2015-16 Annual Report 2015-16 Annual Report | Page 111

5.1 A strong and diverse economy
5.1.1 In partnership promote the region as ‘ open for business ’ by supporting the growth of new and existing businesses .
5.1.2 In partnership implement the Toowoomba Region Economic Development Strategy .
5.1.3 Plan to leverage the opportunities inherent in major projects across the region , including the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing , Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and surrounding Business Park and Melbourne Brisbane Inland Rail Project .
5.1.4 Ensure planning and infrastructure supports future economic growth .
5.1.5 In partnership plan for and support the growth of strong , viable and diverse economic clusters .
5.1.6 In partnership support the growth of the region ’ s creative industries sector and the knowledge economy .
2014-15 91 % 100 %
100 %
5 %
100 % 100 %
100 %
2015-16 89 % 100 %
80 %
75 %
100 % 100 %
92 %
STATUS
The Toowoomba Region has the best of both worlds ; it balances lifestyle with strong economic ambition . The Toowoomba Region has been identified as the third most diverse economy in Australia . Our region has a strong foundation in the rich traditions of agriculture balanced with the diversity of economic development of health and social services , education , retail , construction , manufacturing and a centre for public administration . This diversity has kept the Toowoomba Region economy growing at a solid 2.4 per cent over the past decade with projections of further growth . The region ’ s estimated population growth over the coming years will provide opportunities across a wide range of sectors , including inner-city residential construction , health and aged care , agriculture and food manufacturing .

Our challenges

• Attracting applications from the community for the CBD Heritage Buildings Grants Program
• Balancing the growth of the region and small housing options in high-density areas with the preservation of unique building design and heritage facade
• Sustainable growth around the region by attracting business , industry and investment .

Our achievements

• Continuation of the Urban Design and Place Making Panel
• CBD Metrics Framework implementation
• Finalisation of the Draft International Relations Policy
• Completion of the cost / benefit analysis for the Highfields Cultural Precinct Master Plan
• Completion of the Community Growth Plans for Clifton , Crows Nest , Millmerran , Oakey and Pittsworth
• Successful partnership with Telstra to deliver 20 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the region .

Community outcomes

A region that is ‘ open for business ’
Our region is an economic powerhouse and this year has seen a number of successful partnerships cultivated with key stakeholders to support the growth of new and existing businesses . This included a partnership with AusIndustry to host an event advising local industry of the support options available from the Federal Government . This event enabled businesses across the region to access key information for funding options and government assistance to further develop their capacity to integrate higher-level strategic business practices . Council also organised a presentation from the worldwide leader in information technology Cisco Systems to seize the opportunities of tomorrow and how ‘ big picture ’ thinking can be translated into real dividends for the region .
The Toowoomba Region is home to creative and innovative start-up businesses and it is important we cultivate this ‘ ideas boom ’ to maximise economic development and the diversity required to maintain sustainable business growth . Council has worked with local co-working spaces to encourage diverse businesses to collaborate and align with the future business needs of the Toowoomba Region .
Highfields is one of our population hotspots and with the continued , stable growth of the area , Council has commenced planning on the viability of supporting our Highfields residents with sustainable facilities . Works this year have continued on the Highfields Cultural Precinct Master Plan , which has investigated the cost / benefit analysis of the realignment of O ’ Brien Road , the cost of road construction and the value of land to be acquired .
Leveraging major projects
The Economic Development Strategy to be completed next financial year will support the recent alignment study investigating the range of alternatives and the most viable , sound route to develop and build the inland rail . This project will see the Toowoomba Region at the forefront of industry , transport and logistics opportunities .
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016 Our goals CHAPTER 4 111