Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) last night (May 7) presented to around 250 interested residents as part of the engagement process for the updated Central Highfields Masterplan.
Attendees at the community information session heard more about Council's intent for the site which aims to bring to life a town centre including commercial precinct, civic spaces, parkland and residential areas in the heart of Highfields.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said it was terrific to see such a great turn out from residents and the respectful and well-informed interactions on the night.
"The community and Council all want the best possible outcome for the new Highfields Town Centre.
"Council's original intent for this site has not changed. The original purpose was, and is, for Council to help facilitate the development of a town centre, civic precinct, parkland and residential areas to enhance Highfields' vibrant heart.
"Councillors have committed to doing things differently for better this term and last night we met with a packed house of engaged community members in the Highfields Cultural Centre to listen to the opportunities they would like considered," Mayor McDonald said.
"A heartfelt thank you to all the community members who have shared their valuable feedback. This has been a journey that started well before Council purchased the 45 hectares of prime town centre real estate in 2017, and we acknowledge the individuals involved from the start, to where we are today, and moving forward.
"To continue to keep the community informed about questions asked and topics raised at last night's forum, a set of frequently asked questions will be developed and made available to the community in due course.
"We acknowledge both the current and former leaders of the Highfields Chamber of Commerce whose advocacy continues to pave a bright future for our community," he said.
"The insights gathered from last night reinforced our commitment to enhancing the Masterplan. We particularly heard the desire for more commercial and less residential land allocation; this will be considered alongside all the other feedback when Councillors endorse the Masterplan in a future Council Meeting.
"Last night's meeting was also a valuable chance for the community to hear directly from the Queensland Fire Department about their operational needs and the reasoning behind the chosen location for the new Highfields Fire Station in the town centre. The site has been confirmed by the Queensland Government, and I thank Assistant Commissioner Mark Stuart from the Southern Region for sharing that update with everyone last night."
The updated Central Highfields Masterplan is expected to be presented to a Meeting of Council for consideration in coming months.
Caption: Community feedback has helped Council with further refinement on the Central Highfields Masterplan.
