Corporate Services Committee - 11 August 2026

Topics

• Toowoomba waste levy zone change delivers estimated $3 million annual saving
  Council reported that advocacy for the Toowoomba Region’s move into the regional waste levy zone is saving the community about $3 million a year, while the draft waste strategy awaits the Queensland Government’s waste strategy and levy framework.
  The levy-zone change has a direct financial benefit for residents and businesses, while future waste policy remains dependent on the State Government framework.
• Cressbrook Dam safety project secures $54 million State funding after Federal bid fails
  Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades secured a $54 million State Government funding agreement after an unsuccessful $80 million Federal Budget bid, with the first milestone payment received.
  Dam safety is a major regional infrastructure issue, and the funding outcome affects project delivery and future advocacy.
• Toowoomba Region capital works program records 71.24% financial completion
  Council’s 2025/26 capital works program finished with $168.5 million in actual spending against a $236.5 million original budget, a 71.24% financial completion rate.
  The figures provide a public measure of infrastructure delivery and show how the Cressbrook Dam project affected the overall result.

Decisions

• Committee recommends noting 2025/26 Operational Plan progress
  The committee recommended that Council note organisational performance for the 12-month period ending 30 June 2026, as set out in the 2025/26 Operational Plan Progress Report.
  The recommendation records Council’s formal oversight of service and project delivery for the completed financial year.

Discussion

• 2025/26 Operational Plan performance
  The committee considered the 2025/26 Operational Plan progress report covering 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
  The report is Council’s formal account of progress against planned services, projects and performance measures.
• Operational budget performance
  Operational expenditure was within 1.46% of the original adopted annual expenditure budget, subject to end-of-year adjustments.
  This indicates overall operating spending was close to the adopted budget, although final adjustments may change the result.
• Service delivery pressures
  The report says Council services were generally delivered within adopted budgets or at established service levels, with some pressures including rough-sleeper complaints affecting response times.
  Residents may experience differences in response times and service capacity in affected areas.
• Workplace safety software implementation
  Council’s Safety Management software, Donesafe, has been procured, with testing and training to begin and full implementation expected in approximately 18 months.
  The system is intended to support workplace health, safety and wellness management across Council.

Impacts

• The regional waste levy zone change is estimated to save the community approximately $3 million each year.
• The 2025/26 capital works program recorded $168.5 million in actual expenditure against a $236.5 million original budget.
• Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades have a $54 million State funding agreement, while Federal funding of $80 million was not secured.
• The Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery remains closed because of storm damage; Rosalie Gallery and Crows Nest Gallery continue operating.
• The new planning scheme project continues through 2026/27 with ongoing community and stakeholder engagement.
• Nine Council grant programs have been consolidated into Micro, Minor and Major streams from July 2026.
• Rising complaints involving people sleeping rough have placed pressure on Community Health and Compliance response times.

Places

• Toowoomba Region (region)
  Regional waste levy zone advocacy and approximately $3 million in annual community savings
• Cressbrook Dam (facility)
  Capital works and dam safety project
• Oakey Main Street (street)
  CCTV addition on the main street
• Toowoomba CBD (central business district)
  CCTV upgrades being rolled out
• Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery (facility)
  Gallery closed after storm damage since 14 November 2025
• Rosalie Gallery (facility)
  Normal gallery services continued
• Crows Nest Gallery (facility)
  Normal gallery services continued
• Millmerran (town)
  Community services relocation planned

Next

• Present the 2025/26 Operational Plan progress report and committee recommendation to Council for consideration.
  Following the committee meeting
• Continue reviewing the draft waste strategy pending release of the Queensland Government’s waste strategy and waste levy framework.
  After the State Government releases the framework
• Continue the Toowoomba Region Futures Program, including community and stakeholder engagement for the new planning scheme.
  During the 2026/27 financial year
• Commence testing and training for the Donesafe safety management system.
  After procurement; full implementation expected in approximately 18 months
• Continue advocacy for funding support for Cressbrook Dam safety upgrades.
  Ongoing

Extract

TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE Members of the Committee Councillor Bill Cahill Councillor Edwina Farquhar Councillor Gary Gardner Councillor Trevor Manteufel His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Geoff McDonald Councillor Tim McMahon Councillor James O'Shea Councillor Kerry Shine Councillor Carol Taylor Councillor Melissa Taylor Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff of 42 Toowoomba Regional Council Corporate Services Committee 11 August 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Opening of Meeting 2.Attendance including Apologies, Leave of Absence and Declarations of Conflict of Interest Reports 3.2025/26 Operational Plan Progress Report for the 2025/26 Financial Year 4.Meeting Concluded of 42 REPO...