About
The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) is the regional environment group for inland Southern Regional Queensland. Established in 2014, DDEC has over twenty member groups that it works collaboratively with to support joint activities and create a shared voice to advocate for the protection of nature and the advancement of sustainability outcomes.
DDEC is the regional branch of the Queensland Conservation Council, the state’s peak environmental body, and receives funding from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) for its role in advocating for the environmental concerns of the community. Please contact us to raise an environmental issue impacting the Downs region.
Governance
DDEC is managed by a committee, which is elected each year at our Annual General Meeting. The Committee is responsible for the governance of the organisation, including financial management, strategic planning, and overseeing the work of the staff. The Committee meets monthly at DDECs office, 1a Heller Street, Rangeville, Toowoomba.
Executive Committee
President: Don Carlson
Secretary: Christel Pidcock
Treasurer: David Tutty
General Committee
Sandy Brown, Ros Darracort, Christel Pidcock, Scot McPhee, Eakraj Adhikari, Peter Albion and Joshua Waters.
In line with this DDEC represents the policies of Queensland Conservation Council in the Downs region and has obligations to represent the region at official Queensland Conservation and government events. We also are called on to represent the region on environmental issues to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DES), when input is sought or other Queensland government departments as required.
Our Team
We’re all about community here, and it’s our amazing volunteers, members, donors, supporters, and staff who make everything possible. Our executive committee and management team are dedicated to making sure your efforts go a long way in protecting the places we all cherish.
Coordinator:
Ahri Tallon
President:
Don Carlson
Secretary:
Christel Pidcock
Treasurer:
Dr David Tutty
Our member groups are deeply rooted in the local community, with a strong commitment to advocating for the unique environmental needs of the Downs region. They work tirelessly to protect and enhance nature, ensuring that the voices of their communities are heard and that positive environmental outcomes are achieved.
At DDEC, we are dedicated to empowering these member groups by fostering collaboration and providing support that amplifies their impact. By working together, we believe that we can build a stronger, more resilient future for our natural world and the communities that depend on it.
Our Vision
A safe climate and flourishing environment where community and nature coexist in harmony.
Our Mission
To Unite community voices for a thriving environment.
Our Values
• To take intergenerational responsibility.
• Respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• The intrinsic value of the environment
• Community and collaboration
• Boldness in advocacy
• Equality and justice
Recent Highlights
Over the past six years DDEC has campaigned a number of issues including:
- Disposal of saline waste in the CSG industry
- Adequacy of regulation and monitoring of New Acland Mine
- Impact of the CSG industry on groundwater in the Surat Basin
- Suitability of agricultural land for receiving CSG wastewater
- Climate change impacts, adaptation, and transition strategies, including CSG regulation
- Reversing biodiversity decline by protecting and restoring natural ecosystems
- Saving Redwood Forest Park from mountain bike track developments
- Advocating for protection of mature trees threatened by property developments
- Hosting local candidate forums during elections
- Promoting climate adaptation measures to local government
- Supporting unincorporated groups in achieving their goals
- Raising awareness about protecting Deongwar State Forest
- Advocating for better regulation and planning for renewable energy projects
- Campaigning for urban canopy cover goals and resourcing