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Last Updated: Monday, 21 July 2025 12:51

We are committed to growing a strong, liveable, and economically diverse region. Through a suite of targeted Development Incentives, we are encouraging private investment, job creation, housing diversity, vibrant communities and a stronger visitor economy.

These policies form a key part of our strategic approach to economic development. They ensure that planning and infrastructure support the region’s growth while creating opportunities across our towns, rural communities, and urban centres.

Whether you are building homes, opening a business, creating new tourism experiences or investing in regional healthcare - we are here to support you.

Why development incentives matter

  • Boost local job creation and industry expansion.
  • Revitalise townships and activate Toowoomba’s city centre.
  • Encourage diversity and affordable housing.
  • Support tourism innovation and Olympic legacy outcomes.
  • Provide infrastructure and services for healthier, more connected communities.

With an annual cap of $5 million (2025-2028), these policies offer discounts on infrastructure charges or development application fees for eligible developments.

How to apply

We are ready to work with developers, investors, community leaders and industry partners to deliver high-impact projects that shape the region’s future.

  1. Review the policy and eligibility criteria for your project.
  2. Contact Council’s Economic Development Team for tailored advice.
  3. Submit a Development Incentives application form (online).
  4. Enter into an Infrastructure Agreement with Council if approved.

 

+ - Development Incentive - Regional Townships and Communities Incentive Click to collapse

This incentive supports the sustainable growth and liveability of our regional townships and rural communities, Council is offering discounts on infrastructure charges for eligible projects. These incentives aim to increase housing supply, attract new businesses, and deliver essential services in areas where they’re needed most.

Eligible Projects:

  • Residential developments that deliver three or more homes or short-term accommodation
  • New or expanding businesses employing five or more full-time equivalent staff
  • New healthcare or residential care facilities

Incentives:

  • 50% discount on infrastructure charges for residential
  • 75% discount on infrastructure charges for industry activities
  • 55% discount on infrastructure charges for business activities
  • 55% discount on infrastructure charges for health/Residential care facilities
  • Maximum Discount per development:
    • Up to $100,000 for housing and business/industry activities
    • Up to $250,000 for health or residential care

View 2.32 Development Incentive - Regional Townships and Communities Policy (PDF).

+ - Development Incentive - Central Toowoomba Incentive Area Click to collapse

This incentive promotes high-quality urban renewal in the heart of Toowoomba. It supports the development of premium accommodation, residential density, conference facilities, and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, helping to activate and revitalise the CBD.

Eligible Projects:

  • 4 or 5-star hotel
  • Residential developments with 10 or more units
  • Reuse of heritage-listed buildings for accommodation purposes
  • Residential or hotel developments that amalgamate four (4) or more land parcels

Incentives:

  • 100% discount for eligible heritage reuse or site amalgamation
  • 80% discount for 10+ unit residential or4 or 5 star hotel projects
  • Maximum Discount per development: Up to $1,000,000

View 2.50 Development Incentive - Central Toowoomba Incentive Area Policy (PDF).

+ - Development Incentive - Medium Density Residential development Click to collapse

To improve liveability and housing diversity, this incentive encourages the delivery of townhouses, apartments, and dual occupancies within the Urban Charge Area (excluding the Central Toowoomba Incentive Area).

Eligible Projects:

  • Dual occupancies (two homes on one block, attached or detached)
  • Multiple dwellings (three or more homes, attached or detached)

Incentives:

  • 60% discount on infrastructure charges for multiple dwellings
  • 30% discount on infrastructure charges for dual occupancies
  • Maximum discount per development: Up to $500,000
+ - Development Incentive - Non-Residential Development Click to collapse

This incentive supports businesses that generate employment and contribute to economic growth in industrial zones.

Eligible Projects:

  • Industrial developments in the Urban Charge Areas which creates 10 or more full-time equivalent jobs
  • Realignment of lots in industrial zones

Incentives:

  • 70% discount for reconfiguring a lot within zones where industrial uses are envisaged
  • 50% discount for eligible projects in Urban Charge Areas
  • High -value investment project to be determined on application
  • Maximum discount per development:
    • Up to $20,000 off development application fees
    • Up to $100,000 off infrastructure charges

View 2.80 Development Incentive - Non-Residential Development Policy (PDF).

+ - Development Incentive - Niche Tourism Click to collapse
 

This policy encourages the development of unique tourism experiences that enhance the region’s visitor economy and support Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy outcomes.

Eligible Projects:

  • Tourism developments focused on nature-based tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, First Nations tourism, adventure tourism, sports tourism and agritourism and create direct employment opportunities.
  • Tourist accommodation such as cabins, farm stays and eco-lodges.
  • Function Centres for visitor
  • Niche tourism developments that support the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Incentives:

  • 75% discount on development application fees, OR
  • 50% discount on infrastructure charges in urban charge areas, OR
  • 75% discount on infrastructure charges in township and rural charge areas
  • Maximum discount per development:
    • Up to $20,000 on Development application fees
    • Up to $100,000 on infrastructure charges

View 2.89 Development Incentive - Niche Tourism Policy (PDF).

+ - Development Incentive - Not-for-Profit Community Uses Click to collapse

We are supporting not-for-profit organisations that deliver health, wellbeing, emergency, and sporting services. This incentive helps reduce development costs for groups making a positive local impact.

Who can apply:

The following organisations registered as a charity or not-for-profit organisation:

  • Public Benevolent Institutions (PBIs)
  • Health Promotion Charities (HPCs)
  • Sporting and community groups
  • Emergency services organisations

Incentives:

  • 75% discount on infrastructure charges for PBI, HPC and Community based organisations
  • 100% discount on development application fees
  • Maximum discount per development:
    • Up to $20,000 on Development application fees
    • Up to $250,000 on infrastructure charges

View 2.44 Development Incentive - Not-for-Profit Community Uses Policy (PDF).