Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) planner Katrina Christensen has been celebrated at the Planning Institute of Australia Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence, being named Emerging Planner of the Year.
Katrina was recognised at the PIA Queensland Awards in Brisbane on 7 November for making an exceptional impact on regional planning through leadership and policy, development assessment and community engagement.
TRC General Manager Planning and Development Ed Johnson congratulated Katrina on her achievement and praised her contributions to delivering positive planning outcomes for our Region.
"Katrina's achievement is a testament to her dedication, skill and passion for shaping great communities. Her commitment to innovative planning, collaboration and continuous learning reflects a high standard of work and we're incredibly proud to have her deliver this across the Toowoomba Region," he said.
Katrina has been part of Council's Planning team since 2021 and was honoured to be awarded such a prestigious accolade.
"I am incredibly proud and excited to be recognised and to join the outstanding planners who have received this award before me. This honour not only places me in great company but also highlights the possibilities ahead in my professional career," she said.
"It is inspiring to have my hard work, dedication and passion recognised in a profession that plays such a significant role as ours."
The 2025 Emerging Planner of the Year is dedicated to using her passion for Planning to benefit communities across the Toowoomba Region.
"The planning profession shapes our everyday lives, influencing how we live, work, and play. I strive to achieve planning outcomes that enhance liveability, providing our communities with genuine lifestyle choice and opportunity," she said.
"In my role with Council, I am motivated by the opportunity to create and influence meaningful outcomes for our Region. I have a responsibility to deliver outcomes that benefit our communities while making informed decisions that cater for our future generations and growth while protecting what makes our Region unique."
CAPTION: Toowoomba Regional Council Acting Principal Planning and Strategic Advocacy Katrina Christensen (left) receives the PIA Qld Emerging Planner of the Year Award from Karen Meiklejohn.
