Darling Downs Environment Council

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.