🌿 Inland Rail EIS: DDEC Raises Concerns for Koala Habitat and Environmental Integrity 🌿
Read our full submission here.
See Pittsworth Landcare in the news on this issue here
31 July 2025
The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) has made a detailed submission on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Inland Rail – Border to Gowrie (B2G) project, raising serious concerns about the integrity of koala habitat assessments, transparency in offset planning, and broader environmental implications.
💬 Our Concerns
DDEC’s submission identifies multiple discrepancies and issues in the Environmental Offset Delivery Strategy, particularly concerning the protection and future of koala populations across the affected region.
🐨 Koala Habitat and Population Miscalculations
The EIS relies on questionable koala density estimates drawn from limited and inappropriate data. In some cases, single koala sightings are extrapolated into population estimates across vast areas, skewing the basis for environmental offsets. Our local knowledge — informed by the Toowoomba Region Koala Habitat Project, Pittsworth Landcare, and community observations — points to higher-than-reported koala concentrations, particularly around Pittsworth and Millmerran.
We are calling for new surveys using drone-based thermal imaging technology to ensure accurate data collection and more reliable habitat impact assessments.
🌳 Habitat Offsets Lack Transparency
The proposed offset properties — including Canning Creek, Glenlovey, and Hillside — are inadequately described. Key details about current vegetation types, remnant and regrowth areas, and specific ecological management plans are missing. Without this information, it’s impossible to assess whether the offsets genuinely compensate for habitat losses — especially for high-quality koala habitat.
We’ve recommended detailed tables outlining current vegetation states and proposed management activities for each offset property, to ensure transparency and accountability.
🌱 Not All Koala Food Trees Are Equal
Koalas rely on a diverse range of food tree species, and not all vegetation types provide equally suitable habitat. The EIS fails to account for differences in tree species diversity and dominance between areas being cleared and those being offered as offsets. In particular, many high-suitability areas are being cleared and replaced with medium- or low-suitability vegetation types.
We are urging the proponent and Queensland Government to properly assess and match ecological value when considering offsets — not just quantity of land, but quality too.
📢 Why This Matters
The Darling Downs is home to unique ecosystems and vulnerable species. Major infrastructure projects like Inland Rail must uphold the highest environmental standards and incorporate local knowledge. Protecting koalas is not just about numbers — it’s about ensuring healthy, connected landscapes where biodiversity can thrive.
📝 What’s Next
DDEC will continue to monitor the Inland Rail project and advocate for rigorous environmental assessment and genuine community consultation. Our submission joins many others across the region calling for better planning, better science, and better outcomes for nature.
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