Darling Downs Environment Council

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
DDEC Disappointed by TLPI Rejection

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) has expressed deep disappointment at the Toowoomba Regional Council’s decision to shelve the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) for protecting areas of ecological significance.

“This decision is a setback for the environment and the community,” said Ahri Tallon, DDEC Coordinator. “The community has been calling for protections for trees for decades, and this rejection only delays what is urgently needed. Numerous examples of past and impending clearing demonstrate the critical need for action. It’s time to bring Toowoomba in line with all other South East Queensland councils that have curtailed ugly cookie-cutter monstrosities in favour of balanced development that provides homes for people without destroying the homes of wildlife.”

While concerns were raised about the TLPI’s reliance on 12-year-old mapping and potential impacts on private landholders, Mr. Tallon said these issues could have been resolved while the TLPI was in operation. “The Council shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. The TLPI was a starting point, not the final word. These challenges could have been addressed with appropriate consultation and planning updates moving forward.”

DDEC also questioned the sincerity of the Council’s proposed next steps in the motion that was passed calling for a report on options. “If the Council is serious about consultation, why did the approved motion merely call for a report on options instead of actionable steps to engage the community with an aim to move forward in protecting ecologically significant areas?” Mr. Tallon asked. “It’s hard not to suspect that some councillors are more interested in avoiding tree protections altogether. Their actions suggest they are not trying to address the issues they claim to be concerned about.”

DDEC  is calling on the Toowoomba Regional Council and its planning team to take urgent, concrete steps to protect the region’s biodiversity. “We urge the Council to be serious about the next steps by breaking through the politics through external facilitation support to work on community consultation if that is was is deemed necessary” said Mr. Tallon. “The time for half-measures is over. The community deserves a council that prioritizes the balance between development and environmental protection.”

ENDS