Tree Protections
Protecting Toowoomba’s Trees
Our Commitment to Protecting our Natural Heritage by advocating for balanced and sustainable development
The DDEC has long been committed to protecting the natural beauty and ecological health of our region. Trees are an integral part of what makes Toowoomba the “Garden City,” providing shade, cooling our streets, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the unique character of our neighbourhoods. DDEC has worked with its member groups and active community members at the forefront of efforts to ensure that tree protections are prioritized in the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) planning processes.
Our Historical Advocacy
Over the years, DDEC and many other local environmental groups preceding it, have engaged in a series of campaigns and initiatives to advocate for stronger tree protections across the Toowoomba region:
- Calling for a Tree Protection Mechanism within the Planning Scheme
- DDEC continues to call on Toowoomba Regional Council to implement strong regulations to provide immediate protection for trees and significant ecological areas, including urban trees at risk from development. TRC is the only local government area in South East Queensland without any form of tree protection.
- Raising Awareness About Tree Clearing
- DDEC has drawn public attention to instances of large-scale tree clearing in urban and peri-urban areas, which have threatened the character of the Toowoomba’s regions important ecological habitats.
- Media releases, community meetings, and public education campaigns have been key tools in building momentum for action.
- Supporting Stronger Enforcement Measures
- DDEC has criticized the Department of Environment and Science (DES) for issuing comparatively modest fines in cases of unlawful tree clearing.
- The organization continues to push for stricter penalties and better enforcement to deter further harm.
- DDEC has also advocated for stronger national environment laws through the reform of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act that are needed to protect the environment.
Our Current Efforts
DDEC is actively working on several initiatives to enhance tree protections and ensure the TRC takes stronger action:
- Advocating for Tree Preservation
- DDEC is pushing for TRC to introduce a comprehensive Tree Protection policy that protects mapped habitat through the planning scheme and a local law to allow community nominations for significant urban trees.
- Developing Evidence-Based Research
- Most recently, DDEC developed a report outlining the importance of including individual significant tree protections in any potential tree protection mechanism by TRC so that individual trees outside the area of existing ecological mapping are also protected.
- Collaborating with Experts and Stakeholders
- DDEC works closely with member groups, planners, and ecologists to present evidence-based proposals to TRC. These include strategies to balance urban development with the need for green spaces and nature corridors..
- Community Engagement and Awareness
- Hosting workshops, forums, and community events to educate residents on the importance of tree protection.
- Engaging the public in conversations about how they can advocate for a greener, more resilient Toowoomba.
- Monitoring Development Applications
- Vigilantly reviewing development applications to identify proposals that may threaten significant trees or green corridors.
Our Vision for the Future
DDEC envisions a Toowoomba where every suburb enjoys robust tree canopy coverage, cooling streets and homes, supporting biodiversity, and preserving the city’s unique character. Achieving this requires the TRC to adopt proactive and enforceable policies, such as:
- Identify and Register Significant Trees – Create a public register where trees of environmental, cultural, or community significance are documented.
- Protect Key Habitat Areas – Establish wildlife corridors through mapping ecologically significant habitat zones in development planning.
- Mandate Pre-Development Arborist Assessments – Require assessments to prevent unnecessary tree loss at the stage of zoning by council for greenfield or pre-development for brownfield.
- Introduce a Permit System for Tree Removal – Ensure that removing significant trees is carefully considered and regulated.
- Engage the Community in Decision-Making – Allow residents to nominate trees for protection and participate in monitoring compliance.
With the support of the Toowoomba community, we can ensure that our city remains a vibrant, green, and livable place for generations to come.
FAQ on Tree Protections that we are advocating:
Q: Why do we need tree protection laws in Toowoomba?
A: Unlike Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and many other councils, Toowoomba has no legal framework or planning scheme measure to protect significant trees. This has led to unchecked clearing, harming biodiversity, increasing urban heat, and reducing the region’s natural beauty.
Q: What is a Significant Tree Register?
A: A publicly accessible list of trees identified as ecologically, culturally, or historically important. Brisbane’s NALL model allows community-nominated trees to receive legal protection.
Q: How would habitat corridors be protected?
A: We are calling for updated mapping and overlays to ensure habitat corridors are preserved during urban development.
Q: Will this prevent development?
A: No, it will balance development with sustainability, ensuring trees are considered and incorporated into planning rather than destroyed.
Q: How will a significant tree be determined?
A: A significant tree will be identified based on clear criteria, including age, size, rarity, ecological importance, historical or cultural value, and community significance. Expert arborists, ecologists, and community members will assess nominations to ensure that our most important trees receive protection.
Q: Will I still be able to cut trees down on my property?
A: In most cases, homeowners will still be able to manage vegetation on their property. However, if a tree is registered as significant, a permit may be required for removal or major alterations. The goal is not to prevent property maintenance but to protect trees that hold exceptional value to the environment and community.
Get Involved
You can help us make a difference:
- Request a Street Tree: Encourage TRC to plant more trees by applying for a tree in front of your house.
- Volunteer: Join DDEC in its ongoing efforts to safeguard Toowoomba’s local natural heritage.
- Donate: Support our campaigns and advocacy work.