Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has this week (Tuesday May 20) resolved to establish a 6.3 hectare 'Open Space' area in Highfields while also progressing the sale of a smaller portion of land for the development of a new fire station.
TRC Planning (Place) portfolio spokesperson Councillor Tim McMahon said Council's decision would help preserve ecological significant areas and provide essential community open space.
"This is a fantastic outcome for the Highfields community. This land is currently zoned residential and if it wasn't for Council's foresight back in 2017 to purchase the entire site for the purposes of creating the town centre, civic spaces and parkland area, it could well be housing right now.
"That now won't happen, with the known wildlife corridor along Clarkes Road all set to be preserved as open space and parkland for future generations to enjoy following this week's Council decision," Cr McMahon said.
"The Highfields community told us they wanted this area preserved for open space and parkland as part of the Central Highfields Masterplan and that's exactly what Council will do in rezoning this area.
"The parkland and open space area will also be designed and developed in close consultation with the community, making it a true community asset incorporating resident feedback and giving the community spaces to enjoy that they have had a say in creating," he said.
"It's also pleasing the community can now move forward with the site for the new Highfields Fire Station that the Queensland Fire Department has chosen.
"Council resolved separately to sell a 3,000 square metre portion of the town centre site to the Queensland State Government for the purpose of the fire station with those funds to be returned to Council's Development Reserve which is another great win for the community," Cr McMahon said.
The entire updated Central Highfields Masterplan is expected to be presented to a Meeting of Council for consideration in coming months.
Council has also updated its Central Highfields Masterplan yoursay page with frequently asked questions from the community information session on May 7 which can be found here - https://yoursay.tr.qld.gov.au/HTC
Caption: A 6.3 hectare parkland area will be established in the Highfields Town Centre (green area) while the site for the fire station (yellow area with asterisk) will now progress following endorsement at TRC's May Ordinary Meeting.
