Toowoomba Regional Council wins PIA ‘Hard Won Victory’ Award

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) continues to be acknowledged amongst its peers by taking out the Planning Institute of Australia Queensland (PIA) ‘Hard Won Victory Award’ for their project, Toowoomba Region Flood Management - Safer Stronger, More Resilient Region.

The 32nd Queensland PIA Annual Awards Gala Dinner held in Brisbane on 9 November saw some of the States premier examples of planning excellence recognised and acknowledged for their quality, innovation and excellence in planning, and showcased some of the best in Queensland.

The ‘Hard Won Victory Award’ recognises innovative solutions, significant effort and leadership to overcome a planning challenge. It acknowledges the achievement of positive planning benefits that shape the future of the community and build resilience. It highlights the complex nature of the project, extensive collaboration and consultation undertaken, and use of latest technology to provide a sound evidence base for hazard planning.

Portfolio Leader Planning and Development Cr Anne Glasheen said “The Toowoomba Region Flood Management - Safer Stronger, More Resilient Region project, was initiated after the December 2010 and January 2011 flood events that resulted in loss of life and significant damage to property in the Toowoomba Region”.

This award is recognition of a ‘hard won victory’ that was achieved in partnership with the community, the Insurance Council of Australia, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, development industry and flood management, agriculture and emergency services sectors.

The project focused on capacity building of both Council and the community, and provided an opportunity for healing from the effects of the 20101/211 flood through shared stories and involvement in actions that will improve future responses to flooding.

“The project has expertly overcome challenges and barriers in one of planning’s most sensitive arenas, dealing with high levels of community concern, conflicting interests, significant scale and potentially dire consequences” Cr Glasheen said.

‘The TRC project team went beyond statutory requirements to deliver a best-practice approach which has resulted in potential for wide-spread adoption across Queensland’s other flood-prone local government areas.

Cr Anne Glasheen said “The project has left an important positive legacy for Toowoomba Regional Council and the Toowoomba community and has delivered far-reaching benefits, including certainty for the community.

As a result of this win Council’s submission now has automatic entry into the PIA National Awards to be at the Gold Coast in May 2019.

Caption: Back row left to right TRC's Rodney Betts, Manager Transport and Drainage Planning and Michelle Milton, Acting Manager Strategic Planning and Economic Development. Front left to right Angela McClymont, Projects Officer, Heath Martin, Principle Land Use and Community and Cr Anne Glasheen Portfolio Leader Planning and Development.