The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is the regional environment group for inland Southern Regional Queensland. Established in 2014, DDEC has over twenty member groups that it works collaboratively with to support joint activities and create a shared voice to advocate for the protection of nature and the advancement of sustainability outcomes. DDEC is the regional branch of the Queensland Conservation Council, the state’s peak environmental body, and receives funding from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) for its role in advocating for the environmental concerns of the community.
DDEC Governance
DDEC is managed by a committee, which is elected each year at our Annual General Meeting.
The Committee meets monthly at DDEC's office, 1a Heller Street, Rangeville, Toowoomba.
Current Committee members are:
President: Don Carlson
Secretary: Christel Pidcock
Treasurer: David Tutty
General committee members:
Sandy Brown, Ros Darracort, Jenny Withnall, Scot McPhee, Eakraj Adhikari, Peter Albion and Joshua Waters.
DDEC's committee is elected by its voting affiliate member organisations.
In line with this DDEC represents the policies of Queensland Conservation in the Downs region and has obligations to represent the region at official Queensland Conservation and government events. We also are called on to represent the region on environmental issues to DES when input is sought or other Queensland government departments as required. In this capacity DDEC has pursued a number of issues in the past six years including;
- disposal of saline waste in the CSG industry,
- the adequacy of regulation and monitoring of the New Acland Mine,
- the impact of the CSG industry on groundwater in the Surat Basin,
- the suitability of agricultural land as a receiving environment for CSG produced waste water,
- the regional impact of climate change in terms of the need to adapt to it and transition strategies that can be implemented, and
- the adequacy of regulation and monitoring of the CSG in general.
- the need to reverse threatened species and biodiversity decline through the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems.
- Saving Redwood Forest Park from competitive Mountain Bike Tracks
- Advocating for the protection of mature trees affected by property developments
- Holding local candidate forums at election times
- Advocating for climate adaptation measures to local government
- Supporting new unincorporated groups to achieve their goals
- Raised awareness about the need to protect Deongwar State Forest
Our Vision: A safe climate and flourishing environment where community and nature coexist in harmony.
Our Mission: To Unite community voices for a thriving environment.
Our Values:
- To take intergenerational responsibility.
- Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island
- The intrinsic value of the environment
- Community and collaboration
- Boldness in advocacy
- Equality and justice
Read our current strategic plan linked here for more information about our work.
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