Top 10 Infrastructure Projects Transforming Toowoomba (2020-2032)

Infrastructure Projects Transforming Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Through strategic infrastructure investments that will reshape the region’s economy. Enhance liveability, and position the Garden City as a major logistics and services hub for eastern Australia. From healthcare to transport, water security to urban renewal. These ten major projects represent over $3.5 billion in investment that will drive Toowoomba’s growth for decades to come.

1. Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment – $1.3 Billion

The new $1.3 billion Toowoomba Hospital represents the largest single infrastructure investment in the region’s history. Currently under construction on the 75-hectare Baillie Henderson Hospital campus. This transformative healthcare project will add at least 118 new beds, expanding capacity to 538 beds when completed in 2027-2028.

Foundation works and concrete pours for the substructure are well underway as of 2025. Despite some reported delays earlier in the year. The project forms a cornerstone of Queensland’s Hospital Rescue Plan. Will transition acute and overnight services to the new state-of-the-art facility.

The economic impact extends beyond healthcare. With hundreds of construction jobs during the five-year build period and long-term employment for additional healthcare professionals. For residents across the Darling Downs, the new hospital means significantly improved healthcare access. Reduced wait times, enhanced specialist services, and less need for Brisbane referrals.

Perhaps most importantly, this development positions Toowoomba as a major healthcare hub. For Western Queensland, attracting healthcare professionals to the region and supporting the needs of an aging population across the Darling Downs.

2. Inland Rail Project (Border to Gowrie Section)

As part of the transformative $14.5 billion national Inland Rail project. The Border to Gowrie section will revolutionise freight transport through Toowoomba. This 217-kilometre section includes 149km of new track and 68km of upgraded track. Running from the NSW/QLD border to Gowrie Junction.

Currently in the environmental approvals phase with a revised draft Environmental Impact Statement under public consultation until July 2025. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2025. The project includes significant tunnelling through the Toowoomba Range and will connect to the broader Inland Rail network linking Melbourne to Brisbane.

The economic benefits are substantial. With an estimated 2,300+ jobs during construction in the Toowoomba region and freight cost reductions of approximately 30% compared to road transport. This opens new export markets for Darling Downs agricultural producers and attracts complementary logistics and manufacturing businesses.

For residents, the project means reduced heavy vehicle traffic through urban areas. Improved road safety on major highways, and new skilled employment opportunities in rail operations and maintenance. The regional impact is transformative, establishing Toowoomba as a major national logistics hub with enhanced connectivity to national and international markets.

3. Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project – $270 Million

Water security underpins all regional growth. Making the $270 million Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project a critical investment in Toowoomba’s future. Currently in the design phase with construction expected to start in 2024. Complete between late 2025 and early 2026. This project will widen the spillway and raise the crest to ensure the dam can pass larger volumes of water.

Toowoomba Regional Council continues to seek additional federal and state funding for this compulsory safety upgrade to meet modern standards. The project will create significant construction employment while securing water supply for industries. Dependent on reliable water access and protecting downstream assets from potential flood damage.

For residents, the project enhances public safety. Secures long-term drinking water supply, and reduces the risk of water restrictions during drought periods. As critical water security infrastructure. The upgraded dam enables future residential and industrial development in water service areas while improving climate resilience for the entire region.

4. Railway Parklands Priority Development Area

Urban renewal takes centre stage with the Railway Parklands Priority Development Area. A 50-hectare project set to transform Toowoomba’s inner city. With 25 million secured under the 1.8 billion SEQ City Deal and technical works expected to start in early 2025. This project will create an active, high-quality, mixed-density urban village in the heart of Toowoomba.

Currently in the planning and preliminary investigation phase. The Railway Parklands project is expected to catalyse approximately $300+ million in private sector investment. Beyond the economic benefits of construction jobs and ongoing employment in retail, hospitality, and commercial businesses, the social impact will be profound.

Residents will gain new public green spaces and recreational facilities. Enhanced urban amenity, improved connectivity between CBD areas and surrounding neighbourhoods, and a vibrant mixed-use precinct for community gathering. The project supports Toowoomba’s evolution as a major regional centre while creating a distinctive urban heart for the Garden City.

5. Wellcamp Airport and Aerospace Precinct Expansion

From its groundbreaking beginnings as Australia’s first privately-built public airport in 50 years. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport continues to drive regional growth through ambitious expansion plans. Recent developments include a new Boeing facility announced in 2024 and Australia’s first fully-sustainable aircraft recycling facility announced in May 2025.

The expanding Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct, launched by Boeing and Wagner in May 2025, is transforming Toowoomba’s economic landscape. The Boeing facility alone is expected to create 300+ high-skilled jobs. With the aircraft recycling facility establishing a new industry for the region.

Beyond employment, the precinct enhances freight capacity supporting regional exports. Attracts aerospace and defence industry investment, and creates educational partnerships with local institutions for skills development. This positions Toowoomba as a significant player in Australia’s aerospace industry while diversifying the regional economy beyond traditional agriculture and services.

6. InterLinkSQ Logistics Hub

Complementing the Inland Rail project, the InterLinkSQ Logistics Hub is establishing Toowoomba as Queensland’s premier inland port. Currently under development with enabling works for Inland Rail connection underway. This multi-million dollar project will provide direct rail connection to the Port of Brisbane via both Queensland and Inland Rail networks by 2025.

The intermodal terminal will facilitate regular rail shuttles between InterLinkSQ and the Port of Brisbane, creating a major freight and logistics employment centre. For regional businesses, this means reduced transportation costs, enhanced export capabilities, and new opportunities in warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing.

The social benefits include diversification of employment opportunities. Skills development in logistics and supply chain management, and reduced heavy vehicle movements through urban areas. Strategically positioned at the junction of major transport routes. InterLinkSQ supports agricultural export growth from the Darling Downs while catalysing industrial land development in western Toowoomba.

7. Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline

Water security extends beyond Toowoomba with the approximately 111-kilometre. Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline being delivered by Seqwater on behalf of the Queensland Government. This critical infrastructure project will connect Toowoomba’s water supply to Warwick as part of a suite of measures for sustainable water security in the region.

The economic impact is significant. Securing water-dependent industries in the Southern Downs region. Reducing economic losses from drought conditions, and enabling continued agricultural production during dry periods. For communities along the pipeline route. This means reliable drinking water supply, reduced stress during drought periods, and maintained liveability of regional towns dependent on secure water.

As critical infrastructure enabling continued regional development. The pipeline improves climate resilience across Southern Queensland while demonstrating regional cooperation in water resource management. This project exemplifies how infrastructure can support population retention in drought-affected communities while enabling sustainable growth.

8. Greenmount Water Treatment Plant

Complementing Toowoomba’s water security strategy. The new Greenmount Water Treatment Plant is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 with completion expected in 2027. Toowoomba Regional Council recently opened expressions of interest for contractors to design and construct this essential facility as part of its broader water infrastructure program.

The plant will support continued residential and industrial growth in service areas. Enable water-dependent businesses to operate with confidence, and reduce costs associated with water quality issues. Residents will benefit from improved drinking water quality, enhanced public health outcomes, and the capacity to meet growing population needs.

From a regional development perspective, the treatment plant enables development in areas dependent on treated water supply. Supports Toowoomba’s reputation for high-quality infrastructure, and contributes to the region’s water security network. This forward-planning for population growth demonstrates Toowoomba’s commitment to sustainable development.

9. Toowoomba Escarpment Parks Master Plan

Enhancing Toowoomba’s reputation as the Garden City. The Escarpment Parks Master Plan is developing up to 35 kilometres of new mountain bike trails and significant upgrades to eight escarpment parks. Part of a $32 million boost for regional liveability projects, implementation is ongoing with some trails temporarily closed for bridge replacements as of April 2025.

The economic benefits extend to tourism through enhanced recreational attractions. Opportunities for tour operators and outdoor recreation businesses, and support for Toowoomba’s visitor economy. Residents gain expanded recreational opportunities, improved health outcomes through enhanced outdoor activity spaces, and preservation of natural assets for community enjoyment.

This investment enhances Toowoomba’s liveability and attractiveness for new residents while supporting nature-based tourism development. By preserving significant environmental assets while enabling access. The project contributes to Toowoomba’s distinctive character and sense of place as Queensland’s Garden City.

10. Toowoomba Second Range Crossing – $1.6 Billion

Completed and opened to traffic in September 2019, the $1.6 billion. Toowoomba Second Range Crossing continues to transform regional connectivity and development patterns. This 41-kilometre bypass route to the north of Toowoomba provides an alternative crossing of the Toowoomba Range. Redirecting heavy vehicles away from the central business district.

The economic impact includes reduced transportation costs for freight moving through the region. Improved efficiency for businesses dependent on east-west transport. Enhanced access to Wellcamp Airport and western industrial areas, and travel time savings valued at millions annually for commercial traffic.

For residents, the bypass has significantly reduced heavy vehicle traffic through Toowoomba CBD. Improved road safety with separation of local and through traffic, and reduced noise and pollution in urban areas. The regional development impact continues to unfold, enabling efficient movement of goods between. Inland Queensland and coastal ports while supporting industrial development in western Toowoomba.

Conclusion: Toowoomba’s Infrastructure-Led Future

These ten transformative projects represent more than just concrete, steel, and asphal. They embody Toowoomba’s strategic vision for sustainable growth and regional leadership. With over $3.5 billion in committed investments spanning healthcare, transport, water security, and urban renewal. The Garden City is positioning itself as Queensland’s premier inland hub.

The combined impact of these projects extends far beyond their construction periods. They create a virtuous cycle of investment, with each project enhancing Toowoomba’s attractiveness for further public and private sector development. From the healthcare excellence embodied in the new hospital to the logistics revolution of Inland Rail and InterLinkSQ, these projects diversify the regional economy while building on Toowoomba’s traditional strengths.

For residents and businesses alike, this infrastructure pipeline promises enhanced liveability, expanded employment opportunities, and improved essential services. As these projects progress through 2025 and beyond. Toowoomba’s transformation from regional centre to dynamic inland city continues to accelerate. Creating a blueprint for sustainable regional development across Australia.

Stay Ahead of Toowoomba’s Growth Curve

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