DDEC News
Toowoomba community to test Bleijie’s promise on local planning power
TOOWOOMBA, Wednesday 23rd of September — Toowoomba residents will hear directly next Wednesday from a Gympie councillor whose own community has already watched the state's Planning Minister strip out tree and habitat protections — just weeks before...
Kogan Data Centre Needs Manual Off Switches and Environmental Safeguards
MEDIA RELEASE — Darling Downs Environment CouncilFor immediate release: Tuesday 15th September 2026 AI industry leaders say slow down. Queensland is being asked to approve Australia's biggest AI data centre with no manual off switch for Australia. Darling Downs...
Sweeping ministerial powers pass into law — communities on both fronts say the fight isn’t over
Queensland's Parliament last night passed the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Act, concentrating sweeping powers over land access and project approvals in the hands of the Deputy Premier and...
Tree planting and canopy development in Toowoomba
Nothing beats the feeling of stepping into a cool, green park. Nature rejuvenates us, keeps us healthy, and gives our kids a place to play. Lately, the DDEC team has been bringing that green magic to life. Thanks to locals like you, we’ve already helped host a...
Sign Painting
Event Summary: Protect Trees Toowoomba Sign Painting Session Quick Details What: Sign Painting & Banner Making Session When: Saturday, 13th of June | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Hosted by: Protect Trees Toowoomba Purpose: To prepare props and signs for an upcoming...
Wind Farm Noise: Why Acoustic Compliance Matters More Than Setback Distance
Wind Farm Noise: Why Acoustic Compliance Matters More Than Setback Distance Darling Downs Environment Council | 06/04/2026 Queensland needs renewable energy, and wind farms will play an important role in that transition. But supporting wind energy does not mean...
Downs and Regional Queensland Groups Calls for Urgent Expansion of Koala Protections Beyond SEQ
*Submission attached. A coalition of Southern Queensland environmental and community organisations is calling on the Queensland Government to urgently expand koala conservation efforts beyond South East Queensland (SEQ), warning that without immediate action, regional...
PROTECT THE DARLING DOWNS FROM COAL SEAM GAS EXPANSION
The Darling Downs is one of Australia’s most important food-producing regions. Its farms depend on fertile soils and the Condamine Alluvium — a vital groundwater system that supports agriculture, regional communities and towns. But a new Queensland Government Bill...
Proposed E-bike Licensing Laws Risk Leaving Communities Behind
The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) and the Toowoomba Regional Bicycle Users Group (TRBUG) are calling on the Queensland Government to urgently reconsider proposed changes that would require people riding low-powered e-bikes (under 25km/h)...
Ministerial delegation
DDEC representatives met last week with the Honorable David Janetzki, Member for Toowoomba South, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership. Discussion focussed on DDEC proposals related to Virtual Power Plants and Social Impact Assessments (see...