The Strategic Planning and Economic Development branch delivered a number of key projects during 2015-16 including :
• Preparation of a Development Scheme for the Railway Parklands Priority Development Area , which was approved by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland
• Deliver of Kwong Sang Walk construction and installation of public artwork
• Detailed design for Ruthven Street Streetscape improvements and Cathro Park
• Completion of the Flood Risk Assessment and Planning Evaluation Report for the next round of community consultation
• Community Growth Action Plans were prepared for the regional towns of Clifton , Crows Nest , Millmerran , Oakey and Pittsworth in conjunction with the respective Chamber of Commerce
• Production of industry profiles and other attraction and investment materials
• As part of the implementation of the Digital Economy Strategy , free Wi-Fi network with 20 hotspots across the region became operational in June
• Funding applications for the ‘ Goods Shed ’ in Toowoomba and other major stimulus projects
• Four website strategy workshops were facilitated in Toowoomba , Pittsworth and Crows attracting over 60 participating small businesses . Two social media workshops in Toowoomba and Oakey were facilitated and attracted 18 participating small local businesses
• Development of a Framework for Multi-function Open
Space – facilitate the delivery of high-quality open space that achieves the integration of multiple functions
• Development of a Framework for Natural Area Purchases to provide a consistent and transparent process for assessing opportunities to purchase land for its natural values and associated recreational potential
• Development of a framework for ecologically sensitive development of natural areas in the Toowoomba Region to achieve development of Bushland Parks that preserves the environmental values while integrating passive recreation opportunities
• Work continued on the West Toowoomba Local Land Use Plan with the following activities being completed :
• Background technical investigations and papers
• Community and stakeholder consultation – this was a major focus of the project in 2015 , to collaborate early and throughout in the development of strategic directions and concept structure plans for the investigation area .
• Three think tank engagement rounds ( total of 10 stakeholder group sessions )
• Youth study tour and youth engagement day
• Youth competition – ‘ pitch your future ’
• Instagram completion – ‘ Imagine Tomorrow West Toowoomba ’
• Draft long-term strategic directions prepared
• Concept structure plans for key growth areas prepared
• Infrastructure and feasibility testing of concept plans .
60 CHAPTER 3 Our organisation TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016