2014-15
2015-16
3.1 Sustainable and prosperous urban and rural development
99%
100%
3.1.1 Undertake strategic integrated land use and infrastructure planning that
responds to climate, is resource-wise, reinforces local character and
achieves innovation and design excellence.
100%
100%
3.1.2 Ensure planning supports economic development while protecting and
enhancing high quality agricultural lands, scenic amenity and community,
environmental and heritage values.
98%
100%
3.1.3 Plan centres and townships to provide a strong sense of identity, local
employment opportunities, community participation and access to
housing choices.
100%
100%
3.1.4 Ensure development accords with Toowoomba Regional Council’s planning
scheme, planning instruments, codes and legislation.
99%
100%
3.1.5 Implement improved business practices to ensure efficient and effective
planning and development assessment.
98%
100%
3.1.6 Develop in partnership with industry a standard for land development,
design and built form, to ensure continuous improvement.
100%
100%
3.1.7 Undertake catchment scale planning for natural hazards to mitigate future risk.
100%
100%
The Toowoomba Region is built on a cultural heritage
that is ingrained deeply within our cityscapes. As our
region grows, the way we plan our urban and rural
development is essential to connect our communities
and maintain our heritage. The things that make our
region unique must be protected; they enrich our lives
by helping us appreciate the past and contribute to
the richness of our present environment. With a key
focus on restoring, enhancing and strengthening our
physical heritage, we can make sure our region’s
rich tapestry of character can remain intact for future
generations. By partnering with the community as part
of the consultation process, we can ensure a united
vision for our region and each person is empowered
to have their say on the topics that affect them.
Our challenges
• Collecting a representative cross-section of key
stakeholders as part of the consultation process
for input into initiatives and projects
• Maintaining service level agreements with an
increase in plumbing applications
• Protection of our rich traditions balanced with our
bold ambitions
• Resourcing the growing popularity of free heritage
advisory services with a growth of 43 per cent this
financial year
• Education of industry on updates to compliance for
plumbing and drainage
• Limitations and restrictions of IT systems in
implementing electronic planning solutions
• Delivering significant region-shaping projects
within suitable and expected timeframes.
Our achievements
• 1,199 development applications, requests and plan
seal applications assessed
• 1,862 new lots approved and 1,189 new lots
created throughout the Toowoomba Region
STATUS
• Works commenced to restore the RSL Soldiers’
Memorial Hall in Toowoomba
• Nearly 2,000 plumbing works approvals across
the region
• Over 6,200 approval inspections carried out as
part of Plumbing and Drainage approvals and
Form 4 inspections
• Over 4,000 Development and Land Use
compliance inspections completed
• Preparation of a proposed Local Government
Infrastructure Plan (LGIP)
• Preparation and adoption by the Queensland
Government of the Development Scheme for the
Railway Parklands Priority Development Area
• Commencement of region-wide ‘Imagine
Tomorrow’ consultation focussing on local
planning investigations
• Completion of Community Growth Action Plans.
Community outcomes
Imagining the region’s tomorrow
This year saw Council roll out its Imagine Tomorrow
series of local planning investigations which form the
basis of where and how Toowoomba will grow as a
regional centre and how growth can be sustainably
managed. This year saw extensive face-to-face and
online consultation across the region to encourage
our community to have a say in creating the
communities of the future. The areas identified for
investigation of the Imagine Tomorrow series include:
• Highfields/Meringandan/Meringandan West
• City Centre Master Plan
• West Toowoomba
• Toowoomba Growth Plan
With the finalisation of the City Centre Master Plan
and the Highfields/Meringandan/Meringandan
investigations this year, the future sustainability of our
region will have sufficient framework to roll out this
series across the region’s growth areas.
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016
Our goals CHAPTER 4
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