TRC seeks public input on Regional Planning Scheme review

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is seeking public input on the review of the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme through to June this year.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said public feedback would be sought via a range of forums to ensure the Planning Scheme catered for a diverse and growing region.

“The Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme is Council’s key plan for the region’s future development and shapes many of our prized lifestyle attributes,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Given the projected population growth and expansion of the region, it is timely to review the Planning Scheme to ensure it meets community needs and expectations for the next 15 years.

“The Planning Scheme guides how land is used and developed. Council is seeking ideas from the community during the strategic planning stage of the process.

“This will help identify land use policies that may reflect changes in community aspirations around housing density and choice, location and urban infrastructure; along with improving the timeliness of Planning Scheme amendments.

“The objective is to include more detailed policies in the scheme to offer clearer and more consistent information for users of the Regional Planning Scheme.

“Land use issues, such as medium density and other forms of housing, which have changed since the current scheme was adopted in 2012, will be reviewed in light of community feedback.

“I encourage residents and industry representatives to be involved in shaping policies aimed at protecting productive agricultural land, distinct rural communities and their unique identity in addition to looking at how urban neighbourhoods may be planned to accommodate future generations.”

TRC Strategic Planning and Economic Development portfolio leader Cr Anne Glasheen said Council was seeking feedback on all aspects of the plan with particular interest in understanding how future challenges would be addressed.

“How will a projected population increase of 40,000 residents in the next 15 years be housed and serviced within the region’s urban framework? What infrastructure is needed? How will this development be balanced against protecting key considerations such as, heritage and environmental issues and protection of amenity within the region’s existing neighbourhoods? ,” Cr Glasheen said.

“The Planning Scheme affects all development in the Toowoomba Region. It is therefore important that we hear from a cross section of the community.

“Property owners, developers, business owners or anyone who wants to play a role in shaping the future of their street, neighbourhood or town should ensure that they have their say.

“Engagement activities will seek input on five key focus areas covering liveable communities and housing, economic growth, infrastructure (meeting demand for electricity, roads, sewerage and water), environment and heritage as well as safety and resilience.

“Community members can share their thoughts and ideas by attending one of the pop-up engagement hubs or workshops planned across the region to June this year.

“Feedback can be provided online via https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/buildingourfuture until 5pm on Monday, June 10, 2019.

“Feedback will be used to propose changes to the planning scheme in 2020.”

For more information on the planning scheme review, please visit https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/ or call Council on 131 872 or email [email protected] 

Pop-up engagement stalls:

Greenmount Post Office courtyard: Friday, March 15, 1-4pm

Oakey Lions Market: Sunday, March 17, 7am-12pm

Wyreema General Store: Friday, March 22, 1-4pm.

Regional workshops: Please RSVP for the following presentations by calling 131 872 or online at https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/buildingourfuture (local workshops)

Pittsworth Function Centre: Saturday March 16 & 23, 1-4pm

Yarraman Community Hall: Saturday, March 23; Saturday, April 6, 1-4pm

Goombungee Public Hall: Saturday, April 6 & 13, 1-4pm

Toowoomba City Library: Saturday, April 6 & 13, 1-4pm

Oakey Community Centre: Saturday, May 11 & 25, 1-4pm

Millmerran Community and Cultural Centre: Saturday, May 11 & 25, 1-4pm

Greenmount Hall: Saturday, May 11 & 25, 1-4pm

Crows Nest Community and RSL Centre: Saturday, May 18; Saturday, June 1, 1-4pm

Clifton Community Centre: Saturday, May 18; Saturday, June 1, 1-4pm

Highfields Cultural Centre: Saturday, June 1 & 8, 1-4pm

Wyreema/Cambooya workshop at Cambooya Public Hall: Saturday, June 1 & 8, 1-4pm