CECIL PLAINS, QLD — On Wednesday, June 17th, farmers and landholders from across the Darling Downs will converge on a Cecil Plains property to create a massive aerial statement. Using a minimum of 45 tractors, the community will spell out “NO GAS” across the black soil to send a clear message to the state government: prime agricultural land and the Condamine Alluvium groundwater must be permanently protected.
The grassroots farmer action follows a challenging 6 week ordeal for the community, after a Parliamentary Committee recommended maintaining critical Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA) protections that the Crisafulli government had sought to remove from the Condamine Alluvium. However, with the government yet to formally adopt the recommendations, and a comprehensive subsidence management framework still missing, local farmers are escalating their campaign to call for the strengthened protections they were promised at the last election.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: The “NO GAS” Cecil Plains Aerial Rally
WHO: The Save Our Darling Downs (SODDs) Team, local farmers, and community members.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
WHERE: Wamara Farming, 156 Ladner Rd, Condamine Plains QLD 4352
CROW’S NEST, QLD – The permanent closure of the Emu Creek Waste Facility near Crow’s Nest, Queensland, has raised questions and concerns among local residents regarding waste management services in the region. While the facility has experienced periods of closure due to vandalism, its future permanent closure signifies a shift in waste disposal strategies for the area.
The Emu Creek Waste Facility, which previously accepted local domestic waste, motor oil, paper, cardboard, plastics, cans, scrap metal, white goods, and e-waste, has been subject to various restrictions and closures. Most recently, it was closed until further notice due to vandalism, highlighting ongoing challenges with the site’s security and management. This situation has left residents uncertain about convenient and accessible options for their waste disposal needs.
In February 2021, Toowoomba Regional Council announced plans to upgrade the Emu Creek Landfill into a waste transfer station, with works expected to be completed by June 2021. This upgrade was part of a broader Waste Infrastructure Plan aimed at transforming waste management and reducing landfill disposal. At that time, it was stated that once the new transfer station was operational, the existing landfill would be sealed and closed. This suggests a planned transition rather than an abrupt closure.
However, the long-term implications for residents near Crow’s Nest remain a point of discussion. The transition away from local landfills to transfer stations or larger regional facilities is a common trend in waste management, driven by environmental regulations and the need for more efficient operations
All residents are encouraged to stay informed about the waste management services provided by your local council and to verify the operating status and accepted waste types at alternative facilities. Information regarding waste fees, safety, and accepted materials is available on The Toowoomba Regional council website or by contacting council directly …
Highfields is set to benefit from a significant long-term water infrastructure upgrade, with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) commencing work on the Highfields Reservoirs Project. This initiative is designed to bolster water security and support the ongoing expansion of the community for decades to come. The project, located on land adjacent to Lawrence, Harch, and Kieman roads, will introduce two new drinking water reservoirs aimed at increasing storage capacity and enhancing the resilience of the water supply.
TRC Deputy Mayor and spokesperson for Strategic Water Planning and Capital Delivery, Cr Rebecca Vonhoff, highlighted the council’s proactive approach to infrastructure development. “Highfields is a vibrant and fast-growing community, and Council is determined to ensure our water network evolves with that growth,” Cr Vonhoff stated. “This project is about looking decades ahead and making smart, strategic investments now so that residents can rely on a secure, resilient water supply in the future.” This forward-thinking strategy ensures that the region’s water security is strengthened, maintaining Highfields as a desirable place to live for future generations.
The Highfields Reservoirs Project will be delivered in three distinct stages to effectively manage current needs and projected population increases. Stage 1, commencing in early March 2026 and concluding in late June 2026, will involve the installation of underground water mains by TRC’s construction crews. Stage 2 is scheduled for 2027, focusing on the construction of the first reservoir to immediately enhance storage capacity. The final stage, Stage 3, is planned for 2056, with the delivery of the second reservoir timed to align with long-term growth forecasts.
Temporary disruptions, including single-lane closures on Lawrence Road and the closure of the left northbound lane of the New England Highway, will be necessary to facilitate the safe completion of Stage One works. These measures are part of TRC’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure while minimising inconvenience to residents. The council has also previously invested in other upgrades, such as a new trunk water main completed in late 2024, which aimed to accommodate anticipated growth and improve water pressure and supply to existing residents.
This comprehensive plan underscores TRC’s dedication to robust water management and infrastructure planning. By investing in projects like the Highfields Reservoirs Project, the council is ensuring that the community’s water needs are met not only for the present but also for the future, supporting sustainable growth and maintaining a high quality of life for all residents.
A coalition of Southern Queensland environmental and community organisations is calling on the Queensland Government to urgently expand koala conservation efforts beyond South East Queensland (SEQ), warning that without immediate action, regional koala populations face increasing risk of decline and local extinction.
The submission, representing stakeholders across the Southern Downs, Toowoomba, Burnett regions, Gympie, and Fraser Coast, has been lodged in response to the State Government’s consultation on a new SEQ Koala Conservation Strategy.
The submission highlights several urgent issues:
Policy gaps: Existing protections largely stop at the SEQ boundary, despite clear evidence of viable koala populations in surrounding regions.
Habitat loss and fragmentation: Land clearing, development pressures, and outdated mapping frameworks are accelerating habitat decline.
Volunteer burden: Wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts are overwhelmingly delivered by unpaid volunteers without sustainable funding.
Missed opportunities: Extensive regional data, citizen science, and on-ground expertise are not being adequately integrated into state policy.
While welcoming renewed attention on koala conservation, the group says the current strategy fails to address the reality that significant koala populations exist outside SEQ and are critical to the species’ long-term survival across Queensland.
“Koalas are now listed as endangered across the entire state, yet protections and funding remain heavily concentrated within SEQ. Regional Queensland is carrying the burden of conservation with little government support,” said Ahri Tallon from the Darling Downs Environment Council. To highlight both the urgency of the issue and the strength of community-led solutions, a Koala Corridor Planting Event is planned by Darling Downs Environment Council: Date: Tuesday, April 28th Time: 8:30am Location: Linthorpe This on-ground action will bring together the Darling Downs Environment Council, Pittsworth Landcare, and Millmerran Landcare, with sponsorship support from Stroud Builders.
The planting will contribute to the establishment of a critical koala movement corridor in the Toowoomba region, demonstrating the type of practical, community-driven conservation work that is occurring across regional Queensland—often with limited funding and support.
The highly anticipated Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast is set to continue its tradition of community support and spiritual reflection with its upcoming event. Scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Rumours International, the 32nd annual gathering will focus on raising vital funds for two prominent local organisations: the Toowoomba Hospice and the Toowoomba PCYC’s Youth and Community programs.
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Cr Geoff McDonald, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting these organisations, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the community over the years. The Toowoomba Hospice, established in 2003, provides dignified palliative care for individuals with terminal illnesses and offers support to their families and friends. The inclusion of the Toowoomba PCYC’s youth programs is particularly poignant, following the recent fire that destroyed their facility on March 19, 2026. Funds raised will aid in the continuation of their crucial work with disadvantaged and disconnected youth, a testament to the community’s resilience and support in the face of adversity.
This year’s guest speaker is Reverend Stu Cameron, the CEO and Superintendent of Wesley Mission. Rev. Cameron brings a wealth of experience, having led the large church and not-for-profit welfare organization in New South Wales since January 2021. With over 200 years of operation, Wesley Mission supports a vast array of services, including housing, financial counseling, child and parenting support, education, suicide prevention, and mental health services. His background as a Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church and his extensive experience in leadership roles equip him to address significant social challenges and inspire attendees.
The Mayoral Prayer Breakfast has a long-standing history of giving back to the community, having raised over $335,000 for more than 30 charities in the Toowoomba Region. The event is unique in that it is entirely supported by local businesses and organisations, with all proceeds directly benefiting chosen charities. This collaborative effort showcases the strong community spirit and philanthropic engagement within Toowoomba. Ticket prices are set at $28 for adults and $18 for school students, making the event accessible to a wide range of community members.
Tickets for the 2026 Toowoomba Mayoral Prayer Breakfast are now on sale. They can be purchased online at www.tr.qld.gov.au/breakfast, at Council’s Little Street Customer Service Centre, or by calling 131 872. The event promises to be an inspiring morning of prayer, reflection, and community spirit, further strengthening the bonds within Toowoomba and providing essential support to organisations making a significant difference in people’s lives.
The Easter Bunny with Alice and the Mad Hatter ariving at Highfields Pioneer Village on Bunny Sunday, 5th April 2026
Highfields, Queensland – Highfields Pioneer Village Museum and Park Inc. is delighted to report that its annual Bunny Sunday celebrations were a wonderful success, bringing families and community members together for a day of Easter fun at 73 Wirraglen Road, Highfields.
Visitors were treated to a truly egg-stra special experience, with the Village’s beloved Vintage Bus Tours proving a popular highlight of the day. The Easter Bunny made a special appearance—pausing to savour an egg-spresso at the Bushranger Cafe—while the magical duo of Alice and the Mad Hatter from Through The Looking Glass added a touch of whimsy to the festivities, delighting children and adults alike. Everyone had a Bunny Good Day!
The event was a testament to the dedication of the Village’s wonderful volunteer team, who brought their trademark warmth and enthusiasm to every aspect of the event.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for Bunny Sunday—the smiles on the day said it all,” said Treasurer Jody Dodds. “Events like this are only possible because of our incredible volunteers and the generous support of our community.”
Highfields Pioneer Village extends its heartfelt thanks to all visitors, volunteers, and supporters who made the day so memorable. Those who missed out need not worry—the Easter Bunny will be hopping back next year for even more fun.
In the meantime, the Village warmly invites anyone interested in joining its volunteer team to get in touch. No ‘eggs-perience’ is necessary—just enthusiasm and a love of heritage and community.
The Life and Rhymes of Banjo Paterson is an Afternoon of Bush Poetry, Billy Tea, and History …
Join us at Highfields Pioneer Village for a special visit from Gregory North, three-time Australian Champion Bush Poet. Greg is currently re-enacting Banjo Paterson’s 125-year-old Boer War lecture tour, travelling from Sydney to New Zealand and back!
Usually found performing at the North Gregory Hotel in Winton, Greg is stopping in Highfields for one special afternoon to entertain us with the stories and poems of our greatest bush bard.
Event Details:
WHEN: Wed March 18th | 2pm – 4pm
WHERE: Highfields Pioneer Village
INCLUDED: Enjoy delicious Billy Tea and Damper while you watch the show!
ACCESSIBILITY: The venue offers accessible parking, restrooms, and easy access. Table seating is provided.
Additional Information:
Soft drinks (sugar-free available) and GF biscuits available for purchase.
Greg will have CDs and merchandise for sale.
Submitted By: Jody Dodds Treasurer Highfields Pioneer Village, Museum and Park Inc. 73 Wirraglen Rd, Highfields Ph 07 4696 6309 E: highfieldspioneervillage@hotmail.com
The SEQLD region came together in a vibrant display of community spirit on January 26th for the annual Australia Day celebration at Highfields Pioneer Village.
Rides on mini-train ‘Myrtle May’ were in demand on the day …
Event organisers have declared the day a tremendous success, with preliminary estimates confirming over 1,200 attendees braving 37 degree heat to enjoy the festivities. The event, running from 9am to 5pm, offered a rich program celebrating Australian heritage, culture, and community.
The impressive turnout is a testament to the hard work and dedication of a great team of volunteers who planned and managed the day’s extensive activities. “We are absolutely thrilled with the community’s response,” said Event Secretary Tegan Boden. “To see so many families and individuals from all walks of life enjoying the day together was exactly what we hoped for. This success is squarely due to our incredible volunteers, whose months of preparation and tireless effort on the day made everything run seamlessly.”
Evie Bolitho made a sheep puppet on Australia Day
The program featured something for everyone. The day commenced with entertainment by Greg Carter on the Outdoor Stage, setting a lively tone. Highlights included immersive historical demonstrations like milking and buttermaking in the Dairy Pavilion, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing.
Cultural elements were strongly represented with an Indigenous Dance Workshop led by Don Nikkelson and a powerful didgeridoo performance. The official ceremony at 2:00 pm saw a flag-raising, the national anthem, and a guest address from John Griffiths on “What Australia Day Means to Me.”
The afternoon was packed with family-friendly activities, from the popular animal nursery and mini-train rides to the Damper Making Competition.
The Eleventh Light Horse availing their horses and themselves of some shade
Continuous entertainment across multiple stages, including performances by Anita Ree, Cactoblastis, and bush poet Mel Lancaster, kept the atmosphere festive. Other notable moments included the dedication of a memorial plaque for Atherton Griffiths at the museum, the official opening of ‘Tim’s Room’ by Mr. Trevor Watts MP, and dynamic tent pegging demonstrations by the 11th Light Horse (GPA).
“The energy was fantastic from start to finish,” Tegan added. “From the buzzing Bushranger Cafe and delicious sausage sizzle to the children’s laughter at the balloon twisting and ‘Clock O and Friends’ show, the event truly captured the collaborative and celebratory spirit of our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every volunteer, performer, demonstrator, and sponsor, including Heritage Bank, who helped bring this day to life,” she went on to say. “The organising committee looks forward to building on this success for future community events.”
About the Highfields Pioneer Village Event Committee: The Highfields Pioneer Village Event Committee is a volunteer-driven group dedicated to organising an inclusive, family-friendly community event that honours Australia’s history, celebrates its diverse culture, and fosters local community connections.
