Darling Downs Environment Council

Protecting Toowoomba’s Trees

Our Commitment to Protecting our Natural Heritage by advocating for balanced and sustainable development

The DDEC has long been committed to protecting the natural beauty and ecological health of our region. Trees are an integral part of what makes Toowoomba the "Garden City," providing shade, cooling our streets, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the unique character of our neighbourhoods. DDEC has worked with its member groups and active community members at the forefront of efforts to ensure that tree protections are prioritized in the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) planning processes.

Our Historical Advocacy

Over the years, DDEC and many other local environmental groups preceding it, have engaged in a series of campaigns and initiatives to advocate for stronger tree protections across the Toowoomba region:

1. Calling for a Tree Protection Mechanism within the Planning Scheme
   • DDEC continues to call on Toowoomba Regional Council to implement strong regulations to provide immediate protection for trees and significant ecological areas, including urban trees at risk from development. TRC is the only local government area in South East Queensland without any form of tree protection. Click here to see a copy of our planning scheme recommendations and here to see our report on why it is important to protect individual trees. 
2. Raising Awareness About Tree Clearing
   • DDEC has drawn public attention to instances of large-scale tree clearing in urban and peri-urban areas, which have threatened the character of the Toowoomba’s regions important ecological habitats.
   • Media releases, community meetings, and public education campaigns have been key tools in building momentum for action. Check out our past media releases here. 
3. Supporting Stronger Enforcement Measures
   • DDEC has criticized the Department of Environment and Science (DES) for issuing comparatively modest fines in cases of unlawful tree clearing.
   • The organization continues to push for stricter penalties and better enforcement to deter further harm.
   • DDEC has also advocated for stronger national environment laws through the reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act that are needed to protect the environment. 

Our Current Efforts

DDEC is actively working on several initiatives to enhance tree protections and ensure the TRC takes stronger action:

1. Advocating for Tree Preservation Orders
   • DDEC is pushing for TRC to introduce a comprehensive Tree Preservation Order (TPO) system that prevents unnecessary tree removals and ensures any clearing is offset by replanting efforts.
2. Developing Evidence-Based Research
   • Most recently, DDEC developed a report outlining the importance of including individual significant tree protections in any potential tree protection mechanism by TRC so that individual trees outside the area of existing ecological mapping are also protected. Find out more here. 
3. Collaborating with Experts and Stakeholders
   • DDEC works closely with member groups, planners, and ecologists to present evidence-based proposals to TRC. These include strategies to balance urban development with the need for green spaces and nature corridors..
4. Community Engagement and Awareness
   • Hosting workshops, forums, and community events to educate residents on the importance of tree protection.
   • Engaging the public in conversations about how they can advocate for a greener, more resilient Toowoomba.
5. Monitoring Development Applications
   • Vigilantly reviewing development applications to identify proposals that may threaten significant trees or green corridors.

Our Vision for the Future

DDEC envisions a Toowoomba where every suburb enjoys robust tree canopy coverage, cooling streets and homes, supporting biodiversity, and preserving the city's unique character. Achieving this requires the TRC to adopt proactive and enforceable policies, such as:

• Establishing tree protections for significant urban vegetation.
• Strengthening enforcement measures to prevent unlawful clearing.
• Ensuring community consultation on significant vegetation management decisions.

With the support of the Toowoomba community, we can ensure that our city remains a vibrant, green, and livable place for generations to come.

Get Involved

You can help us make a difference:

• Request a Street Tree: Encourage TRC to plant more trees by applying for a tree in front of your house.
• Volunteer: Join DDEC in its ongoing efforts to safeguard Toowoomba’s local natural heritage. 
• Donate: Support our campaigns and advocacy work.