Imagine Tomorrow
The Imagine Tomorrow series is focussed on local plans which apply to an identified area and set out the vision and land use context for the future development and investment of the area . With community consultation , the local plans developed this year and in the future will guide growth and change , facilitate economic development , coordinate new and improved infrastructure , guide development to create liveable communities and address locally specific issues and opportunities that influence the future of the area . Once the local plan has addressed the above , it is implemented through an amendment to the planning scheme . The work that was completed this year in local planning also included transport modelling and storm water analysis . This future-proofing will ensure the viability of our region into the future .
Railway Parklands Priority Development Area
The vision for the Toowoomba Railway Parklands Priority Development Area ( PDA ) will develop as an active , high-quality , mixed-density urban village which will reinforce and frame the Toowoomba CBD core area . It will embrace its geographic location to integrate industrial , heritage , residential choices and valuable urban parklands through efficiently connected movement corridors . The Priority Development Area will provide unique civic and social functions contributing to the amenity for the broader Toowoomba Region .
This year saw the first stage of planning for the Railway Parklands Priority Development Area completed with the preparation of the Toowoomba Railway Parklands PDA Development Scheme and formal adoption by the Queensland Government . The process of formal adoption this year included a public notification period and submission period for interested parties . During the submission period all interested parties including the community , residents and business operators were invited to view the proposed development scheme and make a written submission for consideration by the Minister for Economic Development Queensland ( MEDQ ).
Local Government Infrastructure Planning delivery
Local Governments across Australia are required to deliver a Local Government Infrastructure Plan ( LGIP )
in place of the current PIP ( Priority Infrastructure Plan ) and this year saw further work completed to update these in accordance with the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme ( TRPS ). The LGIP will identify Council ’ s plans for trunk infrastructure necessary to service urban development at the desired standard of service in a coordinated , efficient and financially sustainable manner . The LGIP will also enable Council to continue to levy infrastructure charges and impose conditions for trunk infrastructure . Toowoomba Regional Council successfully delivered Stage 3 of this project – the delivery of a proposed LGIP to the Queensland Government Minister for consideration . The next financial year will see further work completed on this project , as well as extensive community consultation .
Heritage advisory services
Council offers a free Heritage Advisory Service to assist property owners across the region with the renovation and conservation of the region ' s buildings . The Heritage Advisor is an experienced conservation architect and provides advice on maintaining the character of historic properties and their surrounds . The free service is available to all property owners of commercial , residential and rural buildings throughout the Toowoomba Region . Design consultants , land developers and tradespeople are also welcome to use this service .
This service typically offers advice on :
• Colour schemes ( exterior colours )
• Extensions ( alterations and additions )
• Verandas
• Garages and carports
• Awnings
• Fencing
• Gardens .
Maintaining the character of our region is an important focus of Council and this year saw over 393 appointments conducted with heritage advisory services through ongoing consultancy arrangements . With Council support , we can ensure planning and economic development continues to protect and enhance the heritage value of our region .
94 CHAPTER 4 Our goals TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016