TRC approves new Local Law for easier works on road applications
Published on 24 June 2025
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) recently (Tuesday, June 17, 2025) approved the drafting of a replacement Subordinate Local Law No. 1.15 (Carrying Out Works on a Road or Interfering with a Road or its Operation) 2025, to simplify road corridor applications for related activities.
TRC Transport and Drainage Planning portfolio spokesperson Cr Trevor Manteufel said Council was satisfied that several rounds of public and stakeholder consultation had informed the preparation of an easier application process to manage footpath and road closure applications.
“We appreciate the feedback which was gathered during our consultation processes which has helped us refine the new application process covered by Subordinate Local Law No. 1.15,” Cr Manteufel said.
“This has resulted in fewer items required for each submission, a reduction in duplication along with the removal of unnecessary references to legislation, standards or code that the applicant is already required to satisfy.
“The application form also has been amended to recognise that some information requirements may already have been achieved via previous approvals.
“The new assessment process will, (where relevant), avoid relitigating approvals that were previously obtained by the applicant.
“The draft Subordinate Local Law was reviewed against comparable local governments for consistency and has been discussed with interested stakeholders.
“This Subordinate Local Law is central to managing how works are conducted on the Region’s roads or how interference with roads and their operations is regulated.
“The existing Subordinate Local Law, which was adopted in 2020, has served its purpose. We look forward to working with applicants as we roll out these improved processes to better serve our community and incorporate best practice in managing road-related works.”
Cr Manteufel said work was progressing to allow applications to be lodged and paid electronically online.
Council this week also endorsed new fees and charges relating to works on road and temporary traffic management applications that will apply from July 1, 2025.
Cr Manteufel said comparison with other councils’ relevant fees was undertaken along with receiving views on the proposed new fees from members of the industry.
He said Council acknowledged that some work sites had a limited impact on traffic and pedestrian movement through a road work site, while others had a high impact.
“The revised flat fee structure supporting the works on road permit process should be easier to manage by both Council and the applicant,” Cr Manteufel said.
“Temporary traffic management assessment effort can be reflected in the complexity of the scale of the project and the proposed type of road closure. A revised fee structure that takes into consideration this effort, will better support local businesses and contribute to the Region’s economic development.”
Cr Manteufel said Council would email details of the new fees and charges to almost 200 people in the traffic management industry to keep them informed of the latest arrangements.
The full register of Council’s fees and charges will be updated online in time for July 1, 2025.
These can be viewed at https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/