Planning and Development Committee - 14 April 2026

Key decisions

• Support for Local Government Infrastructure Designation for Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct
  The committee recommended that Council make and adopt LGID 01/2026 for the Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct under sections 37 and 38 of the Planning Act 2016. The later Council decision on 21 April 2026 adopted this recommendation, subject to requirements in the designation assessment material.
  This advances the regional sports precinct project and streamlines future infrastructure development on the designated land, affecting nearby landowners, sporting users, and residents interested in major recreation infrastructure.

Important topics

• Land acquisition for the sports precinct and entry road
  The report notes that not all land needed for the full precinct has been secured. Council had previously authorised negotiation for property acquisition and, if needed, use of powers under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 for compulsory acquisition.
  This is significant for affected landowners and nearby communities because project delivery depends on acquiring required land.
• Public consultation and submission outcome
  Consultation for the designation was publicly advertised through notices, on-site signage, Council channels and stakeholder notices between 25 August 2022 and 21 September 2022. One properly made submission opposing the development in its form at that time was received.
  Residents and stakeholders had an opportunity to comment, and community feedback formed part of the assessment process.
• Environmental and site management requirements
  The report identifies requirements for retaining significant habitat trees where possible, retaining the northern waterway corridor, completing further ecological field assessments in the northern part of the land before works there, and undertaking works in line with geotechnical recommendations. Recycled water from the Wetalla Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is proposed for irrigation, subject to legislative requirements.
  These measures relate to environmental protection, construction safety, and future operation of the precinct.
• Planning effect of the designation
  The report states that once designated, future development of designated infrastructure on the site would not require development approval under local planning instruments, though other approvals and legislative obligations would still apply.
  This changes how future stages of the precinct are approved and may speed delivery, while still requiring compliance with other laws.

Resident impacts

• Progresses a major regional sports infrastructure project intended to address current and forecast shortages in sporting facilities.
• May affect landowners where additional land is needed for the precinct and entry road.
• Signals future construction, site preparation and environmental management obligations for the project area.
• Could improve long-term access to regional sport and recreation facilities for Toowoomba Region residents.

Places affected

• Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct (project area)
  Subject of LGID 01/2026 and the main planning decision in the meeting.
• Toowoomba Region (local government area)
  Area identified as having growing demand for sporting infrastructure and expected beneficiary of the precinct.
• Wetalla Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (facility)
  Identified source of Class A recycled water for irrigating the precinct’s fields and open space areas.
• The Chronicle (publication/service area)
  Newspaper used for public notice during consultation on the designation.

Next steps

• Council to make and adopt LGID 01/2026 for the Toowoomba Regional Sports Precinct
  Council decision recorded on 21 April 2026
• Continue land acquisition negotiations and, if required, use acquisition powers for outstanding land needs
  Ongoing
• Complete further ecological assessment of the northern part of the site before works in that area
  Before undertaking works in the northern portion
• Undertake detailed design, infrastructure servicing and construction planning in line with ecological, geotechnical and public health requirements
  During the detailed design and delivery stages

Extracted minutes text

TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 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 450 Toowoomba Regional Council Planning and Development Committee 14 April 2026 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Opening of Meeting and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners 2.Attendance including Apologies, Leave of Absence and Declarations of Conflict of Interest Reports 3.Local Government Infrastructure Designation (LGI...