Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) this week (September 17, 2024) endorsed a motion to strengthen the protection of the Region's significant vegetation.
Council approved the development of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI), subject to State Government approval, that seeks to protect vegetation mapped as areas of ecological significance.
TRC Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff said developing a TLPI would offer the community greater clarity over tree clearing in development applications while complementary work was undertaken to strengthen environmental protections in the new Planning Scheme. One advantage of a TLPI is that it can be put in place far more quickly than a Planning Scheme amendment.
"People want the same thing: homes to live in, in developments done right; ecologically significant areas not left as scorched earth; clarity instead of red tape holding up applications for years with federal referrals or courts; and growth in places where people are crying out for it," Cr Vonhoff said.
"Time is of the essence, and the TLPI offers a lever and greater certainty around preserving our areas of natural significance that have been mapped previously by Council.
"Without this measure, adverse environmental loss is likely to continue while the new Planning Scheme is being drafted. The new Planning Scheme will look at ways to better manage vegetation that may come under threat from urban encroachment.
"We have heard community concerns around tree clearing, particularly the extent of vegetation removal in the Highfields area, and strengthening our environmental protections in line with similar measures employed across South East Queensland local authorities.
"Council is continuing its strategic work balancing the conflict between preserving green areas and suitable sites for future urban growth. In turn, this will minimise the conflict between the need for housing and preserving existing trees."
There will be a chance for public feedback on the proposed TLPI before any amendments are submitted for the State Government's approval.
The motion was approved at Council's September Ordinary Meeting.
