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Join us for one of our study tours to explore more of what Toowoomba has to offer.
Each tour has been designed by local planners to showcase the Toowoomba region
Tours have STRICTLY limited numbers – first in best dressed – so be sure to secure your spot ASAP. If tours are SOLD OUT, we are happy to put you on a wait list should a place become available.
You will be able to purchase your study ticket (or an additional ticket) at registration.
Pricing for Study Tours is listed below; these costs are not included in full registration fees and are available to purchase for the additional expenses outlined below.
Wednesday 27 August;
$100 including lunch Departure and Return point: The bus pick-up is outside the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba What to bring: wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and hats/sunscreen. Step beyond the conference halls to immerse yourself in the dynamic urban landscape of the Wellcamp and Charlton area, where we journey through multiple areas of State and National significance. The tour begins with an in-depth look at the masterplanning behind the emerging innovative aviation, aerospace and defence precinct in Wellcamp, centred around Australia’s newest international private airport. This area is also home to the Qantas Group Pilot Academy, with construction soon beginning on the Boeing MQ-28 ‘Ghost Bat’ Production Facility – Australia’s first military combat aircraft designed and developed in over 50 years – and sustainable aviation fuel blending facility. Our exploration continues to a site of profound recent history – the former COVID-19 quarantine facility, the Queensland Regional Accommodation Centre, sparking thought-provoking discussions on adaptive reuse and urban resilience. We’ll stop for lunch in the important regional centre of Oakey, a key Defence location experiencing urban planning challenges including flooding and PFAS contamination. Finally, we’ll continue our tour through the region’s burgeoning industrial heartland via Charlton, recently included in Shaping SEQ 2023 as a Major Enterprise and Industrial Area, examining key developments driving economic growth including the new RDO facility and the site of a future major sports precinct. Gain insight into the modern transportation hubs via the proposed Interlink SQ intermodal transport hub, a key site intersecting the Gore, Warrego and New England Highways, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Wellcamp Airport and future Inland Rail, providing a key direct connection to the Port of Brisbane. Don’t miss the chance to discover valuable insights on key planning concepts, significant transport infrastructure and fast-growing industries.
Departure and Return point: The Empire Theatre Church lawn, Toowoomba What to bring: wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and hats/sunscreen. AND, don’t forget to pack your picnic lunch or you can purchase your lunch on the way. Please join us on a walking tour which explores the unique laneways and street art that catalysed a social/cultural change in the Toowoomba CBD. We will also explore notable Heritage Places and wind up at Toowoomba’s crown jewel of parks and gardens – Queens Park. In Queens Park we will be joined by Council’s award-winning parks and garden crews who will walk us through all the preparation for Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers festival.
Social events are included in full delegate registration:
Date: Wednesday 27th August Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm Location: The Annex and Village Green, 541 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba Dress: Smart Casual Drinks and substantial nibbles provided Additional ticket cost: $100
Date: Wednesday 27th August Time: 7.30pm til late Location: The Rock, 520-526 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba
Date: Thursday 28th August Time: 5.00-6.00pm Location: The Rock, 520-526 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba If you are an emerging planner and want to meet other people in the Queensland State Conference this is the event to be at. Preceding the conference dinner, PIA is hosting an event to allow emerging planners to meet with each other in a casual environment to network other planners across the state and those that are travelling interstate! As part of the ongoing Emerging Planner regional catchup series, we are now in Toowoomba for the State Conference and excited to see you there! This is free event, but please note that food and drinks will be available to purchase at the venue.
Date: Thursday 28th August Time: 6.30pm - 10.30pm Location: The Empire Theatre, 54-56 Neil Street, Toowoomba Dress: Tonight’s theme is “A Magical Night” so….dress to impress! Dinner, drinks and entertainment provided Additional ticket cost: $180
Date: Thursday 28th August Time: 10.30-midnight Location: Fitzy’s Toowoomba, 153 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
Time: after midnight Location: Tatts Nightclub, 180 Margaret Street, Toowoomba
Date: Friday 29th August Time: 5.00-6.00pm Location: Bone Idol Brewery, 424 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba Drinks and nibbles provided Additional ticket cost: $35