Ordinary Meeting of Council - 9 June 2026

Topics

• Council backs $646,950 TSBE funding deed while governance review continues
  Council renewed regional business support funding but tied it to a review of the controlled entity model and performance measures.
  TSBE is a key regional economic development body, and the decision affects business support, governance and public value for money.
• Highfields land acquisition set up for new parkland
  Council authorised negotiation to buy land for park purposes at Highfields, with reserve funding identified if talks succeed.
  This could expand public open space in a growing suburb and draw on dedicated levy funds.
• Road planning work funded around Wellcamp and Wirth Road
  Council approved funding for preliminary road concepts and business cases in two congestion-prone growth corridors to support future state and federal advocacy.
  Early planning can shape future road upgrades around schools, the Speedway and the Warrego Highway junction.

Decisions

• Sale of land for overdue rates or charges
  Council resolved to sell the properties listed in the confidential attachment for overdue rates or charges and delegated the CEO to complete the sale process under the Local Government Regulation 2012.
  Could affect property owners with unpaid rates and the future use or ownership of specific parcels of land.
• Monthly financial performance statement received
  Council received the monthly financial performance statement for the period ending 31 May 2026, including the reforecast to 30 June 2026.
  Shows Council’s current financial position and budget outlook, which can affect service levels and future spending.
• Domville Place, Millmerran project approved in principle
  Council agreed to support Millmerran Commerce and Progress Inc. to fund and develop Domville Place, authorised the CEO to negotiate a partnership agreement, and flagged additional ongoing operating funding of $30,000 per year in future budgets.
  May improve a local public place and create ongoing maintenance and operating commitments for ratepayers.
• Road development concepts funded for advocacy work
  Council approved funding for preliminary business cases and concept work for road network improvements around Wellcamp State School and around Wirth Road, Toowoomba Speedway and the Warrego Highway junction.
  Supports future road funding advocacy and planning for congestion and safety improvements in those growth areas.
• TSBE funding deed renewed while controlled entity review continues
  Council approved a revised 12-month funding deed for Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise Pty Ltd, worth $646,950 plus GST, and directed the CEO to finalise KPIs and review the controlled entity model before the end of 2025.
  Continues regional business support funding while Council reviews the governance model and return on investment.
• Empire Theatres board arrangements and controlled entity review
  Council resolved to maintain current board roles temporarily, begin recruitment for future directors, and review the controlled entity structure for Empire Theatres Pty Ltd.
  Affects governance of a major arts and cultural facility used by residents and visitors.
• TSBE controlled entity model to be dissolved
  Council agreed to dissolve the current controlled entity model with TSBE, delegate transition work to the CEO, and continue financial contribution for 2026-27 pending future funding decisions.
  Changes the governance structure for a major regional economic development organisation and may affect future support arrangements.
• Local Government Infrastructure Plan interim amendment
  Council resolved to make an interim amendment to the LGIP and to undertake public consultation for at least 15 business days.
  May influence future trunk infrastructure planning, growth servicing and development charges.

Discussion

• Highfields park land acquisition
  Council authorised the CEO to negotiate for the acquisition of land for park purposes at Highfields and to fund it from the Park and Bushland Levy Reserve if negotiations succeed.
  Potentially adds open space and parkland in Highfields and uses reserve funding for the purchase.
• Annual fire mitigation action plan 2026-27
  Council adopted the Annual Fire Mitigation Action Plan 2026-27.
  Affects bushfire preparedness and mitigation works across the region.
• Selective sewer inspection and smoke testing program
  Council approved a three-month inspection program from 3 August 2026 to 3 November 2026 in selected areas to identify faulty drains, illegal connections and stormwater entering sewers.
  May affect residents in targeted streets through property access, inspections and possible follow-up rectification works.
• Planning amendment for significant vegetation
  Council continued work toward investigating management of significant vegetation for inclusion in the new Planning Scheme.
  Could affect vegetation controls, development approvals and land management rules in future planning.
• Blueberry farm change application in Geham partly approved
  Council approved part of a change application for an intensive horticulture development at 9203 New England Highway, Geham, allowing staging changes but refusing requests to delay road, parking and sealing conditions.
  Affects development timing, roadworks and construction obligations for a rural farming project and nearby roads.

Impacts

• Future park land may be added at Highfields if negotiations succeed.
• Road improvement concepts around Wellcamp and Wirth Road may strengthen funding bids for congestion and safety works.
• Residents in selected sewer testing areas may be asked to allow access for inspections and could see follow-up works.
• Council’s support for TSBE and Empire Theatres affects regional business and cultural services.
• The Geham blueberry farm decision keeps transport and parking conditions in place before export operations begin.

Places

• Millmerran (town)
  Domville Place project approved in principle for funding and development support.
• Wellcamp State School area (locality/project area)
  Road development concept funded for advocacy and preliminary business case work.
• Wirth Road (road)
  One of the road network areas targeted for concept work and funding advocacy.
• Toowoomba Speedway (facility)
  Included in the road network outcomes project area near the Warrego Highway junction.
• Highfields (suburb/locality)
  Proposed land acquisition for park purposes.
• Geham (locality)
  Location of the approved-in-part blueberry farm change application.
• New England Highway (road)
  Road frontage for the Geham development application.
• Warrego Highway (highway)
  Referenced in the road network advocacy work near the junction with Wirth Road.

Next

• CEO to finalise and execute the TSBE funding deed and KPIs
  Before half of the approved funding is paid; review to be completed before end of 2025
• CEO to progress transition work for dissolving the TSBE controlled entity model
  During 2026-27
• CEO to negotiate the Highfields land acquisition and execute transfer documents if successful
  After negotiation outcomes
• Public consultation on the interim LGIP amendment
  Minimum 15 business days
• Selective sewer inspection program to commence in targeted areas
  3 August 2026 to 3 November 2026
• CEO to negotiate a partnership agreement for Domville Place, Millmerran
  Following Council approval
• Council/CEO to progress recruitment for Empire Theatres Pty Ltd directors
  Before the planned board changeover period

Extract

Toowoomba Regional Council Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 in the Council Chambers, First Floor, City Hall, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba of 153 UNCONFIRMED Toowoomba Regional Council Ordinary Meeting of Council 9 June 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 Mee...