Darling Downs Environment Council

MEDIA RELEASE
13 March 2025

Shock as Mining Lease Objections Review Scrapped – Darling Downs Environment Council Calls for Transparency

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) has expressed shock and disbelief at the Queensland Government’s decision to abruptly cancel the Mining Lease Objections Review, despite extensive stakeholder engagement and months of work by the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC).

DDEC Coordinator Ahri Tallon condemned the move, warning that the decision raises serious concerns about the future of protections for Priority Agricultural Areas (PAAs), Strategic Cropping Land, Priority Agricultural Land Uses (PALUs), and Strategic Environmental Areas (SEAs) in Queensland.

“This review was a crucial opportunity to ensure transparency and fairness in decision-making about mining projects. It was well advanced, with stakeholders—including farmers, conservationists, and regional communities—having dedicated substantial time and resources to participate in good faith. To see it scrapped without explanation so close to its conclusion is appalling,” Mr. Tallon said.

The Resources Cabinet Committee (RCC), which the Attorney-General has pointed to as the alternative decision-making body, has already signaled a push to "simplify and align notification processes" and "reduce process duplication." DDEC warns that this could weaken existing safeguards that protect Queensland’s agricultural land, high-value ecosystems, and communities from unsustainable energy and mining developments.

“The Regional Planning Interests Act is not a duplication—it’s the only legislation designed to protect vital agricultural lands and Queensland’s most environmentally significant areas from inappropriate development. Weakening these protections could have devastating consequences, not just for food security, but for biodiversity and climate resilience,” Mr. Tallon said.

Strategic Environmental Areas are essential for preserving Queensland’s most ecologically significant landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife corridors that sustain threatened species. DDEC warns that without a strong and transparent decision-making process, these irreplaceable natural assets could be left vulnerable to unchecked mining and energy projects.

“The concern here is that this sudden shift in process could be a backdoor attempt to undermine planning laws in favor of fast-tracking mining and gas projects. We need clarity from the government on what this means for the future of regional planning protections,” Mr. Tallon said.

DDEC is calling for full transparency from the Attorney-General and the Minister for Resources on why the review was abandoned and how the government intends to ensure robust protections remain in place for Queensland’s food-producing regions and natural landscapes.

ENDS

For media inquiries, contact:
Ahri Tallon
Coordinator, Darling Downs Environment Council

MEDIA RELEASE
27th of February 2025

Tickets moving fast for Darling Downs renewables forum 

On Wednesday 26 March 2025, the ‘Shaping Renewables on the Downs’ forum will bring together landholders, community members, industry experts, and government representatives in Toowoomba to discuss how Australia’s shift to a grid powered by renewable energy can best serve the Western, Southern and Darling Downs regions. With almost half of the tickets already gone, anyone wishing to attend is encouraged to book tickets soon. 

The forum is organised by Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC), Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) and RE-Alliance, to provide independent feedback to government and developers. 

Renewables present an opportunity for the Downs

DDEC Coordinator Ahri Tallon said renewable energy presents a huge opportunity for Toowoomba and the Downs — but only if it is done right.

"The Downs region is at the heart of Queensland’s renewable energy transition, so we need to make sure our communities are actively involved and supported,” Mr Tallon said.

"Farmers, regional towns, and local businesses stand to benefit, but we also need proper planning and safeguards to protect our natural areas and agricultural land. This forum is about making sure renewables work for communities across the Downs, and our environment. We’re calling on farmers, community groups, and regional leaders to come along, share their views, and join the conversation on a roadmap for a better future," Mr Tallon said.

Event Details:

 Date: Wednesday 26 March 2025
 Time: 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM
 Venue: Karl Langer East Room, Burke & Wills Hotel, Toowoomba
Tickets: $15 (includes morning tea and lunch)

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

For media inquiries or interview requests, contact:
 [email protected]

More Info

The forum will feature expert speakers and panel discussions on key topics, including:

• The future of farming and renewables — how to balance agriculture with clean energy projects

• Biodiversity and nature protection — minimising environmental impacts of development

• Industry perspectives — the opportunities and challenges for renewable energy companies

• Community benefits and challenges — how to ensure better outcomes for regional towns

• Vision for the future — what policy changes are needed to get the rollout right

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

• Dr 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

• Jamie Dennison, AgForce

• Rachelle Cooper Kulkarni, Sustainify

• Plus speakers from PowerLink,

Feedback from the forum will be taken directly back to industry and local and state government, ensuring decision-makers and industry hear directly from the community.

MEDIA RELEASE
Darling Downs Environment Council Welcomes Wind Farm Reforms, Calls for Stronger Protections for Environmental Areas

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) welcomes the Queensland Government’s decision to strengthen community consultation and protections for high-value agricultural land in wind farm approvals. These changes, effective from 3 February 2025, are a significant step toward ensuring that urgently needed renewable energy developments deliver real benefits for local communities and do not come at the expense of vital regional industries.

Under the new planning framework, all new wind farms will require impact assessments, mandatory community consultation, and clear commitments from developers to mitigate construction impacts and provide long-term community benefits. DDEC supports these reforms as they align with our 'Renewables Done Right' policy, which calls for responsible and transparent renewable energy development that respects the rights and needs of host communities.

“These reforms are a win for local communities and regional councils,” said Ahri Tallon, Coordinator of DDEC. “It’s essential that renewable energy projects are planned with genuine community engagement, clear benefits for impacted regions, and strong safeguards for high-quality agricultural land and areas of high biodiversity.”

However, DDEC urges the Queensland Government to extend similar protections to areas of high environmental value. While we support the move to prevent wind farms from significantly impacting prime farmland, we remain concerned that ecologically sensitive areas, including remnant forests and critical wildlife habitats, remain at risk.

“Protecting agricultural land is important, but we must apply the same level of care to our natural ecosystems,” Mr Tallon continued. “Queensland has incredible biodiversity that must not be sacrificed despite the urgency of the rollout of renewables. All energy and mining projects should be developed in locations that avoid both high-value farmland and high-value ecological areas.”

DDEC will continue advocating for a renewable energy transition that is truly sustainable—one that benefits communities, safeguards nature, and accelerates our path to net-zero emissions without unnecessary environmental harm. We urge the Queensland Government to build on these reforms by ensuring that all energy and mining projects are placed in the right locations and that developments meet the highest environmental standards.

Ahri Tallon
Coordinator, Darling Downs Environment Council

MEDIA RELEASE:
Darling Downs Environment Council Urges Toowoomba Regional Council to Follow through on Successful TLPI Motion to Strengthen Tree Protections

Monday 25th of November 2024

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is calling on Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) to engage and collaborate to ensure the long-term protection of trees in the region. While we welcome TRC’s recent vote to establish a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) to protect significant ecological areas, we are concerned that gaps in the planning code and mapping may undermine its effectiveness. We are also concerned that unlike all other councils in the SEQ, TRC do not yet have a model to protect individual mature trees that fall outside mapped areas of ecological significance.

Our latest report, “Protecting Individual Mature Trees in the Toowoomba Region,” outlines actionable recommendations to address these issues and highlights how other local governments in South East Queensland (SEQ) are successfully safeguarding individual mature trees through clear policies and collaborative approaches. The report is attached and also available online here: https://www.ddec.org.au/report_release_protecting_significant_trees_in_the_toowoomba_region 

DDEC is requesting regular meetings with TRC councillors and the planning team (just as property developers in the monthly DIRG meetings) to discuss the issues and ensure that the TLPI is implemented with integrity with its intention. 

Key Concerns and Recommendations in Implementing the TLPI and Protecting all Trees:

1. Protecting Individual Trees: Unlike other SEQ councils, TRC lacks specific mechanisms to protect individual mature trees that are outside designated significant ecological areas. Mature trees provide vital habitat, mitigate urban heat, and enhance community wellbeing.

2. Closing Loopholes in Planning Codes to ensure the TLPI works: Current loopholes in the Environmental Significance Overlay Code allow unnecessary vegetation clearing and reduce accountability for preserving ecologically significant areas.

3. Updating Ecological Mapping: Outdated mapping underrepresents the region's valuable environmental assets. Updated and accurate mapping is essential for informed planning decisions. Outdated mapping means local wildlife, including koalas, are evicted or left to die.

“We applaud TRC for taking steps to protect our region's trees through the new TLPI,” said Ahri Tallon, Coordinator of DDEC. “However, to truly achieve its goals, we need to address gaps in the planning framework and work together to safeguard not only significant areas but also individual trees that are critical to our environment and communities.”

“We know there is huge community support for the council to do a high-quality finish in implementing the TLPI by ensuring that mapping and planning loopholes are ironed out and the public’s wish for trees to be protected from inappropriate development is fulfilled” said Mr Tallon. 

Protecting mature trees is not only an environmental priority but also a key element in fostering a sense of place and connection to the natural heritage of the Darling Downs. DDEC urges TRC to join us in creating robust protections that will ensure the ecological and cultural value of all significant trees are preserved for generations to come.

Media Release:

Tuesday 1st of October

DDEC Welcomes Stricter Renewable Energy Regulations: Guardrails Essential to Protect Nature, Farmland, and Communities

The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement of enhanced regulations for renewable energy projects, particularly the strengthened Wind Code and the draft Renewables Regulatory Framework, which is now open for community consultation. DDEC believes this is a key opportunity for locals to have their say and shape the future of renewable energy development in Queensland.

DDEC Coordinator Ahri Tallon praised the government’s steps toward balancing clean energy growth with environmental protection and community engagement. "The new regulations are a critical step forward in ensuring that the renewable energy sector operates within strong guide rails. Community consultation will be essential in shaping these rules to ensure our landscapes, prime farmland, and communities are protected throughout the energy transition," Mr Tallon said.

The DDEC is particularly encouraged by the introduction of the Mandatory Code of Conduct for renewable energy developers, which will impose minimum standards for engagement with landholders, First Nations groups, and rural communities. "This Code of Conduct is a huge win for regional Queenslanders. For too long, communities have been left out of the decision-making process. Now, developers will be held to the highest standards when planning and delivering renewable energy projects," Mr Tallon added.

While celebrating the progress, the DDEC urges the government to speed up bioregional planning to ensure that the most vulnerable ecosystems are properly mapped and protected. "We need to invest further in bioregional planning to ensure we have comprehensive mapping in place to protect critical areas of nature. This planning must guide renewable energy development, ensuring that the natural heritage of Queensland is preserved alongside the rollout of clean energy infrastructure," Mr Tallon emphasised.

The DDEC also calls for stronger protections for prime agricultural land, such as the Condamine Alluvium, from all forms of energy infrastructure—whether renewable, like solar, or nonrenewable, like coal seam gas (CSG). "We cannot afford to sacrifice our most productive farmland in the name of energy development. The Condamine Alluvium and other prime agricultural areas must be safeguarded, regardless of whether the energy source is renewable or fossil-based," Mr Tallon stressed.

Tallon also called for urgent reform of the Environmental Offsets Act, emphasising the need for stronger guidelines around when environmental impacts must be avoided entirely and when offsets are appropriate. "Offsets should only be considered after all avenues to avoid environmental harm have been exhausted. And when offsets are used, they must be well-targeted, properly maintained, and thoroughly monitored to ensure they deliver real environmental benefits," Mr Tallon said.

The draft framework currently open for consultation builds on existing reforms, such as the expanded role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman, stronger requirements for haulage routes, and the exploration of lifecycle planning, including financial assurance for decommissioning. However, DDEC is urging the Queensland Government to make these protections more robust and enforceable.

"We’re pleased to see these improvements, but we must go further. It’s vital that these new protections are not only implemented but enforced with rigour. Renewable energy is the future, but it must be done in a way that respects nature, protects our best farmland, and ensures that rural communities are not left behind," Mr Tallon concluded.

The Darling Downs Environment Council remains committed to advocating for Renewables Done Right, where energy projects coexist with the environment, local economies, and communities in harmony. The DDEC encourages all Queenslanders to participate in the consultation process and help shape a sustainable, equitable clean energy future.

Media Release

Tuesday the 1st of October

Contact: Ahri Tallon
Phone:0453 619454
Email: [email protected]

Keep Toowoomba Cool Campaign Launched to Advocate for Localised Canopy Cover Goals

Toowoomba – The Keep Toowoomba Cool Campaign officially launched today, bringing together local and international experts to address how we can make our neighborhoods more resilient to the growing threat of heat waves. The campaign aims to protect Toowoomba's existing tree canopy and advocate for Toowoomba Regional Council to set ambitious, time-bound goals to ensure all of the regions suburbs and towns benefit from cooling canopy with the right trees in the right places. 

What: Launch of the Keep Toowoomba Cool Campaign
When: Thursday the 3rd of October 6pm-8pm. Interviews available from 5.30pm.
Where: Toowoomba City Library
Who: Hosted by Darling Downs Environment Council

Speakers: 

Professor Catherine Pickering from Griffith University, a leading expert in urban ecology and climate change, presented the latest evidence on how tree canopies and green spaces are essential for combating rising temperatures. She emphasized the importance of biodiversity and well-planned urban environments in creating cooling corridors across the city.

Luke Reade from Energetic Communities spoke about practical solutions for making homes more liveable, particularly for renters and low-income households. She outlined steps that can be taken to improve energy efficiency and urban design to cool down our suburbs.

Professor Melissa Haswell from Queensland University of Technology highlighted the health impacts of climate change, noting how rising temperatures disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. She also stressed the need for sustainable urban planning to address environmental health issues.

Elizabeth Reade, former TRC Environmental Planner, explains how the Toowoomba Regional Council effort to strengthen protections for ares of ecological significance under the recently passed Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) may achieve its goals. She emphasized the need to close loopholes in the planning codes to safeguard local ecosystems and protect the city’s green spaces from unchecked development if the TLPI is going to work.

The Keep Toowoomba Cool Campaign focuses on protecting the region’s existing trees while advocating for ambitious, localized canopy coverage goals. These goals aim to create interconnected cooling corridors in neighborhoods through the strategic planting of the right trees in the right places.

“For too long we have seen council avoid responsibility of ensuring new suburbs are planned with tree lined streets, we need council to step up to the mantle and set ambitious, localised and time bound tree canopy goals” Said DDEC Coordinator Ahri Tallon. 

The campaign also expressed disappointment at delays in the new planning scheme but emphasized that the Council can still act decisively by setting strong interim policies to increase tree canopy coverage.

“The delay in the planning scheme is frustrating, but Council can still lead by example. By setting ambitious policies now, we can ensure all of Toowoomba, including its often treeless new suburbs, can become more liveable, green, and cool,” said a Ahri Tallon. 

About the Campaign:
The Keep Toowoomba Cool Campaign is a community-led initiative aimed at protecting existing trees and increasing street tree canopy coverage to adapt to rising temperatures and enhance the local environment. The campaign works with local residents, environmental groups, and policymakers to create a cooler, more resilient future for Toowoomba.