Toowoomba is poised for another decade of transformative growth, building on its status as a key regional powerhouse in Queensland. Between 2025 and 2035, a series of ambitious development projects are anticipated to further enhance its infrastructure, economy, and community services. These forward-looking initiatives signal sustained investment and strategic planning to accommodate a growing population and solidify Toowoomba’s role as a leading inland city. The following ten projects are expected to be pivotal in shaping the region’s future, promising significant advancements in healthcare, housing, transport, and renewable energy, ensuring Toowoomba remains a vibrant and attractive centre for decades to come.

1. $2 Billion Unified Hospital Campus at Cranley

A cornerstone of Toowoomba’s future healthcare landscape is the proposed $2 billion unified hospital campus at Cranley. This visionary project aims to consolidate existing health services into a single, cutting-edge facility. The new campus is expected to significantly streamline healthcare delivery, improve patient access to specialist care, and provide a modern environment for medical professionals. By centralising resources and incorporating advanced medical technologies, this development will not only cater to the immediate needs of the growing Toowoomba region but also establish a leading health precinct capable of supporting long-term population growth and complex medical requirements, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

2. $350 Million “Grants for Growth” Infrastructure Plan

To address the region’s expanding housing needs, a substantial $350 million “Grants for Growth” infrastructure plan is anticipated. This critical initiative is designed to unlock land for approximately 50,000 new homes across Toowoomba and surrounding areas. The funding will primarily target the upgrade and expansion of essential services such as water treatment plants, wastewater systems, and reservoirs. By proactively investing in this foundational infrastructure, the plan aims to ensure that new residential developments are well-supported and sustainable. This strategic approach will facilitate orderly urban growth, maintain liveability, and help manage the increasing demand for housing driven by Toowoomba’s continued economic and demographic expansion.

3. 60 km Inland Rail Tunnel Proposal

A transformative $7.2 billion proposal for a 60-kilometre Inland Rail tunnel from Gowrie to the Port of Brisbane aims to revolutionise freight movement in South East Queensland. This ambitious project envisions a dedicated, battery-powered train tunnel, which would significantly enhance freight efficiency by providing a direct and faster route for goods. It is also expected to alleviate road congestion by shifting substantial freight volumes from trucks to rail, particularly on the busy Warrego Highway and Toowoomba Range crossing. This major infrastructure investment would bolster Toowoomba’s role as a critical national logistics hub, improving connectivity and supporting economic growth across multiple sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.

4. Toowoomba Region Futures Planning Scheme

The Toowoomba Region Futures Planning Scheme represents a comprehensive and forward-thinking roadmap designed to manage and guide the region’s urban growth into the next decade and beyond. This strategic framework will involve the development of new, updated planning schemes and detailed infrastructure plans. These will be crucial for supporting projected population increases and ensuring that development occurs in a coordinated and sustainable manner. The scheme will address land use zoning, transport networks, community facilities, and environmental considerations, aiming to maintain Toowoomba’s high quality of life while fostering economic prosperity and accommodating the evolving needs of its residents and businesses effectively.

5. Renewable Energy Projects

Toowoomba and the surrounding Darling Downs region are set to see a significant expansion of renewable energy projects between 2025 and 2035. This includes the development of new large-scale wind farms and solar energy facilities. These initiatives are driven by Queensland’s ambitious sustainability goals, the increasing demand for clean energy, and the region’s favourable climatic conditions for renewable generation. The expansion will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also diversify the local economy, create new jobs in construction and maintenance, and enhance energy security for Toowoomba. This focus on renewables underscores the region’s commitment to a sustainable future and its role in Australia’s energy transition.

6. Gainsborough Lodge and Fernleigh Estates

Addressing the ongoing demand for new housing, significant residential developments like Gainsborough Lodge and Fernleigh Estates are anticipated to play a key role in expanding Toowoomba’s housing supply. These large-scale master-planned communities will offer a diverse range of housing options, catering to different lifestyles and budgets, from family homes to medium-density dwellings. Located in key growth corridors, these estates will incorporate modern urban design principles, including parks, community facilities, and local amenities. Such developments are crucial for accommodating Toowoomba’s growing population, ensuring an adequate supply of quality housing, and contributing to the creation of vibrant, well-serviced new neighbourhoods within the region.

7. Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct

Building on the success of the Wellcamp Airport, ambitious plans are in place to further develop the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct. This strategic initiative aims to attract significant investment and create a specialised hub for aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing industries. Leveraging the existing airport infrastructure and available land, the precinct is envisioned to support aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, defence-related logistics, research and development, and specialised training operations. This development will diversify Toowoomba’s economy, generate high-skilled employment opportunities, and position the region as a key player in these critical national industries, fostering innovation and technological advancement.

8. City Centre Master Plan 2032

An updated City Centre Master Plan, looking towards 2032 and beyond, is anticipated to guide the continued revitalisation of Toowoomba’s central business district. This strategic action plan will likely focus on enhancing public spaces, improving pedestrian connectivity, encouraging diverse retail and dining experiences, and promoting increased residential density within the city core. The master plan will aim to create a more vibrant, accessible, and economically active CBD, attracting both residents and visitors. Key initiatives may include streetscape upgrades, development of new civic amenities, and incentives for private investment, ensuring Toowoomba’s city centre remains a dynamic and appealing heart for the entire region.

9. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades

To support Toowoomba’s projected continued growth and ensure long-term water security, comprehensive studies and subsequent upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure are anticipated. These initiatives will identify and address the necessary enhancements to treatment plants, pipe networks, and water storage facilities. Ensuring sustainable and resilient water and wastewater services is critical for accommodating an increasing population and expanding industrial and commercial activities. These infrastructure investments will be vital for maintaining public health standards, protecting the environment, and underpinning the overall liveability and continued economic development of the Toowoomba region for years to come, managing precious resources effectively.

10. Affordable Housing Initiatives

Recognising the importance of housing diversity, various programs and initiatives aimed at increasing the availability of affordable housing are anticipated in Toowoomba. These efforts will likely involve partnerships between government, community housing providers, and private developers to deliver a range of housing solutions for low to moderate-income households, essential workers, and vulnerable groups. Strategies may include inclusionary zoning policies, development incentives for affordable projects, and direct investment in social housing. Addressing housing affordability is crucial for maintaining a diverse and inclusive community, supporting local businesses by ensuring workers can live locally, and ensuring Toowoomba remains an accessible place for all residents.