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.

Join us for the Shaping Renewables on the Downs Forum; Working together towards a better future.
📅 Date: Wednesday, 26th March 2025
🕘 Time: 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Venue: Karl Langer East Room: Burke & Wills Hotel, Toowoomba
🎟 Tickets: $15 (includes morning tea and lunch)

Join us for a pivotal event shaping the future of renewable energy in Southern, Western and Darling Downs!

The Shaping Renewables on the Downs Forum aims to bring together community members, landholders, stakeholders, and government representatives to discuss how to address the challenges of the renewable energy rollout so it can benefit the whole community.

The renewable energy rollout is a massive opportunity for the Downs to reap community, economic and drought-proofing benefits. However, the renewable energy rollout must be done right, ensuring regional communities are actively involved and have a voice, while supporting farming livelihoods and protecting our precious natural areas. Bring your voice to the table to enrich and deepen the discussion on how we go forward. It is the intention to document the issues, ideas and concerns raised at the forum into a report to give to all levels of government highlighting what changes are needed next. 

Let’s work together to create a better future for the Downs region.

Why Attend?

• ✅ Explore Key Issues: What needs to change to ensure ‘renewables are done right’ so they protect our precious natural places and ensure farming benefits 
• ✅ Have Your Say: Share your ideas, concerns, and priorities to influence the future of renewables planning and regulation in Queensland to ensure maximum benefit and collaboration for local communities from renewables on the Downs.
• ✅ Shape Policy: the forum's findings will be documented into a report to be shared with all levels of government.
• ✅ Hear from experts: and decision-makers about key issues and impending policy changes.

Who Should Attend?

• Stakeholder community groups
• Engaged community members
• Landholders and farmers
• Government and departmental representatives

Key Speakers and Panellists include: 

• Geoff McDonald, Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council
• Brent Finlay, Southern Downs Farmer
• Clare Silcock, Queensland Conservation Council
• Renee King, Western Downs Regional Futures
• David Carr, String Bark Ecology
• Rick Humphries, Farmer and Granite Belt Sustainability Action Network President
• Professor Kathryn Reardon-Smith, Farmer and UniSQ
• Damian Hewat, Electrical Trades Union
• Shannon Bauwens, Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
• Kim Mallee, Community Power Agency
• Professor Ben Lyons, UniSQ
• Todd Rohls, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce
• Ben Lyons, Institute of Resilient Regions UniSQ
• Maria Baker, Acciona
• Nikki Macqueen, Millmerran Commerce and Progress Inc
• Plus speakers from PowerLink, Queensland Renewable Energy Council, 

Program Information:

The Shaping Renewables on the Downs Forum will be a dynamic and participatory discussion exploring the key issues, challenges and opportunities of the renewable energy rollout. Each session will include panel responses, questions and audience small group discussion.  

Panel sessions will include:

• Scene Setting- The Renewable Energy Revolution in Southern Queensland: Plans, Opportunities, and Challenges.

• Industry Perspectives: What opportunities are present in the Downs for renewables? What will a transition bring to the area?

• Farming and Renewables: What are the challenges and opportunities of renewables for landholders?

• Biodiversity and Nature: The future of biodiversity and nature on the Downs - renewable energy impacts.

• Community Benefits and Challenges: How can we ensure communities are respected and benefit from the renewables rollout?

• Vision Session: Discussion exploring next steps for the region going forward. 

The full program will be available here in late February. 

….

Be part of the conversation advocating a more sensible and community-focused renewable energy rollout of renewables.

Registration Details
🎟 Tickets: $15 per person. Morning tea and lunch provided.

https://events.humanitix.com/shaping-renewables-on-the-downs-forum-working-together-for-better-outcomes 

Contact: [email protected] 

Renewable Energy Resources

For landholders:

• Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF’s) Energy Information Service for Landholders (EISL)

• • This is a free phone service for farmers and landholders to obtain information and guidance on a range of energy matters.
  • The service is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm.
  • EISL phone number: (07) 3837 4720
  • Visit the QFF webpage for more details.

• QFF’s Queensland Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit
  • Released in July 2023, the Landholder Toolkit contains information to assist landholders as they respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
  • It contains detailed checklists and guidance throughout developer negotiation processes.
  • Visit the QFF webpage to download the toolkit.

• The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) complaint handling
  • AEIC can assist complaints for residents who live in proximity to proposed or operating:
    • wind or solar farms 5MW+ in capacity
    • large-scale batteries 1MW+ in capacity
    • new major transmission line projects.
  • AEIC contact details:
    • Email: [email protected]  
    • Mail: PO Box 24434, Melbourne VIC 3001
    • Phone: 1800 656 395
  • Visit the AEIC webpage for information on their complaint handling process.
  • Complaints made to the AEIC require:

• The community member’s name
• The community member’s address
• The community member’s contact details, including telephone and email
• The name of the proposed or operating project/facility
• The approximate distance of the nearest infrastructure (e.g., turbine or powerline) to your dwelling
• The complaint the community member wish to make about the project/facility
• The basis of the complaint
• When the first complaint was made to the other party
• Evidence in support of the complaint, including relevant dates
• A summary of any current or previous attempts to resolve the complaint, including relevant correspondence from you and other parties to the complaint
• The practical outcomes the community member is seeking in a resolution to the complaint
• Written permission for the Commissioner to discuss the complaint and provide your details to the other party or parties to the complaint; and
• Other information we may deem necessary to assist us in attempting to understand the complaint and approaches for its resolution.

• • The above is captured in the AEIC forms at the following link: Lodge a Complaint Form | aeic

RELA’s mission is to optimise the transition to renewable energy by creating an end-to-end marketplace for renewable energy land. This results in an orderly, fair and equitable transition of land to the benefit of all stakeholders. 

https://rela.com.au/

Carbon Farming:

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund/carbon-farming/australia

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=carbon+farming+qld&mid=6E63AF0CD125CCC21BB66E63AF0CD125CCC21BB6&FORM=VIRE

https://carbonlink.com.au/

General Information:

Queensland Renewable Energy Council

https://qrec.org.au/

Powerlink Renewable Energy Zones: Southern Queensland

https://www.powerlink.com.au/southern-queensland-renewable-energy-zones

I highly recommend that you sign up to receive updates from Powerlink in regards to community information session that are supposed to take place early 2025

https://www.energyandclimate.qld.gov.au/energy/renewable-energy-zones/rez-community-talks#community-sessions

Queensland Ag Energy Hub

https://www.qldagenergyhub.com.au/

Ark Energy (purchasing power from MacIntyre Wind Farm for industry)

https://arkenergy.com.au/news/2024/10/4/396-first-generation-from-macintyre-wind-farm/

Climate Change:

https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2024/November/State-of-the-Climate-2024

https://www.csiro.au/en/news/All/Articles/2024/November/Global-carbon-emissions-up-2024

The Energy Charter:

https://www.theenergycharter.com.au/

https://www.theenergycharter.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Better-Practice-Renewables-and-Biodiversity-Opportunities-for-Collaboration-Guide-Feb-2024-FINAL.pdf

emPOWER Podcast: 

https://engagedoutcomes.com.au/empower-podcast

Recycling & Decommissioning information:

Solar panels: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/community-cabinet-digital-bulletin/community-cabinet-redlands/stories/groundbreaking-solar-panel-recycling-pilot-launched

https://www.canstarblue.com.au/solar/recycle-solar-panels/

Wind farms:

https://assets.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/documents/Wind-turbine-recycling-report-2023.pdf

https://www.energymagazine.com.au/report-reusing-repurposing-and-recycling-wind-turbines/

Millmerran Cluster developers websites:

Renewable Energy Partners - Milli Wind Farm (proposed)

https://repartners.com.au/projects/

Captains Mountain wind farm (Vestas):

https://www.captainsmountainwindfarm.com.au/

Bulli Creek Clean Energy Park:

https://genexpower.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulli-Creek-Flyer-v2.pdf

Punch’s Creek Solar Farm and Battery:

https://skylabgroup.com.au/past-projects/punchs-creek/

MacIntyre Wind Farm / Herries Range / Karara:

https://www.acciona.com.au/macintyre/

Acciona community hub

https://community.acciona.com.au/community-benefits

Small Grants Program - Applications for 2025

https://community.acciona.com.au/macintyre/small-grants

Environmental concerns and possible solutions:

Bird and bats strike:

https://www.re-alliance.org.au/wind_farm_outcome_nature#:~:text=Renewables%20done%20right%20are%20the%20key%20for%20shifting,nature%2C%20good%20for%20communities%20and%20good%20for%20farmers.

https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/the-simple-fix-that-could-slash-bird-deaths-from-wind-farms-20240717-p5juf2.html

https://www.robinradar.com/resources/5-technologies-for-reducing-bird-mortality-at-wind-farms

https://www.ecolsoc.org.au/blog/national-standard-bird-bat-wind-farm-development/

Biodiversity:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMlDMBnRigM

Comes with a link to IUCN’s guide on protecting biodiversity for renewable energy development companies

DDEC has just released a new report to Toowoomba Regional Council calling for council to work with DDEC on improving the planning framework, code and mapping to ensure that the proposed TLPI achieves its intention of protecting significant trees. The report also details the options for protecting individual significant trees just as is done in numerous other local government areas within SEQ.

Access a copy of the report here. 

Summary of the report

This report critically evaluates the inadequacies of Toowoomba's current planning regime in protecting individual mature trees, highlighting that it primarily addresses broader ecological areas rather than focusing on solitary significant trees. It emphasizes the unique ecological, environmental, social, and cultural benefits that individual mature trees provide—such as supporting biodiversity, sequestering carbon, enhancing community identity, and preserving cultural heritage.

Through a comparative analysis of policies from other local governments—including Brisbane City Council, Ipswich City Council, Logan City Council, Gold Coast City Council, and particularly Moreton Bay Regional Council—the report identifies best practices for individual tree protection. These practices involve establishing clear criteria for determining tree significance, implementing robust assessment procedures that require ecological reports and habitat management plans, enforcing compliance through substantial penalties and mandatory environmental offsets, and actively engaging the community through nomination processes and public consultations.

The report recommends that Toowoomba adopt these best practices to enhance its protection of individual mature trees. By integrating specific criteria for tree significance, enhancing assessment procedures, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and fostering community engagement, Toowoomba can preserve its natural heritage for future generations. Such actions will improve ecological sustainability, uphold cultural and historical values, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

This report also includes in the appendix a copy of the letter sent to the Mayor and Councillors on the 8th of October that raises attention to significant limitations of the Areas of Ecologically Significance Area mapping and overlay code that will need to be addressed for the TLPI to achieve its intended purpose. Darling Downs Environment Council is still awaiting explanations and assurances that these issues will be dealt with by the planning team at Toowoomba Regional Council. 

Recommendations

To enhance the protection of individual mature trees in Toowoomba, the council should adopt effective policy elements from other regions. 

This would include:

• Developing clear criteria for identifying significant trees based on factors like size, age, rarity, ecological importance, and cultural or historical value, along with creating a Significant Tree Register for systematic documentation. 
• Integrating tree protection into the development approval process is crucial by mandating pre-development assessments by qualified arborists, imposing conditions such as Tree Protection Zones, and requiring permits for any removal or alteration of significant trees to ensure preservation from the outset. 
• Strengthening enforcement mechanisms by adjusting penalties to effectively deter illegal removal, the use of Vegetation Protection Orders, implementing restoration orders for remedial actions, and establishing regular monitoring to enhance compliance. 
• Enhancing community engagement through education initiatives, allowing residents to nominate trees for the register, and collaborating with local groups to foster stewardship and support for new policies.
• Allocating adequate resources for policy implementation, aligning local policies with state legislation, and promoting sustainable urban planning practices that prioritize the preservation of mature trees will further bolster protection efforts. 

By adopting these measures, Toowoomba can significantly improve the safeguarding of its mature trees, preserving their myriad benefits for current and future generations.

In addition, to ensure the TLPI is implemented in a way that is in line with the intention of the Council and the aspirations of the community the following points as outlined in DDEC’s recent letter are listed as recommendations to address the issues within the Environmental Significance Overlay Code and Areas of Ecological Significance Mapping in the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme:

1. Strengthen Performance Outcomes
   Revise the performance outcomes to eliminate loopholes that allow developers excessive discretion. This will help prevent significant vegetation clearing prior to the lodging of Development Applications.
2. Clarify Assessment Benchmarks
   Introduce clearer and more objective assessment benchmarks to reduce the potential for subjective interpretation. This will ensure that alternative methods proposed by developers do not compromise the protection of sensitive environmental areas.
3. Enhance Protections for High-Significance Areas
   Provide strict protections for areas of high conservation value by limiting development flexibility in these zones to ensure their ecological integrity is maintained.
4. Expand and Enforce Buffer Zones
   Increase the size of buffer zones between developments and environmentally significant areas, and enforce these standards to prevent habitat encroachment.
5. Define and Enforce Mitigation Measures
   Establish clear guidelines for acceptable mitigation measures and enforce strict compliance to ensure that environmental losses are adequately compensated.
6. Apply Overlay to Entire Properties
   Require that the Environmental Significance Overlay be applied comprehensively across entire sites rather than portions, to prevent habitat fragmentation and maintain the effectiveness of environmental protections.
7. Update Areas of Ecological Significance Mapping
   Conduct a comprehensive review and update of the Areas of Ecological Significance Mapping to include all significant habitats, particularly those classified as Matters of Local Environmental Significance.

Statement on the independence of Queensland’s Conservation Councils

Queensland Conservation Council and the state’s nine Regional Conservation Councils have a long, proud history of independent advocacy for nature and climate, having served communities across the state for many decades. 

The state’s Conservation Councils are community-led not-for-profit organisations who together represent and work with thousands of individual members and smaller conservation groups 

These grassroots community organisations work hard across multiple conservation, climate and environmental issues and are staunchly independent. Across the state, Conservation Councils are working with communities on the ground to engage genuinely in the assessments of renewable energy development to highlight issues or concerns and identify improvements.

The Regional Conservation Councils and QCC stand together to strongly assert their  independence from State Government and industry after false statements made to the contrary in conservative forums in regional areas. 

Conservation Councils receive limited State Government funding to provide a valuable community service by representing the interests of the local environment to government, industry and decision-makers, drawing on the unique local knowledge, expertise of regional conservationists, scientists and First Nations people. 

Our policy positions and public advocacy efforts are the result of decades of experience working deeply within our communities, complemented by the best available science and First Nations knowledge. The independence and integrity of the Regional Conservation Groups and QCC has been rigorously maintained and demonstrated over many years and to all levels of government and industry, and importantly, to the wider community. 

The state’s Regional Conservation Councils have long recognised that climate change poses an existential threat to nature, including local wildlife and ecosystems. For this reason, we strongly advocate for a nature positive renewable energy industry that increases biodiversity in Queensland, and empowers First Nations people and regional communities, while providing affordable and reliable clean energy.

We are therefore collectively and consistently strongly advocating for better national and state planning frameworks to ensure renewable projects are not sited in environmentally sensitive areas. We are working diligently and collaboratively within our regional communities to ensure the local environment is prioritised and protected through the renewable energy rollout.

Regional Conservation Councils, such as Capricorn Conservation Council, are on the frontlines with the community - attending REZ Workshops, proponents’ consultation sessions, joining community liaison groups and bringing the community together so everyone has access to clear, transparent information about the transition to renewable energy. 

Regional Conservation Councils are calling on proponents and the State Government to continuously improve every step of the process from site selection, planning, consultation, social and environmental assessments and more. Regional Conservation Councils are bringing the communities’ concerns directly to the decision makers to ensure the community, biodiversity and Country is protected through-out this transition. These conservation councils are working with their local councils, state and federal members and government departments to get this transition right and protect and restore what we have left. 

Queensland Conservation Council supports Regional Conservation Councils to do this work and connects the regions together to ensure a united force for nature, climate change and renewables. 

For more information on our position on this issue, please see our latest joint statement on Building Renewables to Benefit Nature and Communities.

Yesterday, the Queensland Government announced the update to State Code 23 for wind farms alongside a draft Renewables Regulatory Framework (a broader review of the large-scale renewable energy planning frameworks). We have been working with many of you to strengthen the renewable planning frameworks, so it’s very welcome to see progress. We will continue to work hard for further reforms with the next Queensland Government to secure better outcomes for nature, communities and First Nations people.

Overview

This is a good step. The final State Code 23 will improve erosion control, decommissioning and rehabilitation requirements, and noise monitoring. It will send a stronger signal to avoid areas of environmental significance. The draft Renewables Regulatory Framework also has several good ideas, e.g. to standardise assessments of solar, bring renewables under the Environmentally Relevant Activity banner, and set up financial assurance for decommissioning. 

However, our work isn’t over yet, and we remain concerned that the statewide biodiversity planning we need to build new transmission and generation with the least environmental impact is too slow, and that developers will still not be required to do community engagement and consultation on a project level. 

State Code 23

The draft updated State Code 23 was published for consultation in August 2023 and proposed more detail on assessing environmental impacts, as well erosion control, worker accommodation, transport routes and decommissioning. QCC’s submission to this draft is here. The final Code has taken the following recommendations from our submission on board:

• The environmental performance outcome in the code no longer explicitly mentions “minimising” impacts, signalling an intent to comply with the mitigation hierarchy

• High ecological value has been defined as Matters of State Environmental Significance 

• Rehabilitation has been defined, and projects will be required to submit a preliminary rehabilitation plan as part of the assessment

• An End of Construction Decommissioning Management Plan will be required to remove all construction structures and waste

Additionally, the final Code attempts to address concerns around community engagement and hazards such as bushfires by:

• Requiring Bushfire Management Plan, prepared with QEFS

• Requiring a Complaint Investigation and Response Plan with toll free number, and clear complaints process 

• Requiring a Construction Environmental Management Plan for biosecurity etc

• Requiring a Noise Monitoring Plan and Reports to ensure compliance with the acoustic requirements of operational wind farms

However, the following concerns were not addressed:

• Protected areas were not defined as a sensitive land use, so continue not to require a setback 

• A full decommissioning plan is still only required prior to decommissioning, not as a condition of approval 

• No further guidance is provided to ensure that free prior and informed consent and self-determination are upheld for First Nations of Country proposed to be impacted

Renewables Regulatory Framework

The Government has released a draft Renewables Regulatory Framework.  More analysis of this will follow but some the broad ideas proposed are to:

• Consider other energy infrastructure such as solar

• Expand the role for the state environment agency including a review of identified Environmentally Relevant Activities

• Set standards on lifecycle planning including financial assurance for decommissioning

• Expand the role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman to include landholder and community complaints

• Increase access to information about projects through an online portal, guidance materials, and independent analysis.

QCC is broadly supportive of these but will work with our regional conservation councils and other stakeholders to ensure that proposed changes allow a high degree of involvement and decision making power from the local councils. This framework is open for submissions until 6 December 2024. 

By DDEC Community Member Shannon Michael

The ongoing development between Reis Road and Barracks Road in Highfields is yet another example of the Toowoomba Regional Council’s (TRC) failure to properly scrutinize the environmental impacts of large-scale urban projects. This development directly affects 11.5 hectares of critical koala habitat, yet key environmental reports—specifically the Significant Impact Assessment (SIA) required under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act—remain unavailable. Despite the clear importance of this report in determining the full ecological impact, TRC approved the development without sighting or ensuring its publication.

This missing report raises serious concerns about TRC’s diligence. The SIA should outline the consequences for koalas and other threatened species within the development area, but with no access to this critical information, how can residents trust that the council has adequately assessed the risks? The lack of transparency suggests that decisions are being made based on incomplete or insufficient data—effectively bypassing legislative requirements meant to protect endangered species.

This isn’t the first time TRC has failed in its environmental oversight. In 2022, during another development along Reis Road, a significant native tree, Callitris baileyi (Bailey’s Cypress), was improperly identified and subsequently destroyed. This species, which is protected under the Nature Conservation Act, known to occur in the area, is easily identified but was incorrectly listed in the development's application documents as a common Callitris species. The large, mature tree and four immature individuals were later correctly identified in a secondary ecological report for the associated road upgrades. Despite the significance of the tree and its legal protection, TRC approved the application based on the initial flawed report, leading to the loss of a near-threatened species that could have been saved with minimal adjustment to the development plan.

Such oversights are becoming a pattern, where TRC consistently fails to give the necessary weight to environmental protections in their decision-making. The current development approval mirrors this pattern, with critical reports missing and assessments not properly scrutinized. The parallels are stark: just as the council approved the earlier development without recognizing the importance of the Callitris baileyi, they are now pushing forward a project that impacts critical koala habitat without the required SIA being scrutinised. 

This ongoing failure raises a key question: how many more endangered species and vital habitats will be sacrificed because the council does not take its environmental responsibilities seriously? If a development report is missing crucial information or contains errors, it is the council’s duty to halt the process and demand the necessary revisions—not rubber-stamp it without proper review.

Other Local Governments frequently engage third party ecological consultants to review ecological reports for development applications, particularly ones with the potential for significant environmental impacts and community contention. 

TRC’s actions, or lack thereof, reflect an outdated approach to urban development. In an era when sustainability and conservation are central to responsible planning, TRC is lagging behind other councils across Queensland, who have implemented modern, transparent measures to protect local biodiversity. Yet here, the council seems content to allow flawed reports which receive no peer-review to guide decisions that have long-term environmental consequences.

The fact that TRC is moving forward with the Reis Road development, without sighting the SIA or ensuring it has been made public, is deeply troubling. Not only does it reflect poorly on the council’s ability to fulfill its legal obligations, but it also perpetuates a dangerous precedent for future developments.

The residents of Highfields deserve better. They deserve a council that thoroughly reviews every environmental report, follows the law, and prioritizes the protection of endangered species and habitats. Instead, they are left watching as significant natural assets are carelessly destroyed, and essential legal requirements are ignored.

Until TRC takes its responsibility to scrutinize development applications seriously, the Highfields and greater Toowoomba environment—and by extension, its unique character—will continue to be at risk. 

MEDIA RELEASE

DDEC Calls for Urgent Protection of Koala Habitat with Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) in Response to Further Delays to New Planning Scheme

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is calling on the Toowoomba Regional Council to support Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vonhoff’s motion at Tuesday's council meeting to implement a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) to protect mature trees and essential koala habitat in the region in response to another pushback in the expected completion date of the new draft planning scheme.

The lack of protection has already resulted in the loss of crucial koala habitat in Highfields and other areas, with property developers continuing to clear land without integrating significant mature habitat trees into residential developments.

In October 2022, the council voted down a TLPI aimed at protecting mature trees, with some councillors citing the proximity of the impending planning scheme update as justification for the decision. Promises were made by councillors that protections would be included in the new planning scheme. Now that the scheme has been extensively delayed again, with a draft not due out until mid-2026, DDEC urges the council to act decisively to protect koalas and halt further habitat destruction.

“Koalas need protection now, not in up to three years when this new planning scheme might eventually be in place,” said Ahri Tallon, DDEC Coordinator. “The lack of any protections for mature trees leaves koalas vulnerable to habitat loss, which will irreversibly impact their population in our region. Protections are in place in most LGA’s in SEQ and it is time Toowoomba Regional Council gets with the times.”

Koalas, classified as endangered, are protected under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, yet research confirms that habitat loss is the primary driver of their continued decline. The absence of regulations requiring developers to preserve mature trees in new developments and create connected corridors of habitat exacerbates this issue.

DDEC is calling on all of the Toowoomba Regional Councillors who care about our wildlife to start acting by supporting the TLPI motion at the upcoming council meeting on Tuesday 17th of September and introduce immediate protections to safeguard koala habitat.

“We cannot afford any more delays. We need our councillors to take bold action and prioritise our unique natural heritage before it’s too late,” Ahri Tallon added.

Key Points:

• Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme draft for consultation has been delayed until mid-2026, leaving mature trees and koala habitats unprotected.
• Koala populations in Highfields and surrounding areas are at risk from unchecked property development.
• The DDEC urges Toowoomba Regional Council to support the TLPI at the upcoming council meeting to provide immediate protection for endangered koalas.

The Darling Downs Environment Council encourages community members to contact Toowoomba Regional Councillors to encourage them to get behind the TLPI motion.

Read our current strategic plan linked here for more information about our work. 

Protect Our Local Koalas and Ecosystems—Take Action Now!

The Blueberry Crest development is threatening our local environment, and we need your help to stop it. The developers have already cleared vital koala habitat and now want permission to clear even more trees.

We can’t let this happen. Every email sent to our Councillors makes a difference. Show the Toowoomba Regional Council that our community cares deeply about preserving our natural environment.

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Together, we can protect what matters most. Thank you for standing with us.

Read the Toowoomba Chroncil news article here. 

Media Release: Darling Downs Environment Council Demands Rejection of Blueberry Crest Development Application and Stronger Environmental Protections

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is calling for the Toowoomba Regional Council to reject the Blueberry Crest development application following the recent revelations of unlawful land clearing and construction activities. The developer, Rolfe Nominees Pty Ltd, has been fined a mere $14,375 by the Department of Environment and Science (DES) for the intentional destruction of 4000 square metres of critical koala habitat—a penalty that fails to reflect the severity of the environmental damage caused.

The DDEC is appalled by the inadequate fines issued by the DES, given the scale of harm inflicted on a species as iconic and vulnerable as the koala. "A fine of less than $15,000 is a slap on the wrist for such a significant breach of environmental laws. This level of penalty sends a dangerous message that developers can destroy protected habitats with minimal financial consequences," said Ahri Tallon from the Darling Downs Environment Council.

The Blueberry Crest development, planned to occupy 33 hectares bordering the Geham State Forest, has been the subject of growing concern among local residents. Satellite imagery and witness accounts have revealed that large-scale construction, including the clearing of trees and the building of dams, has already taken place, despite the developer not yet securing the necessary council approvals. This blatant disregard for the legal process and environmental regulations underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and penalties.

In addition to the ongoing environmental violations, the DDEC is alarmed by the developer's application to clear an additional 248 trees along road reserves as part of their project. This request, which will further devastate local ecosystems, must be unequivocally rejected.

The Darling Downs Environment Council stands with the local community in demanding that the Toowoomba Regional Council reject the Blueberry Crest development application at the upcoming special meeting on September 18, 2024. Furthermore, we call on the DES to review and significantly increase penalties for environmental breaches to deter future violations and to ensure that developers are held accountable for their actions.

"We cannot allow the destruction of our natural environment to go unpunished. The future of our koalas, our ecosystems, and our community's well-being is at stake," Mr Tallon added.