State Government pre-budget submission 2026/27

• Funding ask: $30 million
• Matched with $30 million ask from Federal Government.

State investment of $30 million will:

• Immediately unlock Stage 1 delivery of a high impact, ready-to-go project.
• Address significant shortages in community sporting facilities.
• Ensure local kids and families can participate in sport without club caps or waitlists.
• Promote healthier, more active communities in line with State priorities.
• Support population growth in one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions.
• Deliver enduring Olympic and Paralympic legacy infrastructure.
• Attract regional and state-level sporting and cultural events.

The Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct is estimated to cost a total of $315 million. Stage 1 is expected to cost approximately $84 million with Council contributing $24 million and seeking $30 million from the State Government, to be matched by a further $30 million request to the Federal Government to commence delivery.

The Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct is a transformative project that responds to the acute shortage of community sporting facilities across the Region. Planning undertaken for Council’s draft Local Government Infrastructure Plan shows the Region is currently short around 16 playing fields, and even with this project delivered, the deficit is projected to grow to approximately 32 hectares by 2036. Council has proactively planned for this growth, and the identified shortfall reflects the region’s rapid expansion. This project is a key part of our planned response. This shortfall is already affecting families and local clubs, children are missing out on training opportunities, clubs are capping enrolments, and demand is outstripping available facilities. This is the opposite of what State and Federal Governments seek to achieve in building active, healthy and connected communities.

Located in the Western Growth Corridor—expected to welcome 30,000 new residents by 2050—the Precinct will deliver flexible, multi-use sporting and recreation facilities for people of all ages and abilities. It will also create a lasting Olympic and Paralympic legacy for Queensland and position Toowoomba as a regional hub for major sporting and community events.

• Funding ask: $3 million+
  Matching TRC's Public Transport Levy

The Toowoomba Regional Council is committed to delivering affordable, reliable, and sustainable transport options that connect communities across the region with South East Queensland. To realise this ambition, Council seeks a State Government co-investment to match the annual $3 million + Public Transport Levy, enabling a shared commitment to improving connectivity, reducing congestion, and supporting regional growth.

A matched investment will strengthen the region’s public transport network by expanding service coverage, increasing service frequency, and improving accessibility for residents across both urban and rural areas. This partnership will enhance mobility for workers, students, seniors, and vulnerable community members, while supporting modal shift and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

With Toowoomba poised to leverage the economic, social, and visitor opportunities associated with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now is the time to ensure the region remains connected, competitive, and ready.

Supported by a Withcott Station park‑and‑ride and shuttle to Toowoomba, the extension of rail services from Helidon to Withcott will strengthen regional connections and align with the 50‑cent public transport
initiative. Extending electrified passenger rail from Rosewood to Withcott will provide a sustainable, high‑capacity transport option that reduces congestion, improves accessibility, and supports the rapid growth of the Western Corridor, where one in six Queenslanders is expected to live by 2046.

Commitment to improve frequency between Toowoomba and Brisbane. Enhanced public transport improves affordability, supports growth, boosts the economy, reduces congestion, and ensures Toowoomba is connected, competitive, and ready for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Investment in youth housing and support is vital to improving outcomes for young people and reducing homelessness. The Youth Foyer model provides safe, stable accommodation paired with education, employment, and life‑skills support, helping break cycles of disadvantage and supporting positive transitions to adulthood. Evidence shows a clear need for a Youth Foyer in the Toowoomba Region.

Multi-year funding support for Toowoomba’s Manufacturing Hub to drive advanced manufacturing capability, innovation, and regional job creation. This investment will strengthen Queensland’s supply chains and position the Region as a leader in high-value manufacturing.

Commitment to comprehensive planning for the Greater Toowoomba Transport Network, including travel corridors such as the Wellcamp Road Network and Wirth Road (Charlton), to support future population growth, improve freight efficiency, and maintain regional connectivity.

Toowoomba Regional Council is seeking State Government support to establish a homelessness taskforce in every SEQ Council area to enable a coordinated response to rising homelessness and pressure on frontline services. A taskforce would strengthen collaboration between Queensland Police, Queensland Health, and local support providers, ensuring people experiencing homelessness are connected to appropriate services and supported with safe, dignified pathways into stable housing.

Locally led Volunteer Hubs and Partnerships State Government support is sought to establish a locally led Volunteering Queensland Regional Hub in Toowoomba to coordinate volunteer activity, build capability, and strengthen mobilisation across the Darling Downs and South West Queensland.

This investment would boost local resilience, enhance community‑led responses, and create clear pathways for residents to contribute their skills where they’re most needed.