Toowoomba for Climate Action

03/09/2026

New ecoBiz Micro & Remote Program - save $$ and emissions in your business

This tailored program provides practical support to help your business improve its sustainability performance across energy, water, waste, carbon, circular economy and climate risk.

It has been designed for micro, remote and rural businesses with 4 or less full-time equivalent employees.

Designed around the realities of running a micro business, the program provides a free one-on-one virtual coaching session with an ecoBiz sustainability expert, tailored to your circumstances, goals and available resources.

How it works

- Identify your opportunities by completing the Sustainability Action Checklist to establish a baseline and uncover what matters most for your business.

- Get expert support through a virtual coaching session with an ecoBiz sustainability expert who'll discuss your results, explore opportunities and help you prioritise actions that fit your circumstances.

- Create an Impact Plan based on the recommendations identified during your coaching session.

- Take action and start making meaningful sustainability improvements that work for your operation.

- Gain recognition after participating in the program for 12 months. If eligible, undertake an assessment and gain recognition through an ecoBiz Micro Star Partnership.

Is your business eligible?

The program is available to Queensland businesses that:
- employ 4 or less full-time equivalent employees
- operate under a Queensland ABN

Ready to get started?

No matter where you are on your sustainability journey, the ecoBiz Micro & Remote Program provides the tools, expert guidance and personalised support to help make sustainability achievable for your business.

To find out more or ask any questions, contact [email protected]

https://businesschamberqld.com.au/ecobiz/

02/09/2026

Community benefit agreement with Millmerran wind farm

Toowoomba and Western Downs Regional Councils have negotiated a first of its kind Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with renewable energy developer RWE Renewables Australia for the proposed Cattle Creek Wind Farm near Millmerran.

The agreement establishes how the wind farm will provide targeted, long-term economic and social value to local host communities.

It establishes long-term funding programs for community grants, local infrastructure upgrades, and support for civic initiatives across nearby townships such as Cecil Plains and Millmerran.

It prioritise use of local businesses, local hiring, and workforce training initiatives during both the 2–3 year construction phase (which will create up to 500 jobs) and ongoing operations.

Contributions will focus on community facilities, local roads/transport, emergency services support, and local environmental and liveability projects.

This agreement supplements RWE's ongoing sponsorship initiatives—which have already distributed funding to local sports clubs, progress associations, and community groups—and complements their Cultural Heritage Management Plan with the Bigambul Traditional Owners.

https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/News-articles/Councils-collaborate-to-deliver-landmark-Community-Benefit-Agreement-across-Local-Government-boundaries

https://au.rwe.com/projects/cattle-creek-wind-farm/

31/08/2026

Congratulations to Lavish Constructions Pty Ltd for Excellence in Home Sustainability & Innovation in the Downs & Western Housing & Construction Awards for their Homebush House project at Gowrie Junction

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GbEQeo72g

30/08/2026

Congratulations to the Highfields-based business internationally recognised for its sustainability: Stirling & Truffles!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BrjLUL6Sd

28/08/2026

Great to see Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers reducing emissions via a free shuttle bus 🚌 🌸

For the duration of Carnival, from 18 September to 5 October, people can hop on board a free Park-to-Park Shuttle connecting Queens Park, Grand Central and Laurel Bank Park.

Free buses will also connect regional townships to the Carnival atmosphere for the Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday 19 September

FEASTival attendees will have shuttle services on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.

https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/News-articles/Bus-it-Free-set-to-bloom-for-Toowoomba-Carnival-of-Flowers

26/08/2026

National renewable energy summit coming to Toowoomba ⚡️

Toowoomba will become a hub for solutions-focused climate discussion as the national renewable conversation comes to Toowoomba in mid-September.

Regional and community leaders from across Australia will workshop how regional communities can influence, and benefit from the clean energy revolution at the RE-Alliance Regional Leaders Summit.

The community calls on Toowoomba Regional Council and the region's state and federal MPs to show strong, proactive leadership in the conversation

David Janetzki MP
Trevor Watts
Pat Weir MP
James Lister MP - Member for Southern Downs


www.re-alliance.org.au/summit_2026

Equip yourself with knowledge, skills and new connections to land the best outcomes for your community in the shift to renewable energy. Attend our Regional Leaders Summit 2026!

24/08/2026

$1 billion in water infrastructure is being built or is about to be built in Toowoomba Region from Yarraman in the north to Clifton in the south.

💧 Two dams are being repaired
💧 A new water treatment plant is being built
💧 A new pipe is bringing treated water to people who used to rely on bores
💧 Reservoirs for Highfields and Meringandan are being built

That much investment takes an enormous coordinated effort in collaboration with Queensland Government and Seqwater.

With ever worsening droughts predicted for Toowoomba Region due to climate change, this is good public planning and investment.

Image: Councillor Dr Rebecca Vonhoff

22/08/2026

Toowoomba Regional Council is protecting residents' drinking water from use by AI data centres - essential for our community's ability to survive worsening droughts

Read The Chronicle's article at https://bit.ly/4wA0gIe

Image: The Chronicle

21/08/2026

Unbelievable that local farmers have to continually fight the Queensland Government to protect their farms from fossil fuel mining - bravo for them keeping the farming community informed about new legislation that takes away their basic rights