Yarraman centre petition draws 403 signatures as Meringandan subdivision faces opposition

Yarraman residents have put 403 valid signatures behind a request for a local customer service and visitor information centre, while a separate petition with 94 valid signatures opposes a proposed residential subdivision in Meringandan.

Toowoomba Regional Council received both petitions on 21 July. Receiving them did not approve the Yarraman centre, reject the subdivision or determine the petitioners’ other requests.

The Yarraman petition, tabled by Councillor Tim McMahon, says the nearest customer service and visitor information centre is 71 kilometres away in Crows Nest. It asks Council to establish a centre in Yarraman so residents can access Council services and customer service arrangements.

The petition also proposes that the facility operate as a visitor information centre, a place for volunteers and a base to promote Yarraman and surrounding areas. Councillor Edwina Farquhar seconded the motion to receive it.

The Meringandan petition, tabled by Councillor Bill Cahill, concerns development application RAL/2025/5992 for a proposed residential subdivision. It asks Council to refuse the application in its current form or impose a minimum lot size of 667 square metres.

Petitioners say the proposal, which is predominantly made up of 300 to 500 square metre lots, conflicts with the Highfields, Meringandan and Meringandan West Local Plan Code. The code encourages only minor expansion of the township and requires development in the Township Expansion Area to reflect existing community character and urban form.

The petition also says the proposed scale and pattern of development would replace, rather than strengthen or consolidate, Meringandan’s existing character. Councillor Trevor Manteufel seconded the motion to receive it.

Council’s next step is to respond to the principal petitioners and determine whether either matter should be referred for further action or reporting. No timetable was specified for those responses or for a final decision on the Meringandan application.