WAGNER'S WIN: The war that costs millions in legal fight

One of Queensland's most powerful developers has had a win over its local council after a three-year legal fight that cost millions of dollars. 

Denis Wagner

ONE of the region's most powerful developers has strongly encouraged the Toowoomba Regional Council to review its decision-making processes to avoid wasting ratepayers' funds.

The suggestion follows Wagner Corporation this week winning a labyrinthine legal dispute with the TRC over levied infrastructure charges at Wellcamp Airport and Wellcamp Business Park.

The Planning and Environment Court found the TRC had not and had no intentions to provide stormwater infrastructure at the developments, and agreed the company should not be charged the levies.

The legal dispute between the Wagner company and the TRC had lasted more than three years.

Wellcamp Business Park director Denis Wagner welcomed the court's decision which he said agreed with the company's view the TRC should not charge for "infrastructure and services that it does not provide".

"We are still absorbing the court's decision," he said.

"It is really disappointing that millions of dollars have been spent on the legal process to achieve an outcome that was offered to council three years ago."

Mr Wagner has been a vocal campaigner for equal infrastructure levies for all businesses and developments, and warned the company would take its business elsewhere unless charges were made fairer.

"Wagners is committed to bringing new enterprises into this region," he said.

"Enterprises that will enhance opportunities for growth as well as creating jobs and prosperity for the wider community.

"There is a community expectation that our council share this vision and ensure charges are relevant, fair and equitable for the community as a whole."

The council was asked how much the legal battle cost, but the figure was not immediately available.

When asked if the council would review its decision-making process, council CEO Brian Pidgeon said: "Council is still considering the decision before determining its formal response to the ruling and is therefore unable to make any comment at this stage."