Ordinary Meeting of Council - 19 May 2026

Topics

• Council misses out on Federal funding for major regional projects
  Mayor says Council’s asks for Cressbrook Dam, the sports precinct and Inland Rail did not get direct funding in the 2026-27 Budget.
  These are significant projects with implications for water security, recreation and freight infrastructure.
• Council adopts 2026-27 fire mitigation plan
  Council approved its annual fire mitigation action plan ahead of the bushfire season.
  The plan shapes hazard reduction and local fire preparedness for residents and landholders.
• Major water projects keep moving
  Council reported milestones on the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline, Greenmount Water Treatment Plant and Greenmount to Cambooya supply works.
  These projects affect water security, construction timelines and future service delivery.

Decisions

• Annual Fire Mitigation Action Plan adopted
  Council adopted the Annual Fire Mitigation Action Plan 2026-27.
  Affects bushfire preparedness and hazard reduction activities across the region.
• Monthly financial performance statement received
  Council received the Monthly Financial Performance Statement for the period ending 30 April 2026.
  Gives residents an update on Council’s financial position and service delivery capacity.
• 12-month rolling financial forecast request
  Council considered a motion requesting a 12-month rolling financial forecast to be included in monthly financial reporting, but no outcome beyond the motion text was evident in the extracted material.
  Could improve transparency about future council finances if progressed.
• Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline update noted
  In confidential session, Council noted the pipeline project update and the Chief Executive Officer’s intention to use delegations so the project continues to meet Council requirements.
  Relevant to future water infrastructure delivery and project management in the region.

Discussion

• Federal Budget 2026-27 funding disappointment
  The Mayor reported Council had sought Federal funding for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project, Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct Stage 1, and Inland Rail Border to Gowrie, but none of the submitted projects received direct funding.
  Impacts expectations for major regional infrastructure and sport investments.
• Regional planning interests and coal seam gas
  The Queensland Government advised Council that the Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 has been referred to a parliamentary committee, and acknowledged Council’s moratorium motion on new coal seam gas approvals.
  Relevant to land use, water protection and gas development in the district.
• Financial performance pressures
  The financial report noted an operating surplus ratio above target, a leverage ratio within target, but an asset sustainability ratio below target, indicating possible long-term sustainability pressure if upgrade and new capital spending continues.
  May affect future rates, borrowing and capital works priorities.
• Early plan sealing process
  Development Engineering is progressing a new early plan sealing process, with trials completed and a final policy draft being prepared for adoption mid-year.
  Could speed up subdivision and development approvals for new estates.
• Local Government Infrastructure Plan interim amendment
  Council officers have prepared an interim LGIP amendment and a report was being prepared for the Planning and Development Committee.
  Important for developers and infrastructure planning across growth areas.
• Water infrastructure project updates
  Progress was reported on the Perseverance Raw Water Main Renewal, Greenmount Water Treatment Plant, and the Greenmount to Cambooya treated water supply works, including tendering and construction milestones.
  Affects water security and delivery of treated water infrastructure in affected communities.

Impacts

• Bushfire risk management and fuel-reduction activity may be guided by the adopted fire mitigation plan.
• Residents may see ongoing financial pressure reflected in future budgeting and capital works decisions.
• Planning and development applicants may experience changes through the early plan sealing process and LGIP updates.
• Water customers in the Toowoomba region, Greenmount and Cambooya areas may be affected by major pipeline and treatment plant works.
• Coal seam gas and aquifer protection remain active policy and advocacy issues for the district.

Places

• Toowoomba Region (region)
  Main council area for decisions, financial reporting and infrastructure planning.
• Cressbrook Dam (dam)
  Funding request for safety improvement project.
• Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct (sporting precinct)
  Proposed Stage 1 project seeking Federal funding.
• Condamine Alluvium (aquifer)
  Referenced in the State Bill and Council’s coal seam gas concerns.
• Greenmount (locality)
  Water treatment plant and treated water supply project area.
• Cambooya (town)
  Endpoint of the Greenmount to Cambooya treated water supply project.
• Mt Kynoch (locality)
  Surveying and raw water main renewal works mentioned.
• Toowoomba to Warwick pipeline corridor (infrastructure project area)
  Confidential update on the pipeline project.

Next

• Implement the Annual Fire Mitigation Action Plan 2026-27
  2026-27 fire season and associated planning period
• Receive and monitor monthly financial performance updates, including any future forecast material
  Ongoing at monthly council meetings
• Progress the early plan sealing policy to formal adoption
  Mid-2026
• Continue work on the Local Government Infrastructure Plan interim amendment and associated report
  Before the next Planning and Development Committee cycle
• Advance procurement and construction milestones for Greenmount and related water infrastructure projects
  Through May 2026 and into 2026-27
• Continue engagement on the Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline project and confidential implementation steps
  Ongoing

Extract

Toowoomba Regional Council Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 19 May 2026 in the Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba of 160 UNCONFIRMED Toowoomba Regional Council Ordinary Meeting of Council 19 May 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Opening of Meeting and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners 2.Attendance including Apologies, Leave of Absence, Granting Leaves of Absence and Declarations of Conflict of Interest 3.Confirmation of Minutes 4.Business Arising out of Minutes of Previous Meetings 5.Presentation of Petitions 6.Business for which the Mayor wishes to have considered at this Meeting without Notice (Mayoral Minute) Amend Order 7.1. Ann...