We levy infrastructure charges as part of the development application process. This includes development assessment and compliance assessment.
This ensures new development shares the cost to meet the increased demand on trunk infrastructure networks:
- water
- wastewater
- stormwater
- transport
- parks and community land.
On 19 August 2025, we adopted the Charges Resolution No. 7(PDF, 597KB).
This was in line with the Queensland Government's changes to how infrastructure charges are levied.
The charges resolution will deliver important benefits to the community including:
- a consistent charging method based on the extra demand new developments put on the region's infrastructure
- streamlining the development application process
- funding construction of planned trunk infrastructure.
The charges resolution does not affect previously approved developments. The conditions and charges at the time of approval still apply.
We have three charge areas based on land use and access to infrastructure:
In all charge areas, we’ve capped infrastructure charges at the Queensland Government’s prescribed amount for residential and non-residential developments.
These prescribed amounts are listed in Schedule 16 of the Planning Regulation 2017 (Qld).
If your development application was approved on or after 19 August 2025, infrastructure charges may apply under our current charges resolution.
If your proposed development isn't in line with the planning assumptions in our Local Government Infrastructure Plan, we may make extra trunk infrastructure a condition of approval.
This may mean you need to deliver or pay for trunk infrastructure works that cost more than the standard infrastructure charge.
The infrastructure charge is payable for:
- reconfiguring a lot (RAL): when we approve the plan of subdivision for the RAL
- material change of use (MCU) of premises: when the change happens
- privately certified (PC) building work: when the certificate of classification for the building works is issued.
We detail the infrastructure charge in an Infrastructure Charges Notice (ICN). The charges are calculated using the charges and method set out in the Charges Resolution. They are based on the increased demand a development places on trunk infrastructure.
Formula for infrastructure charges
The ICN formula is the infrastructure charge (IC) minus any credit: ICN = IC – credit.
ICs are levied for the number of development categories multiplied by the number of dwellings or Gross Floor Area (GFA) m2, plus (for non-residential development) the IC for stormwater network multiplied by impervious m2 for stormwater.
If a development has more than one use, we will levy an infrastructure charge for each of the development categories.
- For residential developments: IC = Development category x dwellings
- For non-residential developments: IC = Development category x dwellings/GFA m2 + stormwater network x impervious m2
See page three of the charges resolution for definitions and development categories(PDF, 597KB).
Formula for reconfiguring a residential lot
When calculating IC for a residential RAL, we apply the IC applicable to a three or more bedroom dwelling for each allotment created. This approach assumes the highest and best use on each new residential allotment.
Reductions for unused trunk infrastructure networks
We reduce infrastructure charges where the development won’t be using one or more trunk networks. Levies can be reduced by 20% for each network that's not used.
Similar reductions apply for other types of developments in other charge areas. See section 3.3 of the charges resolution for more details(PDF, 597KB).
Credits for existing demand on the premises
Credits reflect existing demand on the premises.
Examples of situations where a credit may be applied are:
- where development occurs on a site that contains a previous lawful use
- where a previous payment has been made or on residential zoned land.
Each residential zoned parcel of land receives a credit to the equivalent of a three-bedroom dwelling. Credits ensure only the additional demand is charged.
Other types of credits are outlined in section 5 of the charges resolution(PDF, 597KB).
Paying infrastructure charges notices
We issued ICN under section 119 of the Planning Act 2016 (Qld).
If you delay paying an ICN, the amount payable may increase to reflect changes in construction costs. The increase is based on movements in the Producer Price Index (PPI) between the date we issue the ICN and the date you pay. We use a three-year average to smooth out short-term changes.
The total amount payable will not exceed the maximum infrastructure charge set under our current charges resolution.
If you want to vary the timing of payment, the Planning Act 2016 allows you to enter into an infrastructure agreement at our discretion.
We may impose a condition that you provide trunk infrastructure, land or works to offset your infrastructure charges.
Apply for an infrastructure agreement
Checklist for developers and certifiers
- Notify us if you are a private certifier engaged to perform private assessment and certification of building work.
- Check if trunk infrastructure exists or is planned in time to allow your development to take place.
- Consider if you want to reduce charges by providing infrastructure or land, noting an infrastructure agreement is at our discretion.
- Check if credits or any offsets apply and supply supporting information.
- Apply for an infrastructure charge estimate by submitting an estimate of infrastructure charges request form and pay the required fee via mail or to your nearest Customer Service Centre.
- If you’re a private certifier, provide us with a copy of the application and approval documents within five business days of approving a building work application.
- Once you’ve received an ICN, pay the amount by the due date.
- Apply for an offset if relevant.
Previous charges resolutions
Disclaimer
The information on this page is only a guide. Toowoomba Regional Council has prepared this information to help people understand the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme and building legislation. Consult the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme for detailed information including maps (zones, local plans, overlays and priority infrastructure plan), provisions and policies. This page doesn't replace the provisions of the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme and building legislation.