Ordinary Meeting of Council - 17 March 2026

Key decisions

• Keys to the City awarded to Christopher Burton
  Council resolved to grant Christopher Burton the Keys to the City in recognition of his international equestrian achievements, his connection to the Toowoomba Region, and his advocacy for the region hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic equestrian event.
  Recognises a prominent local sporting figure and supports civic promotion tied to the region’s Olympic hosting aspirations.
• February 2026 financial performance statement received
  Council received the Monthly Financial Performance Statement for the period ending 28 February 2026. The extract notes a leverage ratio of 0.88 within target range, a positive operating surplus ratio of 28.4%, and an asset sustainability ratio below target.
  Gives residents a snapshot of council finances, including capacity to fund operations and concerns about long-term asset renewal spending.
• Major Greenwattle planning application recommended for approval
  The officer recommendation was that Council approve Application No. MCUI/2022/668 for a preliminary approval for a mixed-use wellness community including residential care, retirement facility, multiple dwelling, dual occupancy, dwelling house, shop, office, child care centre, food and drink outlet, health care services, indoor sport and recreation and park, with a variation request to vary the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme 2012, subject to conditions.
  Could enable a significant new mixed-use residential and care development with impacts on housing mix, local services, infrastructure and neighbourhood character.

Important topics

• Community feedback on Greenwattle development
  Public notification for the Greenwattle application received nine submissions, including eight properly made submissions opposing the development and one not properly made submission. One properly made submission included 74 additional signatories.
  Shows there is local concern and active community interest in the scale and nature of the proposed development.
• CBD safety funding application
  The CEO reported Council is preparing a submission under the Secure Communities Partnership Program – Round 2 to enhance lighting and expand CCTV coverage in key CBD areas, including Bell Street Mall, after consultation with Queensland Police Service and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.
  May lead to improved safety, lighting and surveillance in the city centre if funding is secured.
• Waste management strategy timing and Millmerran facility hours
  A referenced resolution would extend the deadline for the Draft Waste Management Strategy to the May 2026 Ordinary Meeting and continue current operational hours at the Millmerran Waste Management Facility until the strategy is considered.
  Affects waste service planning and operating hours for Millmerran residents.
• Public transport and active transport planning
  The extract references endorsed work with Translink on six key public transport initiatives, a 50-50 funded Coordinator Public Transport position, and negotiations on the Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link with Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Rail.
  Signals future improvements to regional public transport and walking/cycling connections.
• Dog off-leash area changes
  Referenced resolutions include extending the fenced dog off-leash area at Clearview Street Park and adding a dog off-leash area at Skelly Recreation Reserve (North), with notification to the Crows Nest community.
  Directly affects recreation options for dog owners and nearby residents.
• Road and parking changes under consideration
  The extract references reviews and concept work for city centre parking, parking around schools, reduced speed limits and bicycle-friendly changes on Lindsay Street in East Toowoomba, and preliminary road development concepts near Wellcamp State School, Wirth Road, Toowoomba Speedway and the Warrego Highway.
  These matters may affect traffic safety, parking availability and future road funding advocacy.

Resident impacts

• A civic honour was awarded to Christopher Burton, highlighting local identity and Olympic advocacy.
• Council’s latest financial report indicates strong operating results but flags asset renewal pressure.
• The Greenwattle Wellness Community proposal could change housing, care services and mixed-use development outcomes in the area if approved.
• Possible future CBD lighting and CCTV upgrades may improve safety in Bell Street Mall and nearby areas.
• Millmerran residents may see continued current waste facility hours pending the draft waste strategy.
• Dog owners in Clearview Street Park and Crows Nest may gain expanded off-leash access if referenced changes proceed.
• Residents in East Toowoomba, Wellcamp and other transport corridors may be affected by future road, parking and active transport projects.

Places affected

• Toowoomba Region (region)
  Keys to the City decision, financial reporting and multiple strategic projects.
• Greenwattle (locality)
  Site of the proposed Greenwattle Wellness Community planning application.
• Bell Street Mall (city centre precinct)
  Proposed lighting and CCTV funding application area.
• Millmerran (town)
  Domville Place project reference and waste management facility hours extension reference.
• Lindsay Street, East Toowoomba (road)
  Referenced speed limit reduction, bicycle improvements and parking concept work.
• Clearview Street Park (park)
  Referenced extension of fenced dog off-leash area.
• Skelly Recreation Reserve (North), Crows Nest (reserve)
  Referenced new dog off-leash area.
• Highfields (locality)
  Referenced confidential land acquisition for park purposes.

Next steps

• Issue formal recognition process for granting Christopher Burton the Keys to the City
  Following the 17 March 2026 meeting
• Progress assessment and finalisation of conditions for the Greenwattle Wellness Community application if Council adopts the recommendation
  After council determination
• Prepare and lodge the Secure Communities Partnership Program funding submission for CBD lighting and CCTV improvements
  Round 2 application period in 2026
• Bring the Draft Waste Management Strategy to Council
  On or before the May 2026 Ordinary Meeting
• Undertake review of the Empire Theatres Pty Ltd controlled entity structure
  By 17 April 2026

Extracted minutes text

Toowoomba Regional CouncilOrdinary Meeting of Council 21 April 2026 Item No.4 REPORT TITLEConfirmation of Minutes Ordinary Meeting of Council - 17 March 2026 MOTION Moved by Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff, seconded by Councillor Carol Taylor That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council dated 17 March 2026 be confirmed. CARRIED Special Meeting of Council - 14 April 2026 MOTION Moved by Councillor Carol Taylor, seconded by Councillor Trevor Manteufel That the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Council dated 14 April 2026 be confirmed. CARRIED Toowoomba Regional Council Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 in the Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall,...