Toowoomba Regional Council Planning Scheme Delivery Program

Toowoomba Regional Council (Council) is preparing a new planning scheme as part of the Toowoomba Region Futures (TRF) Program. The new Toowoomba Region Planning Scheme is one of Council’s most significant statutory and strategic undertakings, requiring sustained investment, coordination across local and state government, multiple Council groups, and a wide range of built environment and planning disciplines. It 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 Region Planning Scheme was undertaken in 2018/19, with the TRF 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.

With direct reference to the Planning Scheme project, over 20 technical studies have been undertaken, extensive engagement activities from 2018-2023 and a new Strategic Framework has been delivered – all of which will underpin the new Planning Scheme document itself.

Council now requires the assistance of town planners with experience in drafting and preparing new planning schemes, natural hazard risk management and policy development, and community engagement to assist Council’s small but dedicated project team in preparing the remainder of the scheme with the goal of reaching the first State Interest Review in accordance with the Project Management Plan.

This contract has been divided into four distinct portions. Offerors may submit proposals for one, multiple or all portions, depending on expertise and capacity. The four separable portions are:

1. Engagement activities and public consultation;

2. Planning scheme material review and drafting – natural hazards;

3. Planning scheme material review and drafting – all aspects; and

4. Project management consultant.