Toowoomba Regional Council
Ordinary Meeting of Council - 20 January 2026
Council received a petition on traffic and parking issues in Anzac Avenue, agreed to lodge 2026/27 pre-budget submissions to the Australian and Queensland governments, noted its December 2025 financial position, received the Mayor’s monthly report, and approved a change application for a blueberry farm development involving road reserve clearing and updated ecological documentation.
Key decisions
- Anzac Avenue petition received
Council received a petition with 107 signatures raising concerns about heavy vehicles, speeding, parking congestion and road safety on Anzac Avenue between James Street and West Street, Toowoomba.
Signals that residents’ traffic and safety concerns in this part of Toowoomba have been formally put before Council. - Pre-budget submissions to State and Federal governments
Council resolved to provide pre-budget submissions for the 2026/27 Budget to the Australian Government by 30 January 2026 and to the Queensland Government by 6 February 2026.
This may influence future external funding bids for regional infrastructure, services and projects. - Monthly financial position noted
Council considered the Monthly Financial Performance Statement as at 31 December 2025, including an operating surplus ratio of 7.2%, unrestricted cash expense cover of 10.24 months, and an asset sustainability ratio below target.
Shows Council remains financially able to meet commitments, but longer-term asset renewal spending remains below target. - Blueberry farm change application approved
Council approved Change Application MCUC/2023/4579/B for an intensive horticulture (blueberry farm) development permit, including updated ecological documentation and allowing vegetation clearing within Connolly and Carl Road road reserves where required for road construction to Council standards. The decision included a note limiting offset plantings in road reserve areas to cases where later operational works approval finds no transport safety or unreasonable maintenance impacts.
Affects local planning, road construction requirements, vegetation clearing and environmental management linked to the development. - Mayor’s monthly report received
Council received the Mayor’s Monthly Report for January 2026, which included advocacy on government support for racquet hub investment in the Toowoomba Region.
Highlights ongoing advocacy for future sport and recreation investment in the region.
Important topics
- Traffic and safety concerns on Anzac Avenue
Petitioners asked Council to consider heavy vehicle restrictions, traffic calming, parking improvements and a lower speed limit for Anzac Avenue between James Street and West Street.
Directly relevant to road safety, amenity and parking for nearby residents and road users. - Council financial sustainability
The December 2025 financial snapshot showed positive operating and cash coverage ratios, but the asset sustainability ratio remained below target due to higher new and upgrade expenditure relative to renewals.
Residents may see this reflected in future budgeting and prioritisation of asset renewal versus new capital works. - Millmerran Indoor Sports Centre roof works
The report noted physical construction for the Millmerran Indoor Sports Centre roof project was to commence on 19 January 2026 after delays caused by contract issues.
Relevant to Millmerran residents and facility users awaiting works delivery. - Planning and environmental conditions for rural development
The blueberry farm change application addressed vegetation clearing in road reserves, approved documents including the ecological impact assessment, and fauna management requirements during clearing.
Important for nearby landholders, road users and residents interested in environmental safeguards and rural development impacts.
Resident impacts
- Residents on or near Anzac Avenue may see Council consideration of traffic, heavy vehicle, speed and parking issues raised through the petition.
- Council will prepare submissions to State and Federal budgets, which could affect future funding for regional projects and services.
- Financial reporting indicates Council can meet short- and medium-term commitments, but asset renewal remains an ongoing pressure.
- The approved blueberry farm change application may lead to road-related works and vegetation clearing around Connolly and Carl Road, subject to conditions and later approvals.
- Millmerran residents may benefit from progress on the Indoor Sports Centre roof project.
Places affected
- Anzac Avenue between James Street and West Street, Toowoomba
Subject of a resident petition about heavy vehicles, speeding, parking and safety. - Toowoomba
Location of the petitioned Anzac Avenue section and broader Council advocacy activity. - Connolly Road
Referenced in the approved blueberry farm change application for possible vegetation clearing to enable road construction. - Carl Road
Referenced in the approved blueberry farm change application for possible vegetation clearing to enable road construction. - Millmerran Indoor Sports Centre
Roof works project reported as commencing after earlier delays. - Millmerran
Locality of the indoor sports centre project. - Toowoomba Region
Area covered by Council’s financial reporting and advocacy priorities.
Next steps
- Council to prepare and submit a 2026/27 pre-budget submission to the Australian Government
By 30 January 2026 - Council to prepare and submit a 2026/27 pre-budget submission to the Queensland Government
By 6 February 2026 - Any operational works and associated road, stormwater or earthworks approvals for the approved blueberry farm development to proceed under the stated conditions
Future approval and construction stages - Council to consider issues raised in the Anzac Avenue petition through its usual assessment processes
Timing not specified in the extract
Extracted minutes text
Toowoomba Regional CouncilOrdinary Meeting of Council 17 February 2026 Item No.4 REPORT TITLEConfirmation of Minutes - Ordinary Meeting of Council of 20 January 2026 MOTION Moved by Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff, seconded by Councillor Trevor Manteufel Ordinary Meeting of Council - 20 January 2026 That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council dated 20 January 2026 be confirmed. CARRIED Toowoomba Regional Council Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 in the Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba of 856 Toowoomba Regional Council Ordinary Meeting of Council 20 January 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Opening of Meeting and Ackn...