Darling Downs Environment Council

Recently Ahri Tallon (DDEC Coordinator), Don Carlson (DDEC President), Lana Bradshaw (Pittsworth Landcare), Cr Dr Rebecca Vonhoff (TRC), Jenny Withnall (DDEC Committee) and Sandy Brown (DDEC Committee) met with the new Environment Minister the Hon Andrew Powell. 

At the meeting we discussed the need for the Toowoomba region to be included into the Koala Strategy and Mapping for SEQ. Below is a copy of the brief that was given to the Minister: 

To: Hon. Andrew Powell, Queensland Minister for the Environment
From: Darling Downs Environment Council
Subject: Enhancing Regional Growth by Strengthening Koala Habitat Protections in Toowoomba

Executive Summary
The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) sees a valuable opportunity for the Queensland Government to drive regional prosperity by expanding the South East Queensland (SEQ) Koala Conservation Strategy to include Toowoomba. This initiative will create jobs, attract investment, and build on Queensland’s strong tradition of responsible land management. Protecting Toowoomba’s koala habitats will enhance eco-tourism, land stewardship, and regional resilience while supporting sustainable growth. By implementing practical incentives and streamlined regulations, we can ensure continued economic stability and long-term prosperity for Toowoomba and beyond.

Key Opportunities

Boosting Investment and Job Creation
Koala populations in Pittsworth, Geham, and Crows Nest represent a valuable regional asset, yet their habitats remain outside the SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy. Designating Toowoomba as a Koala Priority Area (KPA) will unlock funding and investment, driving economic benefits through conservation, eco-tourism, and land management jobs.

Balancing Growth with Regional Identity
Toowoomba’s strong tradition of agricultural and urban development continues to shape the region. A strategic approach to conservation—protecting key habitat corridors while allowing responsible development—will strengthen economic resilience and maintain regional character.

Enhancing Smart Regulation for Stronger Development
Current exemptions in planning regulations have resulted in habitat loss, impacting long-term land use potential. Aligning conservation efforts with regional economic priorities will promote smart, sustainable development while supporting Toowoomba’s growth trajectory.

Building on Queensland’s Legacy of Responsible Stewardship
Koalas are an iconic part of Queensland’s natural heritage. Strengthening protections will secure this legacy while creating economic opportunities for landowners, businesses, and tourism operators. Investing in conservation-driven projects ensures that our region continues to thrive.

Proposed Actions

Expanding the SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy to Toowoomba

• Designate Toowoomba as a Koala Priority Area (KPA) to drive conservation investment and regional funding.
• Ensure development proposals affecting koala habitat undergo thorough environmental assessments.
• Introduce incentives for responsible land management alongside targeted penalties for illegal clearing.
• Invest in local habitat restoration projects that boost regional resilience and economic benefits.

Enhancing Queensland’s Conservation Framework for Smarter Growth

• Reduce unnecessary clearing exemptions that create long-term economic uncertainty.
• Maintain responsible development while protecting key habitats.
• Implement stronger offset programs to ensure genuine habitat restoration.
• Require rigorous environmental assessments for all major developments in State Development Areas.

Strengthening Data-Driven Planning and Community Engagement

• Conduct independent reviews to improve Koala Priority Area mapping accuracy.
• Establish a publicly accessible database tracking habitat conservation efforts to enhance transparency.
• Implement annual mapping reviews to ensure conservation aligns with evolving regional needs.

Aligning with Queensland’s Economic and Heritage Priorities

• Expand protected areas, prioritizing State Forests that support koala populations.
• Strengthen wildlife corridors to maintain Queensland’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
• Support eco-tourism and conservation-driven business opportunities.

Strengthening Compliance and Landowner Incentives

• Require impact assessments for all clearing activities affecting koala habitats.
• Introduce a public compliance register for greater transparency in clearing applications and enforcement.
• Enhance monitoring efforts to ensure conservation measures align with regional economic goals.

Partnering with Local Communities and First Nations Knowledge

• Foster collaboration with landowners to strengthen conservation outcomes.
• Integrate First Nations ecological knowledge into land management and habitat restoration efforts.
• Support local conservation programs to drive job creation and regional resilience.

Conclusion
Expanding the SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy to include Toowoomba is a strategic investment in Queensland’s future. This initiative will create regional jobs, attract investment, and reinforce Queensland’s legacy of responsible land management. By strengthening habitat protections while supporting economic growth, the Queensland Government can enhance its reputation as a leader in smart, sustainable regional development. The Darling Downs Environment Council urges the Queensland Government to seize this opportunity to support local communities, safeguard koala populations, and secure long-term prosperity for Toowoomba and beyond.