Council’s role in developing this masterplan is to use the current best practice information available to guide subsequent development and strategic planning.

Work undertaken within this update of the Central Highfields Masterplan still responds and aligns with the Central Highfields Structure Plan which was developed in conjunction with the community in 2019.

Council has taken on the feedback from the community in early 2025 to create a current version of the masterplan to reflect current growth and economic projections for Highfields.

The plan includes 3.38ha of commercial land (an increase compared to the previous structure plan), informed by independent market and economics advice and comparable in scale to major shopping centres within the region. The combination of commercial/retail and mixed-use areas (additional 2.7ha) within the masterplan will cater for demand well beyond the next 20 years.

The plan retains over 7ha of open space, including a large park, native vegetation, and tree-lined boulevards. Future planning will explore opportunities for memorial and community events.

Residential land has been refined, reinstating low–medium density areas that promote housing diversity and bring life, vibrancy and activity to the town centre, driving further demand for retail development like cafes, restaurants and shops.

The QFD site has been confirmed following detailed site selection process led by the State Government, which required the site to meet statutory and operational requirements for emergency services in the greater Highfields area.

What are the features of the October 2025 Masterplan?

• The commercial and retail zone will grow to approximately 33,800m², aligning with community feedback, market research, and future growth projections. Economic planning advice supports this expansion to meet long-term needs.
• The mixed-use area will expand by approximately 27,000m², offering shops and services at street level with medium-density housing above. Together with the commercial zone, this will support long-term growth and development for the next 20 years and beyond.
• Around 31,000m² will be reallocated for low to medium-density housing, allowing for more compact homes that blend well with nearby neighbourhoods. Locating homes close to shops and cafes will help create a vibrant, active town centre.
• A new Public Transport Node will be introduced to improve connections with local and regional services, making it easier for residents and visitors to travel to and from the area.
• The community use area will be expanded by approximately 3,000m² to support the growth of the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) station, enhancing emergency services for the local area.
• A new low-speed vehicle connection via Hitzke Crescent will improve access between the southern neighbourhood and the town centre.
• A new pedestrian link from Bronwyn Court will make it easier for residents to walk or cycle into the town centre, supporting active and sustainable transport.
• The development will be staged to prioritise early opportunities for retail, commercial, and residential growth, helping to activate the area quickly.
• The list of potential land uses for each precinct has been updated to better reflect the masterplan’s goals. For example, uses like service stations and bulk landscaping supplies have been removed from areas focused on retail and mixed-use development.

Project history and background (2017 to 2025)

• 2017: Toowoomba Regional Council purchased a 45-hectare site at Highfields and O’Brien Roads to develop a future town centre for Highfields.
• 2017–2018: A three-stage community engagement process was conducted:
  • Stage 1 (Oct–Nov 2017): Over 200 participants shared values and vision for the precinct.
  • Stage 2 (Mar 2018): Feedback shaped seven community values, 20 development principles, and three masterplan options.
  • Stage 3 (May–Jun 2018): Draft final masterplan refined through workshops and public feedback.
• July 2018: Council adopted the 2018 masterplan, incorporating community input. Key changes included pedestrian/cycle paths and realignment of Main Street.
• 2019: Work was completed on the structure plan to provide higher level of detail to help shape the vision for the area.
• 2025: To begin the process of divesting the land, an update to the Central Highfields Master plan was required to reflect six years of population growth, market evolution, and infrastructure needs. Major factors for the 2025 updates included market sounding to assess the development feasibility of the land and confirmation from Queensland Fire Department to expand the existing site at 49 O'Brien Road.
  • Feb 2025: A revision was provided to the community for feedback, with a high level of community interest in the changes put forward.
  • May 2025: Over 250 participants attended a project information night, which provided additional background and opportunities for questions to be put forward to Council.
  • October 2025: Council took on the comments by the community and key representatives, including the Highfields Chamber of Commerce to further refine the masterplan, seeking to balance the range of community desires and ensuring efficient land use while supporting the needs of the growing Highfields population.
  • November 2025: Council adopted this current iteration of the Central Highfields Masterplan in order for additional strategic decisions to be made and to begin investigating the sale (divestment) of the land, environmental assessments and masterplanning for the park/open space area. The masterplan will be incorporated into the new Planning Scheme, giving it statutory weight and guiding future development and infrastructure coordination

Do you have a question?

Should you have any further queries about his project, please contact Council at info@tr.qld.gov.au or on 131 872.