Level of Service and Community Engagement - case study, Toowoomba Regional Council

Abstract

The Russell Street Refresh Project has been established to transform one of Toowoomba’s oldest and most iconic streets into a vibrant, people-friendly destination. The $7.5 million project includes water main replacement works, stormwater drainage replacement and improvements, pavement and footpath upgrades and the installation of a tree-lined centre median, LED street lighting, green space and trees, street furniture and public art. Smart technology including electronic parking sensors and phone charging stations will also be delivered to create a safe and community friendly environment in a cost-effective manner. The project involves multiple stakeholders with differing and sometimes conflicting interests and priorities, including traders, property owners, active transport advocates, the local art community and councillors. Many traders in the precinct were severely affected by flooding in 2011 and had also experienced “construction fatigue” from major road, culvert and streetscape projects completed in the Toowoomba CBD post the floods. In this politically sensitive climate, a staged and collaborative community engagement program with opportunities for stakeholders to participate in the planning process and influence the streetscape design has proven vital to project engagement, support and ultimately success. In particular, understanding community needs, aspirations and visions for the street has been instrumental in informing decisions around urban renewal, infrastructure upgrades, maintenance requirements and future levels of service.