Our History

DDEC acknowledges the long history of environmental conservation groups in the Downs including the Toowoomba Regional Environment Centre, Green Watch and other groups not listed that preceded the establishement of DDEC. 

  • 2014 – The Darling Downs Environment Council was formed when concerned community members recognised that there was a need for a community based organisation to provide guidance to groups and individuals concerned with environmental matters.
  • 2015 – Feb 21. We held a Strategy Cafe to establish the mission, role, strategies and goals of the Darling Downs Environment Council.
  • 2015 – DDEC started supporting the Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) in their fight against Stage 3 New Acland Mine in the Land Court.
  • 2015 – DDEC is involved in campaining against Coal Seam Gas
  • 2015 – Nov 5. The Land Court Trial for Stage 3 New Acland.
  • 2015 – Nov 28. Downs Climate Bus took members to Brisbane to participate in the People’s Climate March.
  • 2016 – In January 2016, Qld government approves 6000 new gas wells in the Chinchilla district.
  • 2016 – Feb 17. Queensland government senate enquiry into Coal Seam Gas
  • 2016 – Feb 25. DDEC hosted the first Toowoomba Regional Council, Local Government Election Candidates Environment Forum.
  • 2016 – April. Underground coal gassification banned by the Queensland Government.
  • 2016 – June. Toowoomba World Environment Day celebrates 40 years.
  • 2016 – Oct 5.The last day of the court case challenging Stage 3 New Acland Mine.
  • 2017 – Feb.DDEC protested when it was found that Toowoomba Regional Council was drawing water for road works from known platypus habitats. Council responded by trucking water in instead.
  • 2017 – DDEC hosted a Tree Forum to create a Tree Policy for the region.
  • 2017 – May 31.The Land Court handed down the decision to reject Stage 3 New Acland Mine.
  • 2017 – June 23. Qld Supreme Court upheld the decision made by the Land Court to reject Stage 3 New Acland Mine.
  • 2017 – Aug 8. For the Love of Acland rally held at Queensland Parliment house.
  • 2017 – Aug 24. Saving the Green forum was held by PROTECT.
  • 2018 – Feb 14. The Queensland Environment Department refused to approve Stage 3 New Acland Mine.
  • ACLAND UPDATE
  • 2021 – April 15. Save Redwood campaign, Rally for Redwood.
  • 2021 – Nov 3. Rally for Redwood 2.
  • 2022 – June 16. Toowoomba Regional Council votes to scrap mountain bike trails in Redwood Park.
  • 2022 – Dec. Community Tree Forum held in Highfields, protesting ongoing habitat destruction.
  • 2023 – April. DDEC moves to new permanent premises at 1a Heller Street, Rangeville.
  • 2023 – May. 2nd Community Tree Forum held in Crows Nest.
  • 2024 – March. The Eco Hut in Rangeville is publically launched and given a first nations name of Buru Dain Dan.
  • 2024 – March. Local Government Elections Candidate Forum is held.
  • 2024 – April. Quarterly Nature Drinks guest speaker nights begin.
  • 2024 – September. Launch of the Keep Toowoomba Cool Campaign held at the Library.
  • 2024 – October. Energy Done Right election candidates forum held with Save our Darling Downs.
Click here to make history by volunteering with DDEC!