What’s Happening?
Toowoomba Region residents are being encouraged to have their say as Council prepares a new Planning Scheme.
Council is asking locals to visit its Your Say webpage and complete a short survey. The feedback will help inform the early priorities for the new scheme, which will guide future planning decisions across the region.
Toowoomba Regional Council Planning Place portfolio spokesperson Councillor Tim McMahon said community input was critical while the project continued to gather momentum.
“Right now is an opportunity for our community to inform the priority issues to be addressed in the development of the new Planning Scheme,” Cr McMahon said.
“We’re asking residents to head to Council’s Your Say webpage and complete a quick online survey. This feedback will directly influence how the new Planning Scheme is developed.”
“Whether it’s housing, growth, environment or how our towns evolve, we want to hear what matters most to the people who live here.”
Residents can complete the survey and follow project updates here – https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/toowoomba-regional-planning-scheme
Why It Matters?
The new Planning Scheme will play an important role in how the Toowoomba Region grows over time.
It will help guide decisions around housing, employment areas, biodiversity, regional towns, natural hazards and the local infrastructure needed to support growth and development.
Cr McMahon said the project was meeting key milestones, but strong community participation would help shape better outcomes.
“Council has secured approval from the State Government for a new Chief Executive Notice. This approval formalises the process and desired project timeframes for preparing and amending our planning scheme under the Planning Act 2016,” he said.
“This ensures our work aligns with State requirements while remaining transparent and accountable to our community.”
Council is also monitoring broader Queensland Government initiatives, including the South East Queensland Regional Plan, to make sure local planning work remains aligned with State requirements.
By the Numbers
- Planning Act 2016 – Council’s new Chief Executive Notice has been approved under this legislation, setting the process and project timeframes.
- February to April 2027 – Formal public consultation on the draft Planning Scheme is expected during this period, subject to State Government approval.
- Six planning areas – Drafting is continuing across housing, employment, biodiversity, regional towns, natural hazards and local infrastructure.
Local Impact
For residents, the Planning Scheme is more than a Council document. It will influence how local neighbourhoods, towns and growth areas change in the years ahead.
It may affect where new homes are supported, how employment areas are planned, how environmental values are considered and what infrastructure is needed as communities grow.
Council is working closely with the State Government so State priorities are considered alongside local community views at this early stage.
That makes the current survey an early chance for residents to raise the issues they want Council to consider before the draft scheme is released.
Zoom In
Council has already completed significant work behind the scenes, including workshops and technical input from specialist consultants.
Cr McMahon said that work was important, but it did not replace the need for local feedback.
“Our project team, stakeholders and industry experts are working collaboratively to prepare the draft scheme, but it’s just as important that we hear from our residents,” he said.
“The more people who visit the Your Say page and complete the survey, the better informed our planning decisions will be.”
“While there are external factors that can influence planning frameworks, our focus remains on delivering a scheme that reflects the needs and aspirations of our community,” he said.
Zoom Out
Planning schemes help set the direction for land use and development across Queensland communities.
The new scheme will need to reflect local priorities while also fitting within State planning frameworks.
That balance matters as the region considers future housing needs, town growth, environmental protection and resilience to natural hazards.
It also gives residents a chance to help Council understand what should be protected, improved or planned differently.
What To Look For Next?
Community engagement will continue as the new Planning Scheme is prepared.
Formal public consultation on the draft scheme is expected between February and April 2027, subject to State Government approval. However, Council wants residents to take part now rather than wait for the formal consultation period.
“However, residents don’t need to wait until formal consultation to get involved,” Cr McMahon said.
“I strongly encourage everyone to visit the Your Say webpage today, complete the survey and follow the page to stay informed about upcoming opportunities to contribute.”
“Your input now will help guide the future of the Toowoomba Region.”