Gary Gardner tables Planning Scheme Reform Motion

Toowoomba Regional Councillor Gary Gardner has today tabled a motion demanding urgent action to finalise the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme — a process that has dragged on for more than a decade and cost ratepayers millions of dollars.

“This scheme has been in development for over 10 years and still isn’t finalised. Meanwhile, developers are frustrated, residents are confused, and staff are stretched. The community deserves better,” Cr Gardner said.

The motion calls for:

• Immediate prioritisation of the Scheme’s delivery
• Cessation of inefficient fortnightly review meetings
• A detailed project plan to be delivered to the October Ordinary Meeting, including milestones, budget implications, and external resourcing if needed

Gardner stressed the need to rely on professional expertise to get the job done.

“We have 11 councillors around this table. While we bring a range of skills to the role, none of us are town planners. Even those of us who deal with DAs and BAs still engage experts — it’s time Council does the same.”

He said planning and development was not just a technical function, but a core economic driver.

“If we want to grow our rate base, attract investment, and fund infrastructure — planning is the lever. The faster we enable good development, the stronger our community becomes.”

Gardner said the recent appointment of a new General Manager presented a timely opportunity to reset, realign the internal structure, and focus on delivery, not delay.

“This motion is about leadership, accountability, and progress. Let’s back our team, fix the structure, and get this scheme delivered — and done right.”