Highfields Residents – Staying Put for a Lifetime

Since August 2016 Highfields District Business Connections (HDBC) has been researching opportunities to create a public community space in the centre of Highfields. During this time HDBC has contracted Robert Prestipino from Vital Places as their Specialist Advisor; conducted a business and lifestyle survey of the local residents; and ran three forums for local leaders to assist them identify the level of community support and identify some best options for the project.

Some interesting facts that emerged from the Highfields Growth Forum (November 2016) also provide insights into why residents have been naturally attracted to the area. These include: open space residential blocks; sleepy village-community lifestyle; geographical proximity to Toowoomba CBD and iconic/tourist destinations; safe, long inter-connecting walkways and bikeways; and green and animal friendly environs. These are some of the game changers that have enabled the area to achieve its status as Queensland’s fastest growing location. From 2001-2011 Highfields recorded the state’s most significant growth of 61% with an average 4.9% annual growth during this time; (Source: Toowoomba Chronicle/ABS figures 11/02/13) with a projected population of 14,000+ by 2021.

The reasons why Highfields is such a popular real estate choice for families are a combination of the environmental, residential and geographical values that it offers and the economic opportunities that accompany its positive growth. Chris Mills, Founder and Managing Director of Strategenics (who conducted the HDBC survey) said that Highfields is unique for many reasons. “The proximity of Highfields to Toowoomba’s business-heart ideally positions it as a preferential location with 44% of residents surveyed commuting on a daily basis to Toowoomba. Over half of the commuters are private sector employees whereas the majority of respondents who live and work in the Highfields district own and operate their own business. With a higher than average income-households and tertiary educated professionals in knowledge based industries, Highfields is family friendly with a solid consumer spending base.

The HDBC survey specifically identified some exciting opportunities for its 12,600+ residents. In the first instance 87.5% of the residents surveyed are planning to remain in Highfields for terms ranging from 5 years to end-of-life. This high statistic counters the national average that 43% of people move location every 5 years. Jim O’Dea (president of HDBC) said that “as a result of the HDBC survey there are substantial implications for both the future economic developments and public services, including public spaces, of our community. These indicators are the driving forces for HDBC to explore better outcomes for public and community infrastructure spaces in the community heart of Highfields”. Mr O’Dea further explained “Of special interest to HDBC is the need to assist Highfields to maintain this good growth position for the long term benefits of local businesses and the community”.

One positive drawcard for Highfields is the availability of a wide variety of residential block options. Clive Berghofer, the longest serving residential developer in Highfields, and one of Queensland’s most respected philanthropists, said that “I have been developing and selling residential blocks in Highfields for over 25 years. I believe that the range of blocks on offer to new home owners here is unique in terms of their variety, quantity, size, shape, aspects and soil quality. With the population growth expected to be sustained over the next 5-10 years it is essential that residential developments continue to be strategically released to meet the needs of new families and residents to the area. The consistent growth of Highfields is good for Toowoomba and the region but now is time to invest in the Highfields community. Essentially, if Highfields is to maintain its drawcard status for new residents than now is the time to secure more community and public spaces that all future generations will be proud to use.”

Mr O’Dea said that with the projected growth of the area it was in the community’s best interest that the public spaces within and around Highfields grew accordingly. “If we can establish innovative and interactive public spaces for the community, in the heart of Highfields, then we will also be instrumental in affecting residential block and home sales in the area. These achievements will assist Highfields sustain its credibility as a family-friendly location for all ages and will act as a magnet for the supply and demand of private, commercial and industrial services”.

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