Plan captures Kalbar's heritage, rural character and charm
Published on 24 June 2026
Kalbar's heritage, rural character and country charm are reflected in a plan for the town's future endorsed by Scenic Rim Regional Council.
The Kalbar Town Centre Master Plan has been developed in partnership between Council and the community to shape a shared vision and the strategic direction for Kalbar’s future town centre.
Divisional Councillor Duncan McInnes said the plan also supported the Growth Management Strategy 2041 and complemented the Scenic Rim Integrated Transport Plan 2025–2035 guiding infrastructure planning to ensure Kalbar's sustainable growth and connectivity.
“The community has played a vital role in shaping this master plan, offering insights that reflect a deep appreciation for Kalbar’s heritage, rural character and small‑town charm, as well as a clear vision for its future,” he said.
“The plan provides a well-considered and balanced pathway forward, supporting growth while enhancing the local character and heritage that make Kalbar special.
"What we heard during the consultation is that the community wants Kalbar’s identity preserved, with a clear expectation that future planning will be respectful of the town’s character.”
The Kalbar Town Centre Master Plan Committee, comprising local residents and chaired by Councillor McInnes, was formed in early 2025 to work closely with Council to develop a draft master plan that has been fine-tuned to ensure it aligns with community aspirations.
Feedback from the community consultation shows the draft plan broadly aligns with community values while highlighting opportunities to further refine and strengthen the final version.
Council received 80 submissions during the community consultation, with 75 per cent of respondents living, working or owning a business in Kalbar, and 24 per cent being regular visitors.
One per cent of respondents indicated they either once lived in Kalbar or currently live close by.
Seventy-five per cent of respondents indicated they were extremely or very supportive of the proposed vision, and community input emphasised the importance of prioritising safety and essential infrastructure, enhancing the town’s character without changing this, balancing growth with preservation, and delivering practical, visible outcomes for the town centre.
Cr McInnes said the Kalbar Town Centre Master plan was a signature project under the Planning and Place Making strategic goal in Council’s Corporate Plan 2025–2030.
"The Kalbar Town Centre Master Plan establishes the long-term strategic direction for Kalbar, guiding the creation of a thriving and inclusive town centre for residents, businesses and visitors," he said.
"The local insights, knowledge and expertise of the Kalbar community and members of the Kalbar Town Centre Master Plan Committee have contributed to a master plan which provides a blueprint for the future of the town centre," he said.
"Council appreciates the input of everyone who has been part of the master planning process."
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