DDEC is inviting interested citizens to attend an important event in the future of renewable energy in the Downs region.
As well as hoping as many as possible can attend they are also looking for a few volunteers to help facilitate the breakout discussion tables on the day. Volunteers will get the gratitude of DDEC and a discount code for a free ticket. If you might be interested in assisting in that way, contact Ahri Tallon
Coordinator Darling Downs Environment Council 0455 619 454 or info@ddec.org.au
Shaping Renewables on the Downs Forum
📅 Date: Wednesday, 26th March 2025
🕘 Time: 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM
📍 Venue: Karl Langer East Room, Burke & Wills Hotel, Toowoomba
🎟 Tickets: $15 (includes morning tea and lunch)
Register Now
The renewable energy rollout presents a massive opportunity for our region—bringing economic, community, and drought-proofing benefits. However, it must be done right, ensuring regional voices are heard, farming livelihoods are protected, and our precious natural areas are safeguarded.
This forum brings together community members, landholders, industry stakeholders, and government representatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities of renewables on the Downs. It is also an opportunity to ensure decision-makers hear community priorities, with key discussion points compiled into a report for all levels of government.
Why Attend?
✅ Explore Key Issues: What needs to change to ensure ‘renewables are done right’ so they protect our precious natural places and ensure farming benefits
✅ Have Your Say: Share your ideas, concerns, and priorities to influence the future of renewables planning and regulation in Queensland to ensure maximum benefit and collaboration for local communities from renewables on the Downs.
✅ Shape Policy: the forum’s findings will be documented into a report to be shared with all levels of government.
✅ Hear from experts: and decision-makers about key issues and impending policy changes.
Key Speakers and Panellists include:
- Geoff McDonald, Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council
- Brent Finlay, Southern Downs Farmer
- Clare Silcock, Queensland Conservation Council
- Renee King, Western Downs Regional Futures
- David Carr, String Bark Ecology
- Rick Humphries, Farmer and Granite Belt Sustainability Action Network President
- Dr Kathryn Reardon-Smith, Farmer and UniSQ
- Damian Hewat, Electrical Trades Union
- Shannon Bauwens, Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
- Kim Mallee, Community Power Agency
- Professor Ben Lyons, UniSQ
- Todd Rohls, Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce
- Ben Lyons, Institute of Resilient Regions UniSQ
- Maria Baker, Acciona
- Nikki Macqueen, Millmerran Commerce and Progress Inc
- Jamie Dennison, AgForce
- Rachelle Cooper Kulkarni, Sustainify
- Plus speakers from PowerLink,
Program Highlights:
🔹 The Renewable Energy Revolution in Southern Queensland – Plans, opportunities & challenges
🔹 Industry Perspectives – What does renewable energy mean for the Downs?
🔹 Farming & Renewables – Challenges & opportunities for landholders
🔹 Biodiversity & Nature – Renewable energy impacts on the environment
🔹 Community Benefits & Challenges – Ensuring community interests are at the forefront
🔹 Vision Session – Collaborative discussion on next steps for our region
We would love for you to join us and encourage you to share this invitation with your networks.
Register Now
🎟 Tickets: $15 per person (morning tea & lunch provided)
📩 Contact: info@ddec.org.au
Be part of the conversation and help shape a fair, sustainable, and community-focused renewable energy future for the Downs.
We hope to see you there!
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