Highfields Residents Invited To Refine Master Plan

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is inviting interested residents to join the second stage of the Central Highfields Master Planning process through to March 16th.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio says residents are welcome to register to attend workshops in early March to hear about and discuss three Master Plan options that have been devised for the Central Highfields area.

Mayor Antonio said Council was determined to work with all sectors of the community to achieve the best outcomes that would deliver a vibrant sub-regional centre to serve Highfields well into the future. Stage 1 Master Planning activities engaged more than 200 Highfields residents in conversation about their values and their vision for the future of the Central Highfields area.
“Over the past two months the TRC project team has worked to translate those values into three different Master Plan options for Central Highfields, Mayor Antonio said. “Stage 2 of the Master Plan process seeks to gather community feedback about the options presented and to start work towards understanding what the final and preferred option will look like.”

“We are seeking more community input to review the three options and select the very best ideas and concepts from any of the options. There will be a further chance for the public to review the preferred option in late April, before a final version is presented for Council’s adoption in July 2018.”

Highfields community members are invited to provide their feedback at one of three community workshops. Please register your interest to attend by calling 131 872 or at http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/HTC

The identical two-hour workshops will be held at the Highfields Cultural Centre, O’Brien Road, Highfields from:
• 6pm-8pm Tuesday, March 6
• 10am-noon Wednesday, March 7
• 10am-noon Saturday, March 10

The sessions will provide:
• a detailed summary about the values provided during Stage 1,
• an overview of the development principles which will underpin future development in Central Highfields,
• an explanation of the three master plan options; and
• an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback

Apart from the three workshops in March, community members were welcome to join a dedicated facebook page to share their ideas and vision for the area. Interested people can also call Council on 131 872 between 8.30am and 5.25pm on weekdays.

“The ongoing planning will influence the long-term development of this 45 hectare precinct in Central Highfields. Cr Glasheen said. “Council’s ownership of land in this area ensures there will be greater clarity and control around the development that the community wishes to see.

“The Master Plan will provide a blueprint that ensures future development, across community, commercial and residential sectors, aligns with stated community expectations, she said. “We want to offer a range of uses and employment prospects for this growing area.”

Interested community members are encouraged to go to http://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/HTC for further information, or call Council on 131 872.