Toowoomba Regional Council outlines 21 projects on wish list ahead of 2020 state election
The Toowoomba Regional Council has officially launched its advocacy plan to the major parties for the Queensland Government’s first four-year term.
Council
Don't miss out on the headlines from Council. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The submission outlines the 21 projects under seven priority areas endorsed at a special meeting in August.
Mayor Paul Antonio said the State Government had been a significant investor in the Toowoomba region, but said more support was needed.
“The 2020 State Election Submission signals the regional priorities in the lead up to the 31 October election,” Mayor Antonio said.
“Few organisations deliver the range of services that we provide for our customers every day.
“Local government cannot be left to shoulder the full cost of providing essential infrastructure to our growing communities in addition to meeting residents’ expectations across our other services and activities.”
Cr Antonio said that water security and road infrastructure was vital to the Toowoomba region.
“Council seeks the support and financial assistance for construction of the southern water pipeline and the renewal of the ageing Perseverance raw water main,” he said.
“This, together with wastewater upgrades in Crows Nest and a new treatment plant in Clifton are priorities for the next term.
“Our local roads are the economic spine of our region.
“We ask for support for industry roads including Bowenville-Moola Rd and Dalby-Nungil Rd, and roads in growth areas, such as the Highfields CBD road upgrade project and Highfields/Gowrie growth area connection on to the Toowoomba Bypass.
“We are determined to build flood immunity into our region.
“The upgrade of the Neil St Culvert and progressing the Gowrie Creek Corridor Planning Study will mitigate against future flooding events and keep our community safe.
Cr Antonio said the development of economic infrastructure would also ensure the region’s future growth continued, highlighting several projects that needed support.
“Toowoomba Railway Parklands Project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that has the potential to transform our city, unlike anything we have seen in the past 100 years,” he said.
“Further investment of Railway Parkland with complementary investment in the Railway Goods Shed and the Russell St streetscape will be a catalyst for investment in Toowoomba’s CBD.
“Central Highfields CBD is a good news story for our region, and we seek support for its progression. The development of this greenfields site will be a catalyst for investment and jobs creation in one of our fastest-growing areas.
“The beauty of the Toowoomba Range is a natural advantage for our region.
“Investment in the first stage of Bridge St Quarry Gardens will help unlock the potential of nature-based tourism across our escarpment.”
PROJECT WISH LIST
Water Security
Southern Regional Water Pipeline
Perseverance Pipeline
Priority – Wastewater upgrades
Clifton Sewerage Treatment Plant
Crows Nest Wastewater
Roads of regional significance
Bowenville-Moola Road and Dalby-Nungil Road
Highfields CBD Road Upgrade Project
Highfields/Gowrie Growth Area Connection
Flood mitigation upgrades
Neil St Culvert
Gowrie Creek Corridor Planning Study
Community facilities
Highfields Library
Economic Development
Highfields Town Centre Infrastructure Development
Railway Parklands PDA
Railway Goods Shed Stage 2
Bridge St Quarry Gardens
Russell St Streetscape
Regional Sustainability
New Toowoomba Hospital
New State High School – Toowoomba West Growth Corridor
Cooby Dam and Cressbrook Dam Spillway Upgrades
Toowoomba Showgrounds sustainability
Asset sustainability ratio (ASR) change
Fast Rail – Brisbane to Toowoomba