The new Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme is one of Council’s most significant statutory and strategic undertakings. It requires sustained investment, coordination across local and state government, multiple Council groups, and a wide range of built environment and planning disciplines.

The Planning Scheme is both a legislative obligation and a transformative opportunity to shape the region’s growth, liveability, infrastructure delivery, and environmental outcomes for a 25 year vision.

A review of the current Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme was undertaken in 2018/19, with the Toowoomba Region Futures program (inclusive of the Growth Plan, Local Government Infrastructure Plan, and new Planning Scheme project) commencing in 2020. This began with early policy analysis, identification of improvement opportunities, engagement with stakeholders to shape future directions and the need to align the new Planning Scheme with the State regulatory framework.

A number of technical studies have been undertaken along with extensive engagement activities from 2018-2023 to inform a new Strategic Framework which has been delivered and will underpin the new Planning Scheme document.

The current roadmap highlights the key milestones and actions in the lead up to the adoption of a new Planning Scheme in late 2027.

The next stage Council will undertake will focus on progressing the project and ensuring identified stakeholders have the information they need.

The new Planning Scheme will be prepared through a process that enables stakeholder engagement relative to the themes and elements of the Scheme.

Engagement will occur across four key stakeholder groups including Councillors, State Government, Council's Planning and Development Policy and Technical Advice Reference Group, and the members of the Toowoomba Region community.

Community consultation is anticipated to occur in February 2027.

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The Planning and Development Committee is responsible for matters relating to development assessment, strategic land use planning and building compliance.

Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme Project updates are presented quarterly at the Planning and Development Committee Meeting and adopted the following week at the Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Council meeting agendas and minutes can be accessed via toowoomba.civicclerk.com.au and livestreams found on YouTube.

Schedule of quarterly updates:

• March 2026
• November 2025