Toowoomba’s most energy-efficient units approved by council, construction to begin by end of 2023 financial year

From rooftop solar panels and battery storage to smart glass and communal veggie gardens — could these become Toowoomba’s most energy-efficient units?

Concept art for a set of energy-efficient units planned for Haig Street in South Toowoomba.

Construction will start within months on a “game-changing” set of energy-efficient units near the heart of Toowoomba, after the developer secured approval for them.

Melbourne-based Queensland man Trent Macartney got the green light from the Toowoomba Regional Council to create four two-bedroom units on Haig St in South Toowoomba.

Featuring an energy rating of 7.5 stars, which is above the Australian average of six stars, the new units will include an extensive set of eco-friendly features and design elements.

These include rooftop solar panels and battery storage, communal veggie patches, composting stations, vinyl timber plank floors, extra insulation and smart glass.

Concept art for a set of energy-efficient units planned for Haig Street in South Toowoomba.

Mr Maccartney said he wanted to have shovels in the ground by June at the site once he had secured the final approvals from the council.

“I’d say we’re eight weeks from having the building approval and securing funding for the whole thing,” he said.

“That would be a great scenario if we can start construction in June.

“From the study I’ve done over the past 18 months, I believe Toowoomba doesn’t have anything that compares to it.

“Those sorts of design features are subsidiaries for most developers, but they were essential for myself.”

Concept art for a set of energy-efficient units planned for Haig Street in South Toowoomba.

Mr Macartney said the eventual buyers would save themselves hundreds of dollars every year in electricity bills.

The development will be marketed by Re/Max Success’ Shaun Blackburn, who said two key demographics would be among the likely buyers.

“Recent new unit releases in the past three months have been really popular so I don’t think that has changed too heavily (since the project was announced in August),” he said.

“The most likely demographic is going to be the retirees, especially with the secure community design.

“Being in a gated unit complex with three other people living beside you is going to be a secure feeling.

“The second most-likely buyer is a dual-income couple with no kids, considering the cost to enter these units.”

Concept art for a set of energy-efficient units planned for Haig Street in South Toowoomba. Pictured is the communal veggie garden.