Toowoomba Region Trails
an important strategy for our future that will provide
a framework for protecting, enhancing and managing
open spaces. Implementing the strategy will ensure
that our open spaces provide all residents and visitors
with diverse, dynamic and enjoyable places to live
and play.
residential/rural property in our region. The Plants to
the Public Program ensures the future development
of the region’s green footprint. This year saw a total
of 41,508 of free plants provided to be grown inside
property lines and help with the character and
vibrancy of our local streets.
Completion of the draft Toowoomba Region Trails
Network Strategy
Over the last year, we have held workshops across
the region and conducted online surveys to hear
which trails our community use, how they use them
and what could be improved. Community consultation
on the Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy
was completed during January and February of this
year including the delivery of six workshops and the
ability for the community to have their say online.
Gathering this information about our trails has been
the first step in establishing a framework for the Trail
Networks Strategy designed to ultimately enhance the
experience for our community on using regional trails,
balanced with environmental values and sustainability.
This information has formed the basis for the draft
Toowoomba Region Trails Network Strategy and will
be finalised as a report to Council in September 2016.
Developing community awareness in our
natural land
This year saw extensive work invested in community
consultation, education and awareness of how we
use our natural land. Over the past year, we have
held workshops across the region, conducted online
surveys, forums and storyboards to learn more about
the community’s use of the trail and track networks
across the region. This information provided the
foundations for the Trails Networks Strategy that was
designed to ultimately enhance the experience of
using our tracks and trails; balancing environmental
values and capacity with the interests of all
stakeholders and formulate sustainable management
methods. The next financial year will see community
feedback on the proposed strategy through the use of
surveys and public forums to ensure the community is
supportive of its adoption.
Investment in the appearance of our suburban
streets is also important and this year, the Plants to
the Public Program provided two free plants to each
Managing stormwater
With the construction of a roundabout at the
intersection of Glenvale and Hampton Street this year,
works were also completed to improve stormwater in
the area. These works will ensure that these highlytrafficked areas will be more resilient to floodi ng and
ensure the safety of motorists on these roads.
This financial year also saw significant works
completed to maintain and manage the safe and
effective delivery of stormwater management in
required timeframes. A pilot waterway health study
and two pilot Catchment Management Plans were
completed and will be presented to Council in the
2016-17 financial year.
The Ballin Drive Park Detention Basin was officially
opened to the public in September with a community
barbecue and encouragement to explore and use
the new facility. The park detention basin is one of
several measures under the $25 million Gowrie Creek
Catchment Flood Mitigation Project including channel
works, stream and water flow improvements, culvert
upgrades, an additional detention basin at Garnet
Lehmann Park and an upgrade to the detention basin
at the corner of Spring and Ramsey Streets.
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016
Our goals CHAPTER 4
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