Community Protest Action to Protect Toowoomba’s Trees, Wildlife, and Heritage
Highfields, QLD – June 11, 2025
The Protect Trees Toowoomba campaign, supported by the Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC), is calling on residents across the region to join a Tree Keeper Community Action on Wednesday, June 11th, at 12:00 PM, at the corner of Barracks and Kuhls Road, Highfields.
Photo and film opportunity: people with signs and a Koala suit.
This peaceful gathering aims to demand stronger tree protection laws across the Toowoomba Region, including a clear local policy to protect significant habitat and the introduction of a community-led nomination process for trees of local significance.
“We urgently need local planning rules that recognise the importance of mature trees and habitat corridors,” said Ahri Tallon, DDEC Coordinator. “We are calling for a new mechanism that allows the public to nominate important trees for protection, and for development controls that prevent the clearing of significant habitat like that seen on Reis Road.”
The gathering comes in response to recent developments in Highfields, where vast areas of tree canopy have been cleared, displacing native wildlife and degrading the natural landscape. Community concern has grown, with many residents seeking a balanced approach to development that safeguards Toowoomba’s identity as the ‘Garden City’.
Speakers will include environmental advocate Scott McPhie, who will share insights into the ecological value of the impacted areas and the broader importance of preserving urban biodiversity.
Community members are encouraged to bring signs, wear green, and show their support for a greener, more liveable future. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate widespread support for meaningful action from Toowoomba Regional Council and call for better solutions from developers in line with community sentiment.
For more information, visit Protect Trees Toowoomba or Darling Downs Environment Council.
Contact:
Ahri Tallon
Coordinator, Darling Downs Environment Council
info@ddec.org.au
0455 619 454
Meeting Point: Corner of Barracks and Kuhls Road, Highfields
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