern to the western side that facilitates recreational and commuter use . The Master Plan identifies access routes to the creek corridor from surrounding residential areas and community facilities including the hospital in the north , residential subdivision to the south , and schools to the east .
Toowoomba Regional Council Drinking Water Quality Management Plan was submitted ( Feb 2016 ) in compliance with the requirements of Section 142 ( 2 ) of the Water Supply ( Safety and Reliability ) Act 2008 and in accordance with the Guidelines for Service Provider Annual Reports July 2010 . The purpose of this plan is to ensure the safety of water associated with the individual scheme .
The Toowoomba Regional Council operates 22 drinking water schemes and an approved Drinking Water Quality Management Plan ( DWQMP ) is required for each of our schemes .
Toowoomba Regional Council undertakes treated water quality monitoring for all schemes included in the DWQMP in accordance with the approved plan . Results of this monitoring , along with raw water quality data and monitoring undertaken on Council ’ s other drinking water schemes , are reported to DEWS via the annual return . Compliance with water quality criteria is reported to Council monthly . With the inclusion of Wyreema into the Toowoomba Bulk Water supply and the use of the Yarranlea bore in the Pittsworth scheme additional plans have been developed .
Plan our open space , parkland and natural areas
Queens Park is often referred to as ‘ the crown jewel ’ of Toowoomba Region ’ s parks and , with thousands of visitors every year , it is important that Council continues to invest in this unique site . Works have started to deliver the $ 12 million Queens Park Master Plan with a number of improvements taking shape this year . This included new toilet facilities near the play area in Margaret Street and a new sewer connection . There has also been some infill and replacement
planting of almost 60 trees including camphor laurels , cedars , silky oaks , bottle trees and swamp Cyprus trees . Most noticeably , Council has also installed two large park entrance signs as part of a way-finding project . The new signage includes 12 directional and map information signs , two identification ( name ) signs and seven interpretive signs for key heritage and historical elements of the park . Practical completion of all works is expected in late 2016 .
Our regional parks were also upgraded this financial year with the completion of car park works at Peacehaven Botanic Park in Highfields . The works have increased the protection of significant trees as well as improving access . As Highfields continues to grow , these upgrades will provide capacity for the community to access picnic and barbecue facilities , park seating , open spaces and the grand rotunda . The car park works were completed internally by our construction team , on time and within budget . As the next step in the implementation of the Peacehaven Botanic Park master plan , Council will design buildings and interpretative signage and consult with the Highfields community to meet their future growth and needs .
Our bushland parks were also cultivated and assessed this year and a draft framework for the Desired Standard of Service for Bushland Parks initiated . The final draft report has been reviewed and will be completed in the next financial year . The assessment of our bushland parks also resulted in a draft Land Acquisition strategy which will form the basis of future bushland parks and the needs of our growing community .
Endorsement of the Toowoomba Region Open Space Strategy
With more than 7,700 hectares of open space , the 2016 Toowoomba Region Open Space Strategy sets the framework for the planning and delivery of quality open space to meet future growth . The formal adoption of this strategy maps out a new vision that recognises that ‘ one size does not fit all ’ and that a range of open spaces will be needed across our expansive region . The strategy delivers a connected and distinctive open space network that will enhance the unique character of each locale . In addition , it will acknowledge the social , cultural , environmental , and heritage values of these areas and create a sense of place and pride for the community . This is
88 CHAPTER 4 Our goals TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016