What’s Happening?
Construction continues on infrastructure for the future Highfields town centre, with several major road upgrades nearing completion.
According to Toowoomba Regional Council, crews have made significant progress on the Central Highfields Activation Project. Kerb and channel works, including new roundabouts and median islands, are nearing completion.
Meanwhile, Council is progressing plans for the next stage of development under the adopted Central Highfields Masterplan.
Why It Matters
The Central Highfields Activation Project will deliver essential roads, water and sewer infrastructure to support future growth. These improvements will lay the groundwork for new housing, business opportunities and community spaces in Highfields.
Mayor Geoff McDonald said the investment would help meet the needs of one of the Toowoomba Region’s fastest-growing communities.
“Highfields continues to attract families, businesses and investment, and Council is helping deliver the infrastructure needed to support the next chapter of Highfields’ growth,” Mayor McDonald said.
Local Impact
The project forms part of Council’s wider vision for Central Highfields, combining future residential and commercial development with public spaces.
Beyond new homes and businesses, the adopted masterplan includes parklands and civic areas designed to serve the growing community. Mayor McDonald said these spaces would remain an important part of the development.
“Importantly, the vision for Central Highfields includes a vibrant town centre complemented by significant open space, parkland and community areas that residents can enjoy for generations to come.”
By The Numbers
- $20.1 million: Funding from the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund to accelerate infrastructure delivery and unlock future development.
- December 2026: When Council expects to consider its preferred approach for the next stage of Central Highfields.
- Early 2027: The potential start of a formal process to attract development partners, subject to Council’s decisions.
Zoom In
Alongside the current construction, Council is carrying out engineering investigations to assess the site’s infrastructure needs and development costs.
The findings will help Council explore possible development and divestment options while assessing how best to deliver the masterplan. Mayor McDonald said the process would balance development opportunities with financial and community considerations.
“This work will help Council make informed decisions about the future of the site, balancing development opportunities, financial considerations and the long-term needs of the Highfields community.
Zoom Out
The Central Highfields Masterplan provides the long-term framework for developing the future town centre. It brings together commercial, residential and community uses, with public spaces forming part of the broader vision.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund is helping Council deliver infrastructure needed to support future development. TRC Construction and Maintenance portfolio spokesperson Cr Carol Taylor said the investment would help address barriers to growth.
“This investment is helping remove barriers to growth and ensuring Highfields remains an attractive, liveable and well-connected community,” Cr Taylor said.
What To Look For Next?
With major roadworks nearing completion, construction crews are preparing to move into the next phase of the Central Highfields Activation Project. Cr Taylor outlined the remaining improvements and their expected benefits.
“Over coming weeks, crews will deliver new raised pedestrian crossings, pedestrian ramps, shared pathways and landscaping works before final asphalt surfacing is completed, weather permitting.
“These upgrades will improve safety and traffic flow while creating the infrastructure needed to support the future Highfields town centre and surrounding residential growth,” Cr Taylor said.
Council also thanked residents, businesses, schools and motorists for their patience as construction continues.
Beyond the current works, Council will assess its engineering findings and development options before deciding how to proceed with the wider site. Mayor McDonald outlined the anticipated timeline.
“We expect to consider the preferred approach in December 2026, with the potential to commence a formal process to attract development partners in early 2027.
Any formal process to seek development partners will depend on Council’s preferred approach.
Residents can find more information through the official Highfields project update.