Oakey has emerged as the community's top choice for improved public transport after residents identified the Darling Downs town as the highest priority for a proposed expansion of the region's 50-cent bus network.
The results come as the Toowoomba Regional Council prepares to investigate trial bus services to smaller communities as part of its 2026–27 Budget, following a significant long-term funding commitment from the Queensland Government for regional public transport improvements.
A community survey conducted by The Courier-Mail found Oakey and Crows Nest were the two most frequently nominated locations for new bus services. Residents pointed to population growth, increasing housing pressures and the need for better transport links into Toowoomba for work, education, medical appointments and shopping. Other communities receiving strong support included Gowrie Junction, Greenmount and Wyreema, with some respondents suggesting a single route linking several regional towns.
Deputy Mayor Dr Rebecca Vonhoff said improving public transport had become increasingly important as the region expanded. She said Oakey, in particular, would benefit from stronger transport connections because many residents travel to Toowoomba for employment while others rely on access to essential health and government services. According to Dr Vonhoff, planning for new services should begin immediately so residents can see tangible improvements during the current financial year.
The council also intends to review the existing regional bus network to ensure services better reflect current population growth rather than historic travel patterns. Dr Vonhoff argued that some routes no longer match where people live or work and said a modernised network should include more direct services connecting growing communities with Toowoomba's major employment, education and health precincts. She also highlighted the rapid growth occurring in suburbs such as Highfields, where transport demand has increased significantly.
Public transport has become a major issue in the Toowoomba region since the introduction of a dedicated public transport levy several years ago. Millions of dollars have now been collected from ratepayers, with many residents calling for visible improvements to local services. The council says the additional state funding now provides an opportunity to begin delivering the expanded network that communities have been requesting.
Queensland's permanent 50-cent public transport fare policy has also increased expectations for improved regional services. While the low fares have made public transport more affordable across the state, residents in communities without regular bus routes have argued they cannot benefit from the initiative unless services are expanded into regional towns such as Oakey.
The proposed trials remain subject to detailed planning and discussions with the Queensland Government and transport agencies. However, council leaders say identifying community priorities is an important first step toward building a regional network that better connects residents with employment, education and essential services while supporting future population growth across the Darling Downs.
