Toowoomba is growing. The Planning Scheme is being reviewed. We need more housing — but we also need to protect the trees, habitat and neighbourhood character that make our region liveable.

Right now, the Toowoomba Regional Council is the only local government area in South East Queensland without specific tree protections in its planning framework. As housing pressures increase, this gap matters.

How do we deliver housing affordability and supply while also safeguarding urban canopy, biodiversity and community wellbeing?

Protect Trees Toowoomba and the Darling Downs Environment Council invite you to a community forum bringing together industry, local government and housing advocates to discuss practical pathways forward.

Housing & Nature: A Community Forum

Date: Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Laurel Bank Hall, Laurel Bank Park, Newtown

Speakers include:

• Dr Rebecca Vonhoff, Deputy Mayor, Toowoomba Regional Council
• Stephen Bowers, Developer
• Lauren Russell, Tiny House Advocate
• Julie Saunders, CEO, Community Housing Industry Association Queensland
• Fiona Cangiglia, CEO, QShelter

This is an opportunity to move beyond false choices. Other councils across South East Queensland have introduced planning mechanisms that both increase housing diversity and protect significant trees.

What can Toowoomba learn? What should the new Planning Scheme include?

We’ll explore:

• How tree protections can coexist with increased housing supply
• Medium-density and diverse housing models that reduce sprawl
• The role of community housing providers
• Practical reforms Council and State Government can implement now

This forum is about constructive solutions. If you care about housing affordability, urban canopy, biodiversity, or the future character of Toowoomba — your voice matters.