Toogoom is entering a pivotal decade as the Fraser Coast Regional Council (FCRC) refines its long-term vision for the region’s coastal villages. Moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach, the Council is actively reshaping how growth, housing, and environmental resilience will be managed in Toogoom under the council’s Strategic Planning & Development Outlook, a 20 year projection.
The “Township” Vision: The core of the Council’s current strategy is the proposed introduction of a Township Zone (Precinct T1 – Coastal). Currently, Toogoom is largely managed under “Low Density Residential” zoning—a label designed for suburban environments like Hervey Bay, rather than coastal hamlets. The new Township Zone aims to formally recognize the unique character of Toogoom, allowing for more tailored development that balances housing needs with the village lifestyle.
What this means for residents:
- Housing Diversity: The new framework aims to support small-scale housing (like dual occupancies and triplexes) to help address the regional housing shortage, provided they fit the local scale.
- Development Scale: Proposed building heights are capped at 8.5 meters (2 storeys) to protect the coastal aesthetic and “small-town” feel.
- Infrastructure Balance: The Council acknowledges that Toogoom requires a different level of infrastructure support compared to urban centres.
Managing Growth & Natural Hazards: Growth projections for the Burrum Heads-Toogoom area suggest an increase of approximately 35 dwellings per annum through to 2046. To manage this safely, the Council’s Coastal Futures Strategy is now deeply integrated into planning decisions. Future development will be strictly guided by updated “Natural Hazard” overlays, specifically focusing on: Coastal Resilience (storm tide inundation and erosion risk) and, Climate Adaptation (resilience against sea-level rise and environmental exposure.)
Public Consultation: 2026: The Council is currently in the public consultation phase for Amendment Package 1 (open until 1 May 2026). This is the “rulebook” that will govern the next phase of Toogoom’s evolution. Residents are encouraged to review the proposed mapping and make submissions.
The 5–10 Year Outlook: Over the next decade, Toogoom is expected to transition from a largely static residential area to a more defined “Coastal Township.” Residents can anticipate: Clearer Planning Pathways (less ambiguity about what can be built), Infrastructure Prioritization (Council focus on cost-effective infrastructure that supports the existing community while managing modest, managed growth) Environmental Focus (Stricter planning requirements to prevent degrading the very natural features that make Toogoom desirable).
Possible Implications:
- Higher Density Housing. You could have a dual occupancies duplex or triplexes built next door to you, or on the other hand you could use excess land you own to create dual occupancy housing.
- Proposed Building Heights up to 8.5 metres may impact your streetscape, or could allow your residence to be raised and built-in underneath. This height limit is designed to protect the coastal aesthetic and “small-town” feel.
- Infrastructure. Or lack thereof. Council acknowledge that Toogoom requires a different level of infrastructure support compared to urban centres. This could be double-speak for not providing Toogoom with adequate support. If council is going for a “small-town” feel, that’s fine in theory but we have no “town centre” to speak of, a few shops near the boat ramp, and a few more shops at Jeppesen Street. No town centre = no town feel.
Have a chat. Understand what’s coming, or not coming. Phillip Heibloem April 2026.