Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor Planning – Charlton Bypass

The department has finalised planning on the Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor.

Greater Toowoomba's population, currently around 144,000 people is expected to grow by 81,000 people to around 225,000 by 20461.

The Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor planning project aimed to identify a corridor to connect current and future residential and employment growth areas.

Community consultation commenced on 10 July 2023 and closed on 13 October 2023.

The community feedback received shows there is positive support for a transport solution to address expected future growth, however the proposed alignment raised concerns for the community. This means the department will not proceed with corridor protection for most of the corridor at this time.

The department is considering the valuable feedback received during the consultation and continues to work to identify feasible transport solutions.

The only section that will proceed to corridor protection, after some refinements to reflect land use changes and community feedback in the area, is the Charlton Bypass.

The department will continue to work with the community, local government and other agencies to identify transport solutions to address Toowoomba's future growth and to improve the efficiency of the road network.

1SEQ Regional Plan 2023 p51

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Reduces peak hour congestion
  • Accessibility
  • Contributes to regional growth

Key features

The department will continue to work with state and local government, key stakeholders and the wider community to plan future transport infrastructure solutions that will:

  • improve access and connections for emerging communities and industries
  • support the expansion areas outlined in regional and council plans
  • increase safety on current roads
  • increase transport infrastructure capacity
  • improve the efficiency of the Warrego Highway and Toowoomba Connection Road
  • Move towards a multi-modal transport future.

Funding

There is no funding for planning, design or construction within the proposed corridor for the long-term future. Investment ID 453485

Total investment
$3.15 million
Queensland Government
$3.15 million

Current status

The consultation period for community feedback on this project closed on 13 October 2023.

As part of the planning and consultation process, the department has engaged with key stakeholders, state agencies, Toowoomba Regional Council, elected representatives, industry, property owners along the proposed corridor and the greater Toowoomba community.

The feedback received has been an important part of the strategic planning process. The majority of the community expressed support for the proposed planning project but requested consideration of the following key issues:

  • exploring alternatives that include the use of the Toowoomba Bypass and other existing roads
  • investigating feasibility of more modest transport solutions utilising existing transport networks to connect new residents and workers across the greater Toowoomba region
  • revising the width and location of the transport corridor
  • ensuring fast and efficient access to the new hospital campus
  • minimising the impact of the transport corridor on key community assets and landowners.

The department appreciates the feedback received and thanks everyone who participated in engagement events or provided feedback through the various channels.

Following community feedback and advice, the department will not proceed with corridor protection for most of the corridor at this time with the exception of the Charlton Bypass, which will undergo further refinement to reflect land use changes and feedback specific to the area.

Sustainability

Environmental and cultural heritage considerations are part of the project and in accordance with government requirements and sustainability goals.

Toowoomba North South Transport Corridor – planning map

Detailed map for proposed corridor for Toowoomba North South Corridor indicating Charlton Bypass area, proposed major and minor intersections, proposed corridor, koala habitat, significant cultural heritage site, regional plan urban footprint 2017, regional plan and Toowomba Regional Council expansion area urban footprint 2023 draft, commercial industrial area, regional sports precinct