Digital infrastructure to future-proof the
Toowoomba Region
The Toowoomba Region has this year seen an
investment in digital infrastructure, through a partnership
with Telstra to deliver free Wi-Fi. The free Wi-Fi is now
available in 20 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the
region including Cecil Plains, Clifton, Goombungee,
Millmerran, Oakey, Toowoomba and Yarraman. Our
residents and visitors are able to access 30 minutes
of free Wi-Fi each day within a 50-metre radius of a
signed hotspot. This Wi-Fi is in addition to the previously
established Wi-Fi available in our libraries. The free
Wi-Fi is in response to our growing need for diversifying
the region’s digital economy in preparation for the
evolution and advancement of digital technology and
online self-service. The free Wi-Fi project as part of the
Toowoomba Region Digital Economy Strategy is the
first step in the direction of a ‘smart city’ that focusses
on technology to gain efficiencies and encourages the
community to self-serve.
Heritage incentives
The CBD heritage incentives scheme has again worked
with local and state-listed heritage properties identified
in the Toowoomba city centre and town centres of
Clifton, Crows Nest, Goombungee, Millmerran, Oakey,
Pittsworth and Yarraman to ensure the maintenance of
our heritage buildings. This year Council contributed
$1 for every $2 spent by successful grant recipients
up to a maximum of $10,000 per project. Taking
advantage of our heritage incentives scheme, this year
saw $3,073.93 given for the revitalisation of 433-437
Ruthven Street in Toowoomba.
Diversity of housing options
There are a diverse number of housing options in
our region and the growth of our population has
resulted in an analysis of how our region is planned.
Some of our residents live in smaller homes like units,
townhouses, apartments, or houses on small lots
and it’s important we plan for where and how these
will fit into future planning. Some of the ways we
regulate the location, design and public notification
of units have raised community concern. Through
extensive public consultation, we are investigating
ways to incorporate pubic feedback into development
planning. This financial year saw the foundations laid
for a medium-density residential review. This review
saw the finalisation of a draft of proposed changes
to the planning scheme, including a peer review by
an architect. The project will help Council cater for
the changes to the way medium density residential
development is delivered throughout our region
including dual occupancy, multiple dwellings, houses
on small lots and hatchet lots and will address many
of the concerns raised by the community with the
current approach. The next financial year will see
extensive consultation of the draft proposed changes
including online feedback forms, as well as face-toface and phone conversations with our planning team.
Vibrant, activated public spaces
With the completion of the CBD Metrics Framework,
this year, Council has encouraged residents to see the
potential of our laneways and streets as more than
just pedestrian thoroughfares. With the construction of
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CHAPTER 4 Our goals
Kwong Sang Walk and the initiation of the Laneway
Art Program, there is now scope for people living
and working in the Toowoomba CBD to enjoy a quiet
refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. The
initiation and finalisation of these projects under the
Laneway Strategy and Streetscape and Landscape
Strategy for the Toowoomba CBD has seen an
important milestone in the great potential of these
urban sanctuaries.
This year we also started upgrading the Ruthven
Street streetscape to extend the look and feel of the
Toowoomba CBD further north from Russell Street
to Chalk Drive. The project will aesthetically involve
the addition of public art and landscaping. It will also
include the replacement of underground stormwater
and water mains, replacement of the existing asphalt
footpath with concrete pavers, shifting of power
underground and installing centre median parking
to increase the number of parking spaces within the
CBD precinct. This project saw extensive consultation
with local businesses and the community and this will
continue throughout this important project.
The Toowoomba Regional Council is also planning
to upgrade Cathro Park in Toowoomba as part of the
Ruthven Street Streetscape Upgrade Stage 2 Project. The
Project is based on extensive community consultation
and it is hoped this considerable open space can
continue to be an important heritage-significant asset.
The next financial year will see the concept built upon as
part of the previous schematic design work including how
the park will interface with Ruthven Street.
Regional economic development for centres
and townships
Council is actively working towards economic
expansion by promoting the region to new residents,
potential business enterprises and investors. The aim
of economic growth is to bring about a more diverse
economy, improved services, greater employment
prospects and a more liveable community. This year
saw the completion of Community Growth Action
Plans for Clifton, Crows Nest, Oakey, Pittsworth and
Millmerran. This will ensure the future viability of our
region’s townships, balancing enhancements to the
natural landscape with growth opportunities and
sound planning decisions.
Enhancing international relationships
Leveraging our sister city partnerships is important in
this global transaction economy and this year saw
further work completed on the International Relations
Strategy. We have