Toowoomba for Climate Action

05/06/2026

Another large-scale battery under development in Toowoomba Region: the Oakey-Biddeston Solar and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System - i.e. big battery)

A major renewable energy project is moving forward near Oakey, and it’s a another win for our local grid and the climate.

The project includes a 59MW solar farm paired with a massive 200MWh battery.

Large-scale batteries like this help prevent blackouts and stabilize the local network by providing "firming" services—essentially acting as a giant shock absorber for the electricity grid.

This project will help replace aging fossil fuel baseload with reliable, renewable power.

What’s the status?
The project has been moving through the planning and engagement phases, with construction activities expected to ramp up through 2026.

It’s part of Toowoomba's growing "Renewable Energy Zone" that is proving we can lead the transition to a cleaner future while supporting local infrastructure.

Projects like these are the building blocks of a reliable, zero-emissions grid. By storing cheap solar power for the evening peak, we're building a smarter energy system for everyone.

What do you think about more battery storage in the Toowoomba region?

Learn more about the Oakey solar and battery project at https://healmenergy.com.au

02/06/2026

💧 What the new Toowoomba-Warwick Pipeline means for water security for communities south of Toowoomba city

The Toowoomba to Warwick Pipeline will begin construction this year, with Stage 1 providing water for Westbrook, Greenmount, Nobby, Cambooya, and Clifton.

Projects like this enable our region to prepare for longer, more frequent droughts.

Water security is one of the biggest climate challenges for the Darling Downs. Do you think big infrastructure projects like this are the best way to prepare, or should we focus on household water recycling and using greywater?

www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/water/industry-infrastructure/infrastructure/major-projects/toowoomba-warwick-pipeline

01/06/2026

Geothermal energy exploration around Toowoomba 🔥⚡️♻️

Within Energy is investigating the geothermal potential between the Lockyer Valley and Dalby.

To produce electricity, the company will drill deep (about 2.5km) to reach warm sedimentary water (80–120°C). This water will be used to heat a second fluid with a very low boiling point. That fluid will flashes into v***r, which will spin a turbine to create electricity.

The original water, still in its pipe but a bit cooler, is then pumped back underground to be reheated, making it a sustainable, circular system.

Why this matters for Toowoomba:
✅ 24/7: Unlike some renewables, geothermal is "always on" (baseload power), providing a steady flow of carbon-free energy to our grid.
✅ Geothermal power can be turned off at night and at midday when there is no demand, unlike wasteful, inflexible coal-fired power
✅ It uses our existing geological strengths (like the Great Artesian Basin) to create local, sustainable energy.
✅ Waste Not: Any leftover heat could potentially support local greenhouses or industrial drying

What’s the status?
The company is currently in an exploration phase. This means they are analyzing data and old well logs to find hot spots. The next big milestone will be drilling a slim-hole test well to prove the heat is there.

It’s early days, but it’s exciting to see the Darling Downs being explored for the next generation of clean, reliable energy.

29/05/2026

More tree planting! 🌳🌳

Darling Downs Environment Council's Greening Toowoomba & Landcare initiatives:

DDEC is building capacity to complement the incredible work of Toowoomba Region's bushland restoration groups.

Goal: Fill the gap for regular tree planting events and volunteer maintenance of saplings.

Progress: DDEC is developing internal systems required for a partnership with Toowoomba Regional Council for plantings in bushland, parks and streets.

Learn how to get involved 👉 https://ddec.org.au/get-involved

Photo: A recent tree planting organised by DDEC.

27/05/2026

Fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas are pushing up the costs of living for Australian families 👇

1. Climate change is driving up the cost of insurance, even to the point of unaffordability for 1 in 16 households!

2. Australians are paying much more today to power their homes with gas, and refuel their cars with petrol and diesel

3. Higher costs for oil and gas are increasing the prices of many everyday items - everyday items have increased by 22% since 2020!

4. Drivers who drive a petrol car are forking out $2,000 more each year than those able to drive an electric vehicle

71% of Australian families are concerned about the rising costs of living and the climate crisis

72% of parents are concerned worsening extreme weather, driven by climate pollution, could impact on farming and lead to higher grocery prices.

Read the report at www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/under-pressure

25/05/2026

Toowoomba Region bushfire prevention 🔥

Toowoomba Regional Council has adopted its Annual Fire Mitigation Action Plan to manage bushfire risk on Council-owned land across the region.

It combines essential maintenance, such as fire trail upgrades and vegetation management, with carefully planned prescribed burns that are undertaken only when conditions are safe and appropriate. This approach helps protect surrounding communities, wildlife habitat and key Council assets.

Council has engaged a consultant to undertake a landscape‑scale fire risk assessment across bushland parks on the Toowoomba Escarpment, with the findings expected to help guide future investment in fire trails and asset protection zones.

Residents can find out what fire mitigation works are happening and where, though the timing of some activities is dependent on weather conditions.

https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/News-articles/Council-adopts-Annual-Fire-Mitigation-Action-Plan-202627

24/05/2026

Join others in trying to save the Darling Downs' critical groundwater from permanent destruction by short term gas mining - every Friday morning at the Bernoth Centre on Ruthven St in Toowoomba outside the Energy Minister's office.
Learn more at Knitting Nannas Against Gas Fridays in Toowoomba

23/05/2026

Meet the Darling Down's international climate advocate!

Australia’s Youth Climate Champion for the global climate summit COP31 in November is farmer Sally Higgins, from Allora south of Toowoomba.

Cattle and cropping farmer Sally knows firsthand what's at stake when the climate shifts. She's exploring how Australian agriculture can adapt to a net zero future.

COP31 is the global climate summit held every year to drive climate action. This November Australia is leading negotiations at the summit.

Sally will be there making sure young people don't just have a seat at the table, but help set the agenda.

Climate change is a global challenge. Sally is proof that local experience and global ambition go hand in hand.

Learn more at www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/meet-sally-higgins-youth-climate-champion-cop31
Follow Sally's journey on Instagram .youthclimatechampion
www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ywCmEV4-U&t=27s

Sally is a farmer from Allora, Queensland, who knows firsthand what's at stake when the climate shifts. Through her role as COP31 Youth Climate Champion, Sal...

22/05/2026

Toowoomba's farmers were promised protection — but those promises have been broken.

The Condamine Alluvium groundwater aquifer is vital to our region’s farmland and rural communities.

Now is the time to take action to protect it from gas mining

👉 Here’s how you can get involved:

1️⃣ Join the Knitting Nannas action every Friday at 8am, 677 Ruthven St (Bernoth Centre), Toowoomba

2️⃣ Call Jarrod Bleijie’s office and tell them you expect meaningful protection for prime farmland and the Condamine Alluvium: (07) 3719 7100

3️⃣ Write a quick submission to a Parliamentary Enquiry on how the Queensland Government is enabling a foreign owned gas corporation to destroy local farms and our aquifer: www.lockthegate.org.au/protect_qld_farmland_from_gas

🔗 Learn more:
www.saveourdarlingdowns.org.au

21/05/2026

Shell - co-owner of Arrow Energy which mines gas on the Darling Downs - is using Singapore to pay less tax

By trading their gas sales through Singapore, a low-tax jurisdiction, they don't pay almost a billion dollars in Australian taxes.

That is a billion dollars that could be funding schools, roads, hospitals, tertiary education and dental care.

Shell is effectively paying a tax rate of just 6% compared with the standard company tax rate of 30% and far less than you pay on your income - around 22%.

What is the net benefit of allowing Shell's Arrow Energy to mine for gas in our region, potentially destroying critical and irreplaceable groundwater and farmland?

www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/australian-gas-giants-using-singapore-to-reduce-taxes/106632272

Amid renewed debate over whether Australia is getting enough tax from its gas exports, an investigation by the ABC shows how resource giants use shell companies to shift profit.