Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has endorsed the Toowoomba Region Growth Plan as its long-term population and employment growth strategy for the Region to 2051, as the population is expected to grow by about 66,600 over the next 30 years.
According to Cr Bill Cahill, the Portfolio Lead for TRC’s Planning and Environment Committee, the Growth Plan establishes a clear and coordinated long-term growth strategy that guides the location and manner in which employment and population growth arise across the Region.
“In 30 years, the Region will be home to approximately 66,600 new residents and 35,900 new jobs, requiring approximately 27,000 new dwellings,” Cr Cahill said.
“To ensure we sustainably manage this change in conditions, the Growth Plan is our road map for how the community wants to see our area developed in the coming years.”
The Toowoomba Region has recently adopted its first Growth Strategy since the amalgamation of eight Councils. The timing of this strategy is significant as the Region is expected to benefit from substantial regional infrastructure investment. The plan aims to support job creation, offer housing choices, and preserve individual towns and neighbourhoods’ unique identities and characters. It also addresses the community’s desire for sustainable growth management that protects the environment while enhancing liveability.
Extensive consultation with residents guided the development of the Growth Plan. The development of the Growth Plan considered factors like population projections, evolving community expectations, the delivery of essential infrastructure, and trends in economic growth. The plan accounts for a higher growth rate than historical trends to accommodate significant growth influences and drivers in the coming decade. Investments in dam safety upgrades and water treatment plant upgrades, which occur once in a generation, require substantial funding. Private investment is also crucial for housing, employment, and supporting local businesses and communities.
The Growth Plan encourages diverse housing options and promotes growth in suitable locations to reduce living costs. An extensive analysis of current and future land supply needs has been conducted, ensuring sufficient land is available for at least 15 years of short-term growth. The strategy takes a long-term approach to address upcoming challenges effectively. Implementing the Toowoomba Region Growth Plan will inform the development of a new Toowoomba Region Planning Scheme and Toowoomba Region Infrastructure Plan.
Analysis source: Toowoomba Region
