Ordinary Meeting of Council - 21 April 2026

Key decisions

• Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct LGID adopted
  Council adopted Local Government Infrastructure Designation 01/2026 for the Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct at Charlton under the Planning Act 2016.
  Advances planning approval for a major regional sports infrastructure project that may affect future development, access and investment in the Charlton area.
• Geham blueberry farm change application partly approved
  Council approved in part and refused in part changes to MCUC/2023/4579/C for an intensive horticulture development at 9203 New England Highway, Geham. Approved changes included staged delivery, a new condition making fencing or neighbouring infrastructure changes the proponent's cost, and a requirement that Stage 2 be completed before 18 September 2027.
  Affects how the approved blueberry farm can proceed, including staging, timing and responsibility for nearby infrastructure impacts.
• Walking Network Plans endorsed for Pittsworth and Westbrook
  Council endorsed the Walking Network Plans for Pittsworth and Westbrook.
  Supports future pedestrian planning and may guide investment in local footpaths and walking connections in both towns.
• Surplus properties approved for disposal
  In confidential session, Council categorised listed freehold properties and listed State Reserve land parcels as surplus to requirements and approved disposal of the freehold properties in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012.
  Could lead to sale or transfer of council-related land holdings, affecting future land use and asset management.
• Monthly Financial Performance Statement received
  Council received the Monthly Financial Performance Statement for the period ending 31 March 2026.
  Shows Council reported a positive operating surplus and stated it can fund core operations, while also noting the Asset Sustainability Ratio is below target.
• Empire Theatres audited financial statements noted
  Council noted the certified annual financial statements for Empire Theatres Pty Ltd and Empire Theatres Foundation Ltd.
  Provides public accountability for council-related cultural entities and their audited finances.
• TSBE controlled entity model to be dissolved
  In confidential session, Council agreed to dissolve the current controlled entity model with Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise at TSBE's request, delegated transition work to the CEO, and continued financial contribution for 2026-27 with future funding to be considered through the 2027-2028 budget process.
  Changes Council's governance relationship with a key regional economic development body while maintaining short-term funding support.

Important topics

• Financial position and asset sustainability
  The March 2026 financial statement reported a leverage ratio within target range and a positive operating surplus ratio of 20.20%, but noted the Asset Sustainability Ratio is below target.
  Relevant to rates, service sustainability and Council's capacity to fund infrastructure over time.
• Southern Water Treatment Plant funding advocacy
  The CEO report said a submission had been made that, if successful, would help bring forward trunk infrastructure and unlock housing supply through the Southern Water Treatment Plant.
  Potentially significant for future housing growth and water infrastructure, though no formal decision text was extracted in this meeting summary.
• Waste Strategy delayed
  Council officers advised the draft Waste Strategy would no longer go to the May meetings and is now planned for the July round, to align with the expected Queensland Government waste framework.
  Residents will need to wait longer for proposed local waste policy settings and any related service changes.
• Parking Strategy redraft
  Officers advised the Parking Strategy is being redrafted and is expected to be presented in July.
  Could affect future parking management in areas where demand and access are concerns.
• Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan progressing
  Council reported continued work on its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, including Traditional Owner engagement, artwork development and refinement before future endorsement and launch.
  Signals upcoming policy and community engagement work on reconciliation, though no final adoption was recorded here.

Resident impacts

• Planning approval progressed for the Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct at Charlton.
• Conditions and staging were updated for the approved blueberry farm development in Geham.
• Pittsworth and Westbrook now have endorsed walking network plans to guide future pedestrian improvements.
• Council signalled sale or disposal of some surplus land assets through confidential decisions.
• Council reported a strong operating position but flagged below-target asset sustainability performance.
• Council's relationship with TSBE will shift to an independent model while funding continues for 2026-27.
• The Waste Strategy and Parking Strategy were delayed to the July meeting cycle.

Places affected

• Charlton (locality)
  Site of the Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct infrastructure designation.
• Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct (facility/project area)
  Major sports project formally designated by Council.
• Geham (locality)
  Location of the blueberry farm change application at 9203 New England Highway.
• New England Highway (road)
  Address corridor for the Geham intensive horticulture development.
• Pittsworth (town)
  Walking Network Plan endorsed.
• Westbrook (town)
  Walking Network Plan endorsed.
• Toowoomba Region (local government area)
  Area affected by Council financial, property and economic development decisions.

Next steps

• Proceed with implementation of LGID 01/2026 for the Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct.
  Following Council adoption
• Administer the Geham blueberry farm approval in line with amended conditions, including Stage 2 deadline requirements.
  By 18 September 2027 for Stage 2 completion
• Use the endorsed walking network plans to guide future pedestrian planning for Pittsworth and Westbrook.
  Ongoing
• Undertake disposal process for approved surplus freehold properties in line with legislative requirements.
  Following confidential resolution
• Prepare the draft Waste Strategy for Council consideration after State framework release.
  Planned for July 2026 meetings
• Present the revised Parking Strategy to Council.
  Planned for July 2026 meetings
• CEO to work with TSBE on transition to an independent structure and support implementation.
  During 2026-27
• Consider future TSBE funding arrangements through the budget process.
  2027-2028 budget process

Extracted minutes text

Toowoomba Regional Council Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 in the Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba of 283 UNCONFIRMED Toowoomba Regional Council Ordinary Meeting of Council 21 April 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Opening of Meeting and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners 2.Reception of Deputations or Delegations by Appointment 3.Attendance including Apologies, Leave of Absence, Granting Leaves of Absence and Declarations of Conflict of Interest 4.Confirmation of Minutes 5.Business Arising out of Minutes of Previous Meetings 6.Presentation of Petitions 7.Business for which the Mayor wishes to have considered at this...